When it comes to criminal charges involving weapons in Florida, the consequences can be swift and severe. Whether you’re being charged with a stand-alone weapons offense or facing enhanced penalties for using a firearm during another crime, your rights, freedom, and future are on the line. At Chang & Pyles, our team offers aggressive, experienced defense for those accused of firearm-related crimes in Brevard County and beyond.

Florida Gun Laws: What Makes Them Unique?

Florida is often considered a gun-friendly state, but that doesn't mean it takes weapon-related offenses lightly. Under both state and federal law, residents have the right to bear arms. However, that right comes with responsibilities—and violations of Florida's firearm statutes can carry devastating penalties.

Some key distinctions under Florida law:

• You don’t need a permit to purchase a firearm.
• Open carry is mostly prohibited, except in limited circumstances.
• Concealed carry requires a valid license.
• Certain people, such as convicted felons or those with restraining orders, are prohibited from possessing firearms.

Common Weapon-Related Charges in Brevard County

At Chang & Pyles, we defend against a wide range of firearm charges, including:

🔸 Unlawful Possession

This often involves a person who legally cannot own a gun—such as a felon or someone under a restraining order—being found in possession of a firearm. Conviction can result in a mandatory minimum of 3 years in prison.

🔸 Use of a Firearm in a Felony

Florida's infamous "10-20-Life" rule means:

• 10 years if you possess a gun while committing a felony.
• 20 years if the gun is discharged.
• 25 years to life if the discharge causes serious injury or death.

🔸 Illegal Firearms or Trafficking

Possessing or selling illegal weapons—such as sawed-off shotguns, silencers, or unregistered firearms—can result in federal charges in addition to state penalties.

🔸 Armed Robbery or Assault

Committing robbery or assault while armed elevates the offense to a higher felony class, drastically increasing the prison term and fines.

Know Your Rights After a Weapon Arrest

If you’ve been arrested for a weapons offense, it’s critical to exercise your Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights:

• Stay silent and avoid giving statements to police until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

• Request legal counsel immediately. Even if you're innocent or think it's a misunderstanding, your words can and will be used against you.

At Chang & Pyles, we immediately begin evaluating whether your arrest was lawful, if your rights were violated, and what evidence is admissible. Our goal is always to build the strongest possible defense.

What to Expect in a Florida Firearms Case

If charged with a weapons violation in Brevard County, your case may proceed through:

1. Initial appearance/arraignment – where charges are formally read and a plea is entered.
2. Pretrial hearings – motions may be filed to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
3. Plea negotiation or trial – depending on the strength of the evidence and your goals.

Even if you believe you're guilty, a knowledgeable defense attorney may be able to negotiate reduced charges or avoid mandatory minimum sentencing—especially for first-time offenders.

Why Choose Chang & Pyles?

With years of experience in Florida criminal defense, our attorneys understand the seriousness of weapons charges—and how to challenge them effectively. Whether it’s proving an unlawful search, showing the weapon wasn’t yours, or negotiating a favorable plea, our goal is to protect your rights at every step.

We offer strong, strategic defense for:

• First-time offenders
• Repeat offenders
• Those facing federal weapons charges
• Individuals with concurrent charges (e.g., burglary, assault)\

Arrested for a Firearm Offense in Brevard County? Contact Us Now

Don’t wait to build your defense. If you’re facing any weapons-related charge, the sooner you contact legal counsel, the better your chances of protecting your freedom.