Carrying A Concealed Weapon In Okaloosa County
Criminal Defense For Those Arrested For Carrying A Concealed Firearm or Other Weapon
Fla. Stat. §790.001 defines a concealed weapon as an item which is carried on or about a person in a manner that is meant to conceal it from the ordinary sight of another person. In Okaloosa County, these items include but are not limited to:
Gun, firearm, rifle, pistol, shotgun, knife, dirk, metallic or brass knuckles, slingshot, billie club; golf club, softball or baseball bat, taser (tazer) gun, pepper spray, tear gas gun, chemical weapon or device.
In practice, this includes just about any object that could potentially be used to inflict harm on another person. Therefore, the list is conceivably infinite…
According to Florida Law, specifically section 790.01 of the Florida Statutes, the state prosecutor has the task of proving beyond reasonable doubt two main elements: 
- That the defendant knowingly carried a weapon.
- And that the weapon was purposefully concealed so that it could not be seen by others.
What Are The Penalties For Carrying A Concealed Weapon or Firearm?
Clearly it depends on whether or not it was a weapon or firearm. Under Fla. Stat §775.082 and §775.083, carrying a concealed weapon that is not a firearm is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
If the weapon is classified as an actual firearm or “destructive device,” our Concealed Firearms Laws are strict – this is considered a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
If you or a family member has been arrested for carrying a concealed firearm or weapon in Okaloosa County, including Destin and Fort Walton Beach, give me a call at (850) 362-6655 for a free consultation and I’ll review what will happen and what I can do.
For more information about this arrest, see the Florida Penal Code for Carrying A Concealed Weapon