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Orlando Gun and Weapons Charges Defense
A gun or weapons charge in Orlando is prosecuted by the Ninth Circuit State Attorney's Office and heard at the Orange County Courthouse, 425 N. Orange Avenue. Florida firearm law carries some of the harshest mandatory minimum sentences in the state, so the charging decision — what the State alleges about the gun — can matter as much as the underlying offense.
Most people arrested in Orange County are booked at the Booking and Release Center and see a judge at first appearance within 24 hours under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.130. Weekday sessions are at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; weekends and court holidays have one session at 11 a.m. Chad Seibel prosecuted cases in this same circuit, which covers Orange and Osceola counties, from 2013 to 2016.
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 Orlando 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.
Diversion and specialty courts for gun cases in Orange County
The Ninth Circuit State Attorney's Office limits Pretrial Intervention to misdemeanors and nonviolent third-degree felonies. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a second-degree felony, so it falls outside those published criteria, and charges that carry 10-20-Life minimums involve listed serious felonies. For veterans, the Ninth Circuit operates a Veterans Treatment Court with a program at the Orange County Courthouse; whether a particular case can be considered there is decided individually.
Looking up an Orange County case
The Orange County Clerk of Courts runs a free online system called my eCLERK. It lets the public search and view many court records at no charge, criminal cases included, and a name search needs both a first and last name. The Clerk says online documents are available from 2009 to the present for most case types. Looking up the case number, the charges and the next court date is a sensible first step before a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Orlando gun cases heard?
At the Orange County Courthouse, 425 N. Orange Ave., in the Ninth Judicial Circuit. See Arrested in Orange County for what happens first.
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.
Is a felon-in-possession charge eligible for PTI in Orange County?
Under the State Attorney's published criteria, PTI is limited to misdemeanors and nonviolent third-degree felonies. Felon in possession is a second-degree felony.
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.