South Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
Gunfire erupted between two high schoolers at a Jacksonville high school recently. Police say no injuries occurred when gun shots rang out between two school buildings in the morning of a normal school day last Tuesday. Six students have been detained for further questioning in result of the discharge of weapons in relation to a fight between two groups of students. FCAT testing was going on the day of the incident and has been postponed. One student was found to be in possession of one of the guns; the other firearm was located in a trash can.
Despite Florida Law, and many laws across all the states, the school’s designation of being a “Gun-Free Zone” had no bearing on the criminals. Potential lives could have been lost in the crossfire and police could only arrive on the scene after the fact. Florida Statute 790.115 states:
A person shall not possess any firearm, electric weapon or device, destructive device, or other weapon as defined in s. 790.001(13), including a razor blade or box cutter, except as authorized in support of school-sanctioned activities, at a school-sponsored event or on the property of any school, school bus, or school bus stop
This means people can not possess firearms, regardless of licensing, on any school property. In this incident, obviously the age of the minors in question makes it an automatic offense ANYWHERE for possession of a handgun.
Gun crimes are punished severely in the state of Florida especially in a gang or non-self defense confrontation. Attorney Ralph Behr has extensive knowledge in firearms law and can help you in your individual case. Call his law offices to schedule a consultation where you can ask all the questions you want and get the answers you’re looking for. His law offices are located conveniently in Fort Lauderdale, down the road from the Broward County Courthouse, yet he is available to represent you in a number of State and Federal courthouses in the South Florida area.