Police report that a 19-year-old Vero Beach resident has been charged with two firearms offenses following an incident in which he allegedly discharged a weapon in the direction of an apartment while joyriding with friends.
Records indicate that the man was locked up on Oct. 27 over allegations that on the afternoon of Oct. 13, he shot multiple rounds from a passing vehicle, hitting an apartment building on 40th Avenue.
While indications are that no one was injured in the event, the incident took place very near a school facility, though it was not in session when the shots rang out. Witnesses in the area claimed to have heard between five and eight shots altogether, and police sources revealed that one round made its way through the window of an unoccupied apartment.
A warrant for the man’s arrest was issued based on surveillance footage from the area at the time in question and statements given by area residents. The suspect has been given an arraignment date of Dec. 4.
While it is certainly true that the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution provides citizens with the right to bear arms, that is not to say that those liberties are not limitless. Florida prosecutors can and do prosecute those who violate firearms regulations related to licensing, felons in possession, and other similar offenses.
The consequences of any kind of conviction on a firearms charge in Florida can be severe and may include terms of incarceration, costly fines, job loss, social stigma, and more. As such, there is no substitute for a vigorous legal defense from an Indian River County criminal lawyer whenever criminal charges of this nature are lodged.
An experienced Indian River firearm offense attorney will be able to examine the facts of each case to determine whether there are flaws in the prosecution’s evidence or arguments, working to have charges dismissed or, at the very least, achieve mitigation of penalties assessed.
The key is to get in touch with a zealous defense lawyer as soon as possible once you are aware that you have been or will be charged with an Indian River firearm offense. If you or a loved one is in need of aggressive legal representation, contact an Indian River County criminal lawyer with Jonathan Jay Kirschner, Esq. & Associates, LLC by calling (772) 489-8501. Time is of the essence when it come to asserting your rights and safeguarding your future, so do not delay.
