Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida
Self defence-Felon
Me and my fiance were robbed at gun point. I am a registered gun owner he is a felon. I had to give him my gun to save our lives. He was arrested for shooting within 1000 ft of people. I do not think he should have been arrested for saving our lives but due to his background this is what they are looking at. Can a felon use self defense to stay alive? Please help
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Self defence-Felon
unfortunately a felon may not ever, under any circumstances possess a firearm. he may not claim self defense. he is facing a minimum mandatory 3 years.
Re: Self defence-Felon
NOTE: This communication is not intended as and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Rather, it is intended solely as a general discussion of legal principles. You should not rely on or take action based on this communication without first presenting ALL relevant details to a competent attorney in your jurisdiction and then receiving the attorney's individualized advice for you. By reading the "Response" to your question or comment, you agree that the opinion expressed is not intended to, nor does it, create any attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. If you do not agree, then stop right here, and do not read any further.
First, it is very questionable if your fact pattern would be believed by a judge or a jury. How would you somehow take your gun out, give it to your fiance who then had the opportunity to shoot it, all while being undetected by the robber who must have been facing both of you this entire time since you are claiming it was self defense and thus the robber was not fleeing the scene? It seems very far fetched.
Regardless, a convicted felon is prohibted by law from every having a firearm under any circumstances. Self defense by a felon is allowed, but that does not include using a firearm. He may be facing a mandatory jail sentence unless he obtains an excellent attorney who can somehow convince the court that your scenario is correct and it was imperative to take the action which was taken, even if it was in violation of Florida law in order to save lives. Even so, he may be incarcerated.
Scott R. Jay, Esq.
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