Skilled Orlando Trial Attorney Defends Against Weapons Charges

Aggressive defense representation for firearms violations in Florida

Florida is generally supportive of Second Amendment rights and the broader right to self-defense. However, state law imposes restrictions on gun ownership and the right to carry a concealed weapon. If you are accused of violating those laws, you could be facing a stiff sentence. The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. provides effective defense representation for a wide range of weapons charges. Drawing on decades of experience, Mr. Yates uses his procedural and substantive knowledge to deliver the best result possible.

Zealous defense to a wide range of Florida weapons charges

In Florida, weapons violations can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. The most common weapons charges brought in the Orlando area include:

  • Unlawfully possessing a firearm
  • Discharging a firearm in a public place
  • Discharging a firearm from a vehicle
  • Illegally selling or trafficking in firearms
  • Carrying a concealed firearm without a permit
  • Possessing a stolen firearm
  • Illegally manufacturing firearms
  • Using or discharging a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Storing a unsecured firearm where a minor could access it

Mr. Yates can aggressively challenge the prosecution’s case against you. Often, he is able to secure a dismissal of charges or an acquittal after a trial. In some cases, a reduction of charges or a lenient sentence may be the most positive outcome.

How Florida’s 10/20/Life statute can put your future in jeopardy

Florida laws allow prosecutors to enhance charges when a firearm is used during commission of crimes. The law demands mandatory minimum sentencing for felony convictions as follows:

  • 10 years if you carried a firearm during a crime
  • 20 years if the firearm was discharged during the crime
  • 25 years to life if someone was seriously hurt or killed as a result of the firearm discharge during a crime

A defendant sentenced in any of these circumstances is ineligible for early release, so they must serve the entire sentence if convicted.

Penalties for unlawfully carrying concealed weapons or firearms in Florida

In Florida, you must have a license to carry a concealed firearm or other type of concealed weapon. Violations of these law carry strict penalties:

  • Unlawfully carrying a firearm — This is a third-degree felony, for which you could be sentenced to five years in prison and a fine up to $5,000.
  • Unlawfully carrying a weapon that is not a firearm — This is a first-degree misdemeanor, which can draw a sentence of one full year in jail and a fine up to a $1,000.

Even if you have a permit, you could be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor for carrying a concealed weapon into a prohibited place, such as any of these:

  • Courthouses
  • Schools, colleges or career centers
  • Detention centers, jails or prisons
  • Restaurants and bars that serve alcoholic beverages
  • Polling places
  • Airport terminals

Whatever the charges against you, you need a strong criminal defense. Mr. Yates has a track record of success and has earned the respect of the Florida legal community. When you retain his services, you can have confidence in the quality representation you will receive.

Contact a skilled trial lawyer in Orlando for a weapons defense consultation

The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. defends clients accused of weapons and firearms violations in Orlando and beyond. To protect your liberty, call Tad A. Yates at 407-608-7777 or contact the firm online to schedule a consultation.

attorney

Mr. Yates is a past-President of the Orange County Bar Association and the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association. He previously served as Chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 9th Judicial Circuit. 

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Testimonials

  • When I met Tad Yates, I was frantic, scared and misinformed about the legalities of my case. He quickly reassured me that everything was going to be alright and started at once preparing my defense. Every time I needed to speak with him, he was there to give advice and inform me the status of my case. As a result of his hard work, he managed to get my case dismissed and this blemish off my record. If you’re thinking of hiring or consulting with Mr. Yates, your in great hands.

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  • Tad is an excellent attorney. Due to a momentary lapse in judgement, I was put in a bad position and could not be more grateful that I hired Tad. From the moment I met Tad, I knew that I was in great hands! Tad explained to me all possible outcomes of the case and really helped put my mind at ease. In the end, I wound up with a very positive outcome and I owe it all to him. Tad was always available when I needed to speak with him and I couldn’t be happier that I hired him. Without the help and guidance of Tad, I’m not sure where I would be today. Tad is not only an amazing attorney, but an all-around great person!

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  • I do not have enough words to describe how amazing the experience with this attorney was. He works very hard to obtain the best results for his clients. I could not have asked for better services. I had exceptional fast results, I highly recommend this attorney. Thank you again, Tad Yates.

  • After consulting with several different highly recommended lawyers, I decided to hire Tad. It was a decision that would truly effect my life in a very profound way. Tad never promised results, he did however layout his experience and give me his word he would put all his effort into my case. I felt that was the honesty I deserved. He was sincere, honest, and reliable. Every time we attended court he seemed to hold a very good relationship with all the court's people. My case with Tad lasted about 9 months. There were many times I wanted to break down, not knowing what the results would ultimately be; however Tad always personalized my case and would constantly provide me with assurance of his efforts. He was always extremely accessible. This gave me a lot of peace. The results of my case ended up being extremely satisfying. I was looking at losing everything, for good. I now have my peace, my freedom, and I am currently very successful. Even after my case, Tad kept tabs with me and ensured I was doing as I should. There is a handful of people God put in my life of whom helped me get to the next level, there is no denying Tad is one of them.

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  • Tad came highly recommended. Set up a consultation and after meeting him, hired him immediately. Tad is extremely knowledgeable, efficient and truly cares. He was always available to speak and support during a very difficult situation. Although he has many clients, he always made us feel important and took the time necessary to ensure our questions were answered and that we were comfortable with strategy and next steps. He ultimately achieved the desired result and we are forever grateful.

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  • When I met Tad Yates, I was frantic, scared and misinformed about the legalities of my case. He quickly reassured me that everything was going to be alright and started at once preparing my defense. Every time I needed to speak with him, he was there to give advice and inform me the status of my case. As a result of his hard work, he managed to get my case dismissed and this blemish off my record. If you’re thinking of hiring or consulting with Mr. Yates, your in great hands.- A.

    I was referred to Tad by a friend of the family. They told me what he did for them and assured me that he would do the same for me. He exceeded my expectations from start to finish. He used his knowledge of the law, professionalism and relationship skills to have my case completely dropped. No plea deals what so ever. He never once doubted me however he did explain exactly what we had to overcome. If you find yourself in a situation that could impact you for the rest of your life, whether you did anything wrong or not I would encourage you to give him a call.

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Ratings & Reviews

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Strongly recommend Tad Yates as an attorney as well as his office staff, Kathy. They are absolutely on top of their game. Very attentive, astute and courteous. The kindness and understanding shown by their office is incomparable. They have ...
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    — Louis .Tsantes

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Time spent in any legal process can be stressful. Tad is a great communicator and put me at ease with the process. His knowledge and plan of action where exactly what I needed. I would definitely recommend giving his office a call if you ar...
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    — Client

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    I was highly recommended by a former Circuit Judge in Orlando to contact Mr Yates. He immediately took my call and put me at ease immediately. After his investigation into the matter he agreed to take my case. I never met him in person and ...
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    — Farrell Gordon

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    If you're reading this and you have a case pending, you need to stop immediately and call Tad's office. Take it from someone who has been there, Tad is a consummate professional and highly skilled tactician who will get you the best possibl...
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    — Brenden McDaniels

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Tad is fantastic. Not only did he get my case dismissed in a timely manner, but he also made himself available over the holidays to provide advice and refer me to another law firm. He truly cares about his clients. I would highly recommend ...
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    — Leah