Trump Assassination Attempt Suspect Charged with Weapons Violations
The second Trump assassination attempt suspect has been charged with multiple weapons violations. Those include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. While the Secret Service said that the suspect never had a clear line of sight, new details have emerged from the case that indicate that the suspect was “lying in wait” for at least 12 hours. Cellphone data shows that the suspect remained at the same location since 2:00 a.m.
The suspect has faced multiple weapons charges before. He was convicted of owning an illegal machine gun. More than 100 criminal counts have been filed against the suspect in North Carolina.
Possession of a weapon by a convicted felon
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon can be found under Florida Statutes 790.23. The statute makes it a felony in the second degree for any individual with felony charges on their record to own or possess a firearm. The law also applies to certain categories of juveniles. There is a sentencing enhancement for gang members that makes possessing a weapon a felony in the first degree punishable by a sentence of up to life in prison. A second-degree felony is punishable by a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
He is also being charged with possessing a weapon with an obliterated serial number. This rule can be found under Florida Statutes 790.27. The law reads as follows:
(1)(a) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly alter or remove the manufacturer’s or importer’s serial number from a firearm with intent to disguise the true identity thereof.
(b) Any person violating paragraph (a) is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(2)(a) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly sell, deliver, or possess any firearm on which the manufacturer’s or importer’s serial number has been unlawfully altered or removed.
(b) Any person violating paragraph (a) is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(3) This section shall not apply to antique firearms.
Altering or removing a serial number from a weapon is considered a felony in the third degree punishable by a maximum sentence of 5 years in state prison. Owning or possessing a weapon with an altered serial number is considered a misdemeanor. However, the state must prove that you knew that the weapon had an obscured serial number.
Are more charges coming?
As of right now, the defendant has yet to face a grand jury. In a case like this, the prosecutors will gather information before the indictment. They may be interested in filing conspiracy charges against the defendant. It does look like he was attempting to assassinate the former president. But it remains unclear what the prosecution knows and how they will approach the case.
Talk to a Tallahassee Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Luke Newman, P.A. represents the interests of Tallahassee residents who have been charged with serious crimes. Call our Tallahassee criminal lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin preparing your defense immediately.
Source:
tallahasseereports.com/2024/09/17/assassination-attempt-charges/
