Can I Possess Ammo as a Felon in Fort Myers?
As a felon, you might be aware that you are not allowed to possess a firearm in Florida. But what about ammunition? Do the same rules apply, or are you allowed to keep ammunition in your home or on your person? Whether you’re asking this question after facing charges or you’re simply trying to avoid future issues, you might want to discuss your next steps with a Fort Myers gun violations attorney.
Possessing Ammunition as a Felon Is Just as Illegal as Committing a Firearm
The State of Florida doesn’t really make a distinction between ammunition and firearms when it comes to those with felony convictions on their record. If you are caught with either ammunition or firearms, you will face a maximum 15-year prison sentence, up to 15 years of probation, and a $10,000 fine.
Why Is Ammunition Possession Illegal Without a Firearm?
If you possess ammunition without a firearm, you might wonder why this is illegal. After all, you can’t discharge ammunition without a firearm, so what’s the big deal? Florida takes this seriously for various reasons. First, you could theoretically provide ammunition to other people, including other felons who are not allowed to purchase or possess it.
Secondly, it is theoretically possible to construct a simple “pipe weapon” or 3D-printed weapon and load it with your ammunition. 3D printing is becoming more and more prevalent in the gun community today, and this is a source of concern for the authorities.
Ammunition is arguably more dangerous than an unloaded firearm. If the ammo is exposed to extreme temperatures or fires, it can discharge and explode. Each cartridge contains a certain amount of gunpowder, which is an explosive. In contrast, you might argue that an unloaded firearm is not capable of hurting anyone (unless you use it as a melee weapon).
What if I Forgot to Get Rid of My Ammunition?
After your felony conviction, you might have dutifully handed over all of your firearms. Perhaps you simply forgot about a pack of shotgun shells or 9mm cartridges. If the police later find this forgotten ammo in your home or vehicle, you’ll still face serious charges. Florida law states that you can face these charges even if you never intended to keep the ammo, and you simply forgot to hand it in.
This highlights the importance of thoroughly searching for any forgotten ammo after your felony conviction. Even a single shotgun shell that somehow gets wedged under a car seat or under a couch could theoretically lead to serious prison time if you have a felony conviction on your record.
Can a Fort Myers Defense Attorney Help Me?
Although it might seem unreasonable, possessing ammunition as a felon in Florida can lead to serious consequences. This is true even if you don’t possess a firearm with which to discharge the ammunition in question. If you face charges for possession of ammunition as a felon, consider speaking with a defense attorney in Fort Myers immediately. Continue this conversation with The Foley & Wilson Law Firm.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0790/Sections/0790.23.html