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Jacksonville Gun and Weapons Charges Defense
Gun and weapons cases from Jacksonville are prosecuted in Florida's Fourth Judicial Circuit, which covers Duval, Clay and Nassau counties. Felony cases are heard at the Duval County Courthouse, 501 W. Adams Street, which opened in 2012.
People arrested in Jacksonville are typically processed at the John E. Goode Pretrial Detention Facility, 500 E. Adams Street; the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says first appearance court is entered from the west side of that building. Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.130, an arrested person must see a judge within 24 hours. In a felon-in-possession or 10-20-Life case, that first hearing is often where bond is argued.
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 Jacksonville 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 Duval County
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, a cash bond must be paid in full at the public reception area of the jail, in cash, by a certified or cashier's check drawn on a local bank, or by a U.S. Postal money order payable to the Office of the Sheriff. A bonding agency may post a surety bond instead.
Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court in Duval
The Fourth Circuit says non-violent felony offenses are eligible for diversion into Duval County Adult Drug Court, even when the offense is not drug related, and it runs a Veterans Treatment Court for current and former service members who have been arrested. Whether a particular firearm charge can be considered for either program is decided case by case, so it is worth raising early.
Looking up a Duval County case
The Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court's online records portal is called CORE (Clerk Online Resource ePortal). Basic public access shows non-confidential court records, and a free account adds features. People held in the jail can be found through the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Inmate Search, and the Sheriff's Office lists its jail and inmate information line as 904-630-5760.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Jacksonville gun cases heard?
At the Duval County Courthouse, 501 W. Adams St., in the Fourth Judicial Circuit.
Can a lawyer from Kissimmee handle a Jacksonville 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 bond be paid with a personal check in Jacksonville?
The Sheriff's Office lists cash, a certified or cashier's check drawn on a local bank, or a U.S. Postal money order payable to the Office of the Sheriff. A bonding agency can post a surety bond instead.
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.