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If you commit a crime in Florida, the sentence you face may be increased based on whether a weapon was used in the crime, the type of weapon used, and whether you have committed a crime in the past. Facing penalties under the 10/20/Life Act or the Three Strikes Violent Felony Offenders Act is an especially serious charge.
If you have been charged with possession or use of a firearm in a crime, you will be subject to the 10/20/Life rule if convicted. Any violent crime committed counts as a strike for the Three-Strikes law. Whether this is his first offense or not, he must find an experienced criminal defense attorney to help him defend himself against all the charges he faces.
Misdemeanor sentences of 10/20/life
Possession or use of any firearm during a crime can result in 10 years, 20 years, or even life in prison. If you used a firearm while committing a crime, you face one of the following sentences under Florida law:
- 10 years or more in prison for possessing or drawing a firearm during a crime
- 20 years in prison or more for discharging a firearm during a crime
- 25 years to life for shooting someone during a crime
- 3 years in prison or more for any felon found to be in possession of a firearm at any time
Three Strikes Violent Felony Offenders Act
Under the Three-Strikes law, every violent crime committed counts as a “strike” on the criminal record. This is the sequence that follows the law of the three blows:
- First annotation. The first violent felony he is charged with makes him subject to more serious sentences for any future “strike” that may be committed in the future.
- Second hit. For a second violent felony, an offender is subject to an automatic double prison sentence.
- Third hit. Being convicted of a third felony constitutes a third and final “strike” and results in a sentence of a minimum of 25 years to life without parole.
Why do you need a lawyer?
Felony charges that fall under the 10/20/Life law or the Three Strikes Violent Crimes Offender Law can ruin your life. Seeking sound legal advice from an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you prepare an aggressive defense for your case. An attorney who specializes in felony cases will have more experience dealing with the serious charges she faces and can help defend her rights in the courtroom.