Gun and weapons charges in Pensacola can have consequences. You may be facing prison time, a felony record, and the loss of your civil rights. Without help from a Pensacola weapons and gun charges lawyer, you could end up with the worst possible outcome.

That’s where [firm–name] comes in. We know Florida’s gun laws inside and out, as well as how to challenge the evidence against you. Our legal team will work to get your charges reduced or dropped whenever and however possible. We can walk you through each step of the legal process to keep things clear and focused. Let us help you protect your future and build a strong defense starting today. Call (850) 503-2626 now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.

What a Pensacola Weapons Crimes Defense Lawyer Can Do for You

Given the severe consequences of weapons and gun charges in Florida, you need a strong defense from day one. Law enforcement may pressure you into talking or try to twist your words. Similarly, prosecutors might overcharge you or rely on weak evidence to push for a conviction.

At The Morris Firm, we’re here to protect you from unfair treatment by the police or prosecutors while upholding your rights. Our job is to challenge every part of the case against you. We’ll look closely at how the police collected their evidence and whether they violated your rights. If the search was illegal, we’ll fight to have that evidence thrown out.

We’ll also explain your legal options clearly, negotiate for reduced charges if possible, or take your case to trial if needed. With The Morris Firm on your side, you’ll have someone defending your rights, freedom, and future every step of the way.

Why Choose The Morris Firm for Your Case?

Who you choose as your firearm offense lawyer can significantly affect your experience and your case’s outcome. You need a knowledgeable attorney who genuinely cares about you and knows how to defend your freedom. With that in mind, some advantages The Morris Firm can offer your case include:

Over 3,500 Criminal Cases Handled – Attorney Brandon Morris has focused almost entirely on criminal defense during his career. That experience handling thousands of cases gives him the depth and skill your case demands.
Extensive Trial Experience – Attorney Morris has handled many criminal cases, from minor misdemeanors to capital felonies. He knows how to navigate high-stakes trials.
Deep Knowledge of Criminal Law and Procedure – With years spent in the courtroom, Attorney Morris understands how to challenge evidence, question witnesses, and hold prosecutors accountable.
Pensacola Roots and Local Insight – Born and raised in Pensacola, Attorney Morris knows the local courts and judges. This inside knowledge helps him present your case in the best light.
Respected in the Legal Community – Attorney Morris’s experience includes working with top-tier attorneys and gaining valuable insights into complex litigation.
Personalized Legal Support – Attorney Morris and his team treat every client with respect and keep you informed at every step.

Gun and Weapon Cases We Handle

Our firm can defend you against many gun or weapons charges you might face, including:

Carrying a Concealed Firearm Without a License

It’s illegal in Florida to carry a hidden firearm without a valid concealed carry license. Prosecutors must prove that you knowingly carried and concealed the weapon. Even a firearm stored in a glove box or waistband may qualify. This charge is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Felon in Possession of a Firearm

Convicted felons may not possess, control, or own a firearm. The state must prove your prior felony and that you knowingly had the weapon. Actual possession (the police find you with a gun on your person) or constructive possession (you had control of a gun but it wasn’t on your person) both count. This offense is a second-degree felony, with penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Improper Exhibition of a Firearm

It’s a crime to display a firearm in a rude, angry, or threatening way in public. Prosecutors must prove you did this in the presence of another person and not in self-defense. Improper exhibition of a firearm is a first-degree misdemeanor, with penalties including up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony

Florida’s “10-20-Life” law adds mandatory prison time for many crimes involving guns. For example, merely carrying a firearm during a felony adds 10 years. Discharging it adds 20. Causing injury or death with a weapon brings a mandatory 25 years to life. This enhancement turns many charges into first-degree felonies.

Possession of a Firearm in a School Zone

Bringing a gun to school property or events is illegal, even with a license. The state must prove you knowingly brought or displayed the firearm in a prohibited location. This offense is a third-degree felony, unless you use or discharge the gun, which increases the penalties significantly.

Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Florida law prohibits threatening someone with a firearm while appearing able to follow through. No physical contact is necessary for an arrest. The state must prove you intended to use a deadly weapon to harm or threaten someone. This type of aggravated assault is a third-degree felony, and mandatory minimum sentences often apply.

Discharging a Firearm in Public

Firing a gun in public or residential areas without legal justification is a crime. Prosecutors must prove that you shot the gun in a location where discharging it was not allowed. Florida law typically classifies this offense as a first-degree misdemeanor, but firing from a vehicle or causing injury can increase it to a felony.

What to Do After an Arrest on Gun or Weapons Charges in Pensacola

Building a solid defense against gun charges starts from the moment after the police arrest you. Here’s what to do to protect yourself and avoid making the situation worse:

Do Not Speak About the Case – The police and prosecutors can use anything you say against you. Don’t explain, argue, or try to talk your way out of your charge.
Ask for a Lawyer Immediately – Tell the police, “I want to speak to an attorney.” Then stop talking until your lawyer arrives.
Do Not Answer Questions – You have the right to remain silent, so use it. Don’t answer questions from the police or prosecutors without legal counsel.
Avoid Discussing Your Case with Others – Don’t talk to friends, family, or cellmates about the charges. Prosecutors can use these conversations against you in court.
Don’t Consent to Searches – If asked, say, “I do not consent to a search.” Let your lawyer handle any search disputes later.
Avoid Signing Anything Without Talking to a Lawyer – Don’t agree to written statements, plea deals, or waivers before you speak with an attorney.
Write Down What Happened – If possible, note when, where, and how the arrest occurred. Include the names of the officers who arrested you and potential witnesses.
Keep Track of Court Documents – Save all paperwork that the authorities give you. These documents may include court dates and details about your charges.
Contact The Morris Firm as Soon as Possible – The sooner we can start building your defense, the better your chances of avoiding the worst penalties.

Defenses Against Weapon and Gun Charges

No matter how grim your situation may seem, there likely are ways to avoid the worst outcomes in your case. With the right legal support, there’s a good chance you can avoid a trial or a lengthy prison sentence. Some possible defenses against Pensacola weapon and gun charges include:

Unlawful Search or Seizure

If the police searched you or your property without a warrant or valid reason, we can argue to have the evidence thrown out. The prosecutors might drop or reduce your charges if they think they don’t have enough evidence for a conviction. We’ll examine how the stop or search happened and challenge any violations of your Fourth Amendment rights.

Lack of Knowledge or Intent

In many cases, you must have knowingly possessed a firearm to be guilty of a crime. If you didn’t know the weapon was in your car or home, that matters. We may argue that you had no intent to possess or use the gun unlawfully.

Valid Permit or Lawful Possession

If you had a valid concealed carry permit or legally owned the firearm, that can be a complete defense. We’ll review your paperwork and confirm whether your possession was lawful under Florida law.

Self-Defense or Defense of Others

In some cases, using or displaying a firearm may be justified if you acted to protect yourself or someone else. We can look at whether the threat was real and whether your response was reasonable under Florida’s self-defense laws.

Contact Our Pensacola Weapon and Gun Charge Defense Firm

The Morris Firm firmly believes in the Second Amendment and protecting your freedom. Let our skilled Pensacola criminal defense attorneys guide you through this crisis and protect your rights. Call (850) 503-2626 now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.