“10-20-Life” Statute
Florida’s “10-20-Life” statute is Section 775.087, F.S.
The statute requires a judge to sentence a person convicted of a specified offense to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment if, while committing the offense:
- the person possesses or discharges a firearm or destructive device; or
- if the discharge results in death or great bodily harm.
Specified offenses are listed in Section 775.087(3)(a)1., F.S., and include the following:
- aircraft piracy;
- aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult;
- aggravated battery;
- aggravated child abuse;
- aggravated stalking; o
- arson;
- burglary;
- carjacking;
- escape;
- home-invasion robbery;
- kidnapping;
- murder;
- robbery;
- sale, manufacture, delivery, or intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver any controlled substance;
- sexual battery;
- certain types of drug trafficking and capital importation crimes; and
- unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive device or bomb.
As explained in Section 775.087, F.S., a person convicted of a specified offense, or the attempt to commit such offense, must be sentenced to the following mandatory minimum term of imprisonment:
- ten (10) years for possession of a firearm;
- fifteen (15) years for possession of a semi-automatic/machine gun;
- twenty (20) years for discharge of a firearm; and
- twenty-five (25) years to life imprisonment for discharge with great bodily injury or death.
Section 775.087(2)(a)1., F.S., requires a minimum mandatory sentence of three (3) years, instead of 10 years, for the possession of a firearm by a felon or burglary of a conveyance if the possession occurred during the commission of the offense.
Attorney for the 10-20-Life Statute in Florida
Contact an attorney at Sammis Law Firm to learn how Florida’s 10-20-Life Statute might impact your case. We can explain the requirements of Section 775.087(3)(a)1., F.S.
Find out more about the charges pending against you, the typical penalties for that offense, and the best ways to fight the charges.
Contact us to schedule a consultation in our offices in Tampa, New Port Richey, and Clearwater, FL.
Let us put our experience to work for you. Call 813-250-0500.
This article was last updated on Friday, April 21, 2023.
