Gun Crimes

Coral Gables Gun Crime Defense Attorney

Proven Defense Strategies for Firearm Offenses in the Greater Miami Area

A gun charge carries weight beyond the courtroom. Depending on the charge, you could be facing a permanent record, a mandatory prison sentence, and the loss of your right to own a firearm. State gun laws have also shifted significantly in recent years, making it harder to know where you stand during an already stressful situation.

At Jonathan Blecher, P.A., our gun crime defense lawyer has spent over 40 years defending against firearm charges. From simple possession to aggravated assault, Attorney Jonathan Blecher leverages his background as a former prosecutor to dismantle the prosecution’s narrative and protect your liberty.

If you were charged with a gun crime in Coral Gables, our top-rated lawyer can vigorously defend your rights. Contact us online to discuss your case.

Common Gun Crimes We Defend Against

Using a Firearm While Under the Influence

Discharging a firearm or holding a loaded weapon in your hand while impaired by alcohol or controlled substances is a second-degree misdemeanor under Fla. Stat. § 790.151. A conviction is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Improper Exhibition of a Firearm

Drawing or displaying a firearm in a “rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner” in the presence of others is a first-degree misdemeanor (Fla. Stat. § 790.10). A conviction can result in up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Possession of a Firearm in a Prohibited Location

Even eligible gun owners cannot carry firearms into restricted spaces, such as schools, courthouses, polling places, or airports (Fla. Stat. § 790.06). Penalties vary by location, with many offenses charged as second-degree misdemeanors.

Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm in Public

Knowingly firing a weapon in a public place, over a paved road, or in a residential area is a first-degree misdemeanor carrying up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine (Fla. Stat. § 790.15).

What Are the Penalties of a Gun Crime Conviction?

Gun crime penalties depend on the charge. Florida’s 10-20-Life law adds mandatory minimums of 10, 20, or 25 years to life for serious offenses committed with a firearm, and judges have no discretion to sentence below these minimums.

A conviction can permanently strip you of your right to own or possess a firearm and affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. With so much at stake, securing an aggressive defense is paramount. We can scrutinize every element of your case to determine the strongest path forward.

Understanding Florida Gun Laws After the 2025 “Open Carry” Ruling

Florida’s gun laws shifted in September 2025. In McDaniels v. State, the First District Court of Appeal ruled that the state's open carry ban under Fla. Stat. § 790.053 was unconstitutional. This means openly carrying a firearm isn't automatically a crime, joining the state’s existing permitless concealed carry law.

Improperly displaying a firearm in a threatening manner, carrying as a prohibited person, carrying in a restricted location, or ignoring a property owner's request to leave are all still enforceable. If you were arrested before this ruling or your case involves one of these exceptions, we highly recommend contacting our team as soon as possible.

Attorney Blecher stays at the forefront of this evolving legislation to help you understand the impacts on your case. We can analyze the timing and circumstances of your arrest to determine whether the new law affects the charges you’re facing and discuss what options may be available to you.

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Trusted When It Matters Most.

See What Our Clients Say

“Excellent Experience”
“I had an excellent experience working with attorney Jonathan Blecher. He handled my case professionally and efficiently, and the outcome couldn’t have been better—my case was completely dropped, with no points, no fees, and I didn’t even ”

- Maya C.
“Exceeded My Expectations”
“Working with Jonathan was an excellent experience. He was attentive, clear in his communication, and made sure I understood every part of the process. I felt supported throughout, and the outcome exceeded my expectations.”

- Shaundel H.
“Professional & Knowledgeable”
“Jonathan was professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to really listen to my concerns. He made sure I understood every step of the process. His calm and thoughtful approach made a challenging situation much easier to handle.”

- Jennifer S.
“Very Satisfied”
“Mr. Blecher explained everything in detail, along with a timeline for when it would be completed. He did everything he promised and was able to complete everything within the timeframe promised. I was very satisfied with his work.”

- Barbara F.

Defending Against Gun Crime Charges

The right defense strategy depends on the facts of your case. We can review the circumstances of the specific gun charge against you and develop a robust defense on your behalf. Some potential approaches include:

Self-defense. State law permits the use of force to protect yourself or others. We can gather evidence that your actions were necessary to protect yourself or others from imminent harm.
Lack of possession. The state must prove the firearm was yours or that you knowingly possessed it. If it belonged to someone else or you didn’t know it was present, we can advocate for a dismissal.
Unlawful search and seizure. If law enforcement obtained the firearm through a search that violated your Fourth Amendment rights, we can move to suppress the evidence from your case.
Lawful carry. Following the 2025 “open carry” update, some conduct that officers previously treated as criminal is no longer an offense. We can determine if this applies to your case by reviewing the date, location, and manner of carry.

Diligently Fighting Firearm Charges Since 1993

Firearm charges carry severe penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences for some offenses. In many cases, firearm charges are stacked, meaning a defendant faces more than one count arising out of a single incident. Sentencing enhancements can also apply when a firearm is used in the commission of another offense, which can dramatically increase exposure.

This is one of many important reasons to contact our attorney for a skilled defense. Our firm is committed to protecting your future by delivering the high-caliber representation your case demands. We can explain the charge against you, walk you through your legal options, and help you navigate the criminal process with dignity while upholding your rights at every turn. Our proven track record of results speaks for itself.

Don’t let a firearm charge revoke your Second Amendment rights. Call (786) 977-9355 to schedule a free consultation with our fierce defense lawyer.

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