Tampa Federal Gun Crime Lawyer
It is important to understand just how serious the federal government prosecutes gun offenses. Whether you are being accused of illegally using/possessing a gun in a violent or non-violent manner, you are likely facing a felony offense. But being charged with a federal gun crime is not the end of the road. An arrest doesn’t immediately lead to a conviction, and the Tampa federal gun crime lawyer at The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. is here to offer you hope.
Federal Vs. State Offense
If you are being tried in federal court, it means that law enforcement believe you have violated a federal gun law. There are federal and state firearm and weapons laws that all citizens must abide by, but the federal government has priority when a gun offense occurs on federal property, if the offense took place across state lines or involved parties in multiple states, or if the weapons offense involved mail or interstate transportation.
Non Violent Federal Gun Crimes
- Improper exhibition or discharge of a firearm
- Illegal possession of a firearm
- Sale of a firearm without a license
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Carrying a concealed weapon or firearm without a license
- Possession of an illegal gun, such as a short-barreled shotgun or machine gun
- Discharge of a destructive device
- Juvenile possession of a weapon on school grounds
Violent Federal Gun Crimes
Many crimes are enhanced if the offender used a firearm or was carrying a firearm or other deadly weapon on their person during the commission of the crime. Examples of such offenses include:
- Aggravated battery with a firearm
- Aggravated assault with a firearm
- Armed robbery with a firearm
- Armed burglary with a firearm
Penalties for Federal Gun Crimes
If convicted, you could be facing anywhere from a few years in prison, to life. It depends on the type of federal gun law you allegedly violated, and the number. For example, each sale of a firearm without a license can result in up to five years in federal prison. If a defendant was charged with 20 counts of this offense, they would potentially be facing 100 years in prison. Federal prosecutors have a very high conviction rate, and most cases never make it to trial; there is simply too much at stake for most defendants, and the best and safest option is often to take a plea deal for a much shorter sentence. However, if you are innocent of the crimes for which you are being accused, we are prepared to take your case all the way to trial, and win.
Call a Tampa Federal Gun Crime Lawyer Today
Federal gun crimes must be handled by an attorney who has courtroom experience defending clients who have been accused of the very offense for which you were arrested. The Tampa federal gun crime lawyers at The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. will take the time to fully explain the situation you are in, and what your best options may be. We work closely with our clients to ensure the best possible outcome in each case. Call us today at 813-217-5715 to schedule a free consultation.
