Author’s note from Attorney Howard Iken: Florida’s 10-20-Life Law is strict legislation aimed at combatting gun-related crimes. It imposes harsh penalties for individuals in possession of firearms while committing certain offenses. Possessing a firearm as a felon can result in a three-year prison sentence while brandishing a weapon during a crime leads to a ten-year minimum sentence. Discharging a weapon during an offense carries a twenty-year mandatory minimum sentence, and if someone is injured or killed during the crime, the sentence can range from 25 years to life in prison. It’s crucial to consult with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to navigate the complexities of this law and challenge the charges effectively.
Introduction
The Florida criminal justice system is one of the strictest in the nation. Not only does Florida have some of the toughest drug laws in the U.S., but they also have extremely harsh laws related to crimes involving firearms and other types of weapons. In an effort to address the growing number of gun-related crimes within the State, the Florida Legislature enacted the 10-20-Life Law. Specifically, this allows Florida law enforcement to take a zero-tolerance approach towards anyone in “actual” possession of a firearm while committing or attempting to commit a criminal offense. In other words, if a person pulls out or “brandishes” a gun during the commission of any of the following offenses, they will be punished to the fullest extent of the law:
- Murder
- Arson
- Battery
- Aggravated battery
- Aggravated child abuse
- Aggravated abuse of an elderly or disabled person
- Burglary
- Assault/Aggravated assault
- Felony possession of a firearm
- Drug possession
- Drug trafficking
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
- Sexual battery
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated piracy
- Aggravated stalking
- Carjacking
- Home invasions
Request a Free Consultation
Should an individual face conviction for committing any of the above crimes, a judge can impose an extremely harsh punishment pursuant to the 10-20 Life Law. Specifically, a felon caught possessing a firearm or other type of weapon, can be sentenced to three years in prison. Moreover, just by pulling out a weapon during a crime, or using a weapon to intimidate victims, a judge can automatically impose a ten-year minimum sentence upon the offender. For certain attempted or completed felonies, a judge is authorized to issue a ten-year mandatory sentence if the person was armed with a gun or other type of destructive device. If a weapon was discharged during the commission of any of the above crimes, a twenty-year mandatory minimum sentence can be imposed. Florida’s 10-20-Life Law further authorizes a judge to sentence a person to fifteen years in prison should they be convicted of any of the above crimes while in possession of a semiautomatic weapon. Should a person become injured or killed during the commission of any of the above-enumerated felonies, a Florida judge can institute a mandatory minimum sentence, ranging anywhere from 25 years to life in prison. Overall, it is important to realize that a judge must impose the minimum sentence in able of the above scenarios, despite the existence of significant mitigating circumstances.
In sum, the 10-20 Life law imposes the following sentences:
- Felons in possession of a firearm – 3 years
- Pulling out or brandishing a weapon during the commission of an enumerated crime – 10 years
- Committing a crime while in possession of a semiautomatic weapon – 15 years
- Discharging a weapon during the commission of an enumerated crime – 20 years
- Discharging and injuring or killing a person during the commission of an enumerated crime – 25 years to life
In light of the above, it is important to consult with an attorney who understands the complexities associated with being convicted under the 10-20 Life Law. That is why it is crucial to work with a Florida criminal defense attorney who will aggressively challenge the charges you are facing and counteract the attempts of the legal system to unjustly put you behind bars.
For more information on the above, or if you are facing potential conviction under Florida’s 10-20 Life Law, call the Clearwater law firm of Ayo and Iken now to schedule your free and completely confidential initial consultation at 1-800-469-3486 or feel free to email us. We provide superior legal representation to clients located throughout the Orlando, Tampa, Clearwater, Lakeland, Wesley Chapel, and New Port Richey areas.