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Fort Lauderdale Gun and Weapons Charges Defense
Broward County is Florida's Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. Gun and weapons cases from Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miramar and the rest of the county are prosecuted by the Seventeenth Circuit State Attorney's Office and heard at the Broward County Courthouse, 201 SE 6th Street.
After an arrest, people are usually processed through the Broward Sheriff's Office Main Jail and Central Intake, 555 SE 1st Avenue. First appearance is held in Courtroom 04155 (West Wing) on weekdays at 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., in person or by Zoom. The State Attorney's Office runs a felony Pretrial Intervention program and other diversion programs; eligibility depends on the charge and the person's record.
Chad Seibel is a former Florida prosecutor (Assistant State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit, 2013–2016) who now defends people charged with serious felonies across Florida. His office is in Kissimmee, and consultations and meetings can be arranged in Fort Lauderdale by appointment.
Florida gun and weapons charges
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (§ 790.23, Fla. Stat.) — a second-degree felony. Under § 775.087, a 3-year mandatory minimum can apply when a firearm was possessed.
Using, displaying or carrying a concealed weapon or firearm while committing a felony (§ 790.07) — a third-degree felony for a weapon, a second-degree felony for a firearm.
10-20-Life (§ 775.087(2)(a)) — for listed felonies such as robbery, burglary, aggravated battery, sexual battery, kidnapping, carjacking, home-invasion robbery and drug trafficking: a 10-year minimum for actually possessing a firearm, 20 years if it was discharged, and 25 years to life if the discharge caused death or great bodily harm.
Related: Crimes with firearms · Aggravated assault and battery · Robbery · Home invasion · Carjacking · Stand your ground
Why early defense matters in a gun case
Many firearm cases turn on how the gun was found: a traffic stop, a search of a car or home, or a statement about who owned it. Whether the search was lawful and whether the State can prove you knowingly possessed the firearm are questions a lawyer can start investigating right away.
Posting bond in Broward County
According to the Broward Sheriff's Office, a cash bond can be paid in person at the Cash Bond window, daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., with valid identification. It can also be paid online by credit or debit card through the BSO cash bond site, which charges a non-refundable 2.5% service fee, or by money order or cashier's check with the defendant's name and arrest number. A surety bond can be posted through a licensed bail bond agent.
Is diversion available for a Broward gun charge?
The Seventeenth Circuit State Attorney's Office says felony Pretrial Intervention is for qualifying third-degree felonies, and its list of examples of charges not eligible for PTI includes "any weapons charges." Applications are generally due within 45 days of arraignment. Broward's Felony Drug Court, which the circuit describes as one of the largest drug courts in the country, is a separate track with its own rules.
Looking up a Broward County case
The Broward County Clerk of Courts offers a public online case search that covers felony and traffic-and-misdemeanor cases, among others; a party-name search requires both a last and first name. The Broward Sheriff's Office posts charge and bond information through its online BSO Arrest Search and lists (954) 982-6924 and (954) 982-6925 for charge and bond information; the information window in the Main Jail lobby is open 24 hours a day.
Frequently asked questions
When is first appearance in Broward County?
Weekdays at 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in Courtroom 04155 (West Wing) of the Broward County Courthouse, in person or by Zoom.
Can a lawyer from Kissimmee handle a Fort Lauderdale case?
Florida lawyers can practice in any Florida circuit court. Ask any lawyer how they will handle hearings and meetings in your county.
Are the 10-20-Life minimums automatic?
The minimums apply only when the firearm facts are charged and proven, or admitted in a plea. How the State charges those facts — and whether it can prove them — is often where the defense work begins.
Should I answer questions about where the gun came from?
No. You have the right to remain silent. Ask for a lawyer and stop answering questions.
Can a weapons charge go to PTI in Broward?
The State Attorney's Office lists "any weapons charges" among its examples of charges not eligible for felony Pretrial Intervention.
Call or text 407-846-8008 for a free, confidential consultation. Office: 517 W. Bryan St., Kissimmee, FL 34741 · Office line 407-530-4920. Consultations and meetings available throughout Florida by appointment.