10/20/Life Charge in Florida
Committing any crime with the possession or use of a weapon generally leads to a more severe sentence than committing the same crime without a weapon. In Florida, this rule especially applies to crimes in which a firearm is used, such as assault, battery, rape, robbery, and murder. This policy has been dubbed the 10/20/Life initiative, also known under the slogan “Use a Gun and You’re Done”.
If you have been charged with a felony involving a firearm in the state of Florida, the charges you face are extremely severe. Because the stakes are so high, it is important that you have a legal representative with extensive experience with armed felony cases. Contact the experienced West Palm Beach criminal defense attorneys of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A., at 561-353-2800.
What is 10/20/Life?
10/20/Life means that the possession or use of a firearm in a crime can automatically lead to a 10 or 20 year prison sentence, or even life in prison. The specifics of the 10/20/Life rule are as follows:
- Possessing or waving a weapon during a crime to coerce or threaten someone results in a minimum 10 years in prison.
- Discharging a weapon during a crime, whether injuries are caused or not, leads to a minimum 20-years prison sentence.
- Firing a weapon and inflicting bodily harm on someone during a crime results in a minimum of 25 years to life in prison.
Your Defense: Why You Need a Lawyer
Because the charges you face for possessing or discharging a firearm are so severe, it is important that you talk with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help defend you on all aspects of your case. A lawyer may be able to find weaknesses in the charges and evidence brought against you.
For cases in which the primary evidence used by the prosecution is visual, such as video footage or eyewitnesses, it is possible to have a case of mistaken identity. Likewise, the evidence may not be strong enough to lead to a conviction. Having an aggressive, experienced lawyer on your side can help protect you from an unjust case or dubious evidence.
Contact Us
If you have a committed a crime using a firearm, you are likely facing a severe 10/20/Life sentence. Don’t let your charges go unchallenged. Contact an experienced West Palm Beach criminal attorney at Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. today at 561-353-2800.
