Criminal Defense · Jeff T. Gorman Law Offices

Florida Weapons & Firearms Defense
10-20-Life Mandatory Minimums
Demand an Attorney Who Fights Back.

Florida’s 10-20-Life law removes judicial discretion from weapons cases — if the statute applies, the sentence is mandatory. But 10-20-Life must be charged, proven, and applied correctly. Jeff T. Gorman Law Offices challenges every element of weapons and firearms charges — from the constitutionality of the search that found the firearm to the legal applicability of mandatory enhancement statutes.

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10-20-Life Mandatory Minimums Are in Play — Call (772) 888-8888 Now
Jeff T. Gorman
Jeff T. Gorman
Founding Attorney · FL Bar #538183
100+
Felony Jury Trials
19th
Circuit Former Prosecutor
4.9★
Google Rating · 260+ Reviews
“I prosecuted more felony jury trials than any other attorney in the 19th Circuit. I know exactly how the State builds its case — and exactly how to take it apart.”
What the State Has Working Against You in a Firearms Case
●Mandatory minimum sentencing under 10-20-Life that removes the judge’s ability to show any leniency regardless of circumstances
●Prior felony record that triggers felon-in-possession charges simultaneously under both state and federal law
●Physical evidence of the firearm — recovered from your person, vehicle, or residence by law enforcement
●Enhanced charging when a firearm is allegedly used in connection with any other felony offense
●Dual prosecution exposure — both Florida state and federal authorities can charge firearms offenses arising from the same conduct

What the Evidence Shows —
and Where It Can Be Challenged

Firearms charges in Florida are serious — often carrying mandatory minimum sentences that completely remove the judge’s ability to consider individual circumstances at sentencing. The 10-20-Life law is not a guideline; it is a mandatory floor. If it applies, you serve the minimum. The entire defense strategy in a 10-20-Life case often centers on whether the statute legally applies — not just whether you committed the underlying offense.

Jeff Gorman prosecuted firearms and weapons offenses in the 19th Judicial Circuit. He knows which charging decisions are discretionary and which are not, how the State evaluates 10-20-Life applications, and where the legal arguments against mandatory enhancement have real traction. Jeff T. Gorman Law Offices is also admitted in federal court, which matters directly in cases where both state and federal firearms charges are possible arising from the same incident.

⚖️ Florida Weapons & Firearms Law
10-20-Life (Florida Statute §775.087): mandatory minimums for firearm use in designated felonies. Felon in Possession (Florida Statute §790.23): second-degree felony; federal counterpart 18 U.S.C. §922(g). Constitutional Carry (Florida HB 543, effective July 1, 2023): lawful concealed carry without permit for eligible persons — does not change who is prohibited or where firearms may be carried. Prohibited locations (Florida Statute §790.06): schools, government buildings, polling places, courthouses, jails, bars, airports remain off-limits regardless of carry authorization. Armed Career Criminal Act (18 U.S.C. §924(e)): 15-year federal mandatory minimum for felon-in-possession with three prior qualifying violent felony or serious drug offense convictions.
Florida Statute §775.087 (10-20-Life) · Florida Statute §790.23 (Felon in Possession) · 18 U.S.C. §922(g) (Federal Felon in Possession) · 18 U.S.C. §924(e) (Armed Career Criminal Act)

How We Fight This Charge

Challenging 10-20-Life Application
The statute must be properly charged and its elements proven beyond a reasonable doubt. We scrutinize whether the predicate felony qualifies, whether possession during the offense is actually proven, and whether any defense negates the enhancement.
Suppression of the Firearm
If the firearm was found during an unlawful search — improper traffic stop, warrantless home entry, flawed warrant application — we move to suppress it. Without the physical evidence, most firearms charges cannot proceed.
Challenging Prior Convictions
Felon-in-possession charges require a qualifying prior conviction. We examine the prior conviction for legal defects, constitutional infirmity, or improper characterization in the current case.
Constructive Possession
A firearm found in a shared vehicle, home, or other location requires proof that you specifically knew it was there and exercised control over it. This is a particularly strong defense in multi-occupant settings.
Constitutional Carry Analysis
Under Florida’s 2023 constitutional carry law, many carrying scenarios that previously would have been charged as crimes are now lawful conduct. We analyze whether your specific conduct falls within the protected zone.
Federal vs. State Forum
We analyze whether federal or state prosecution presents better strategic options and, where possible, use early intervention to influence which forum pursues the case.
Notable Results
DISMISSED
Felon in Possession · Unlawful Search · Firearm Successfully Suppressed
10-20 NOT APPLIED
Armed Robbery · Enhancement Challenged · Jury Trial
ACQUITTED
Carrying Concealed Firearm · Constitutional Carry Defense Applied

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case details available upon request.

Common Questions

Weapons & Firearms Defense Attorney FAQ

What is Florida's 10-20-Life law for firearms? +
Florida Statute §775.087, known as 10-20-Life, imposes mandatory minimum sentences when a firearm is used in the commission of certain felonies: 10 years for possessing a firearm during the offense, 20 years for firing the firearm, and 25 years to life for firing a firearm that causes death or serious bodily injury. These sentences are mandatory — the judge has no discretion to impose less regardless of circumstances. Challenging whether 10-20-Life applies is often the central strategic goal in these cases.
What is 'felon in possession' of a firearm in Florida? +
Under Florida Statute §790.23 and 18 U.S.C. §922(g), a convicted felon may not possess a firearm or ammunition. In Florida, felon in possession is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years. The federal counterpart carries up to 10 years, but with three prior qualifying convictions, the Armed Career Criminal Act (18 U.S.C. §924(e)) imposes a mandatory 15-year minimum. Both state and federal charges can arise from the same firearm.
Does Florida's Constitutional Carry law change weapons charges? +
Florida enacted Constitutional Carry effective July 1, 2023 (HB 543), allowing any person who can legally possess a firearm to carry it concealed without a permit. However, constitutional carry does not change who may legally possess a firearm — prohibited persons including convicted felons, domestic violence misdemeanants, and persons adjudicated mentally ill remain prohibited. It also does not change restrictions on where firearms may be carried, including schools, government buildings, police stations, and bars.
Can a felon in possession charge be defended in Florida? +
Yes. Key defenses include: the search that discovered the firearm was unlawful under the 4th Amendment and the firearm should be suppressed; constructive possession was not proven because the firearm was in a shared space and the State cannot prove knowledge and control; the prior conviction used to support the charge is legally infirm or improperly characterized; or the item does not meet the legal definition of a firearm. Each defense requires careful factual and legal analysis.
Related Practice Areas
Felony Defense
Most firearms offenses are felonies. 10-20-Life is a critical felony enhancement.
Federal Criminal Defense
Federal felon-in-possession and Armed Career Criminal Act charges require federal court experience.
Assault & Battery
Firearms charges frequently arise alongside assault and aggravated battery allegations.
Free Consultation · 24/7

Firearms Charges in Florida?
10-20-Life Means You Need
a Trial-Ready Attorney Right Now.

Mandatory minimums cannot be negotiated away with charm — they can only be defeated through legal argument and trial preparation. Jeff T. Gorman Law Offices does both. Call (772) 888-8888 immediately.

(772) 888-8888 PSL: (772) 236-5203 Free Online Consultation

Free initial consultation does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Florida Bar Rules 4-7.1 through 4-7.20 apply.