2500 Rhode Island Ave, Suite B, Fort Pierce, FL 34947
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2500 Rhode Island Ave, Suite B, Fort Pierce, FL 34947
Call Today: (772) 489-2200

2500 Rhode Island Avenue
Suite B
Fort Pierce, FL 34947

Call Now For A Personalized Case Evaluation

(772) 489-2200

Military Service Member Facing Multiple Weapons Charges

Port St Lucie weapons arrest

Help from a Port St Lucie Weapons Arrest Lawyer

Weapons charges in Florida are treated seriously. While people are allowed to possess and carry firearms, they must have permits to carry concealed guns. It is also illegal to carry a hoax explosive device. These laws are meant to protect the public from potential harm. A recent Port St Lucie weapons arrest involved a military service member who was on leave from the army and was found with multiple weapons and a hoax explosive device. Here is some information about the case from Port St Lucie criminal attorney Jeffrey H Garland, Esq.

Military Service Member Arrested on Weapons and Hoax Bomb Charges

Recently, an active duty military service member was arrested in Port St. Lucie on multiple weapons and hoax bomb charges. According to the police, they were called to the scene of a traffic accident after the soldier crashed into a yard around 4:10 pm on Aug. 28. When the officers arrived, they reportedly saw the white Scion attempting to leave the accident scene. As they approached, they saw that the 21-year-old driver was wearing a tactical vest with pistol magazines and a rifle. The man got out of the car and was arrested. Police said they could also see an AR-15 rifle sitting on the passenger seat of the vehicle. The man had two more guns inside of the car and a 9 mm handgun holstered on his hip.

After taking him into custody, the officers searched the vehicle. During the search, they found a plastic bag with something that appeared to be a bomb. The discovery of this device led them to evacuate area residents. The officers called the ATF, FBI, and the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Disposal Team for assistance. They determined that the device was not explosive after investigating it. Seven additional devices were taken from the car by the police for additional testing.

Police officers interviewed the man. They said that while he talked to them, he didn’t reveal his intent for possessing the weapons and the hoax explosive device. The police department stated that they need to determine whether the man posed a threat to others or whether he was undergoing a crisis. He said that the man made some statements about being followed that concerned the investigators. The man was on leave from the army from Kentucky and was visiting Port St. Lucie. He was placed in the custody of the St. Lucie County Jail on multiple charges, including three counts of carrying a concealed weapon, two counts of attempting to escape for trying to remove his handcuffs after his arrest, and one count of possessing a hoax bomb. He was given a $130,000 bond by the judge. if he posts bond, he will be placed on house arrest with electronic monitoring.

Relevant Statutes

Possession of a hoax bomb is a second-degree felony under § 790.165, Fla. Stat. (2022). Under this law, you can be charged with possessing a hoax bomb if you possess a device that is constructed to appear like a bomb or another explosive device. This charge carries a potential prison sentence of 15 years and a fine of $15,000.

Under § 790.01, Fla. Stat. (2022), it is illegal for someone who isn’t licensed to carry a concealed firearm. This offense is a third-degree felony that carries a potential person sentence of five years and a $5,000 fine.

Finally, attempted escape is a second-degree felony under § 944.40, Fla. Stat. (2022). It carries up to 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. If a person is convicted of attempted escape, their sentence must run consecutively to their other charges. Altogether, the man is facing a potential sentence of decades in prison if he is convicted as charged.

Speak to a Port St Lucie Weapons Arrest Lawyer

The man’s arrest demonstrates how severely concealed weapons and hoax bomb charges are treated in Florida. People who are facing these types of charges should retain an experienced Port St. Lucie criminal attorney. While the charges are serious, attorney Jeffrey H. Garland, Esq. can review the evidence and identify potential defenses that might be available. He has decades of experience defending people against weapons charges and other crimes. If you or someone you know has been in a similar legal situation, contact The Law Office of Jeffrey H. Garland, P.A. at 772.489.2200