Jacksonville man convicted of shooting into home, facing decades behind bars

A Jacksonville man who shot into a home and accidentally wounded a 3-year-old boy was found guilty on multiple charges. The man was found guilty on four counts of attempted second-degree murder and one count of shooting or throwing deadly missiles. Attempted second-degree murder is punishable by up to life in prison. Shooting or throwing deadly missiles a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in state prison. Because of the Florida’s 10-20-Life Law, his sentencing is predetermined in this Jacksonville Gun Crimes Case.

If a person is convicted of or pleads guilty to showing a gun during the commission of a felony, there is a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in state prison. If the gun is fired, that minimum sentence becomes 20 years. If someone is hit, it can become life in prison. In this Jacksonville Gun Crimes Case, police said the man had an ongoing dispute with someone inside the home and fired several shots into the residence. Because there were four people inside the home at the time, the man was charged with four counts of attempted second-degree murder. The man will be sentenced later this month to at least a 20-year minimum mandatory sentence on each of the four attempted murder charges. With four counts, the man is looking at a minimum of 80 years in state prison. That amounts to essentially a life sentence for the 30-year-old defendant.

Interpretation of the minimum mandatory sentencing law changed in recent years. While in most Jacksonville Gun Crimes Cases, the judges would issue the sentenced concurrently, appellate courts have ruled the sentences should be issued consecutively. For example, four 20-year sentences served concurrently would mean the person serves the sentences at the same time and does a total of 20 years. But, if they are served consecutively, the person would be required to serve four 20-year sentences, for a total of 80 years in prison. That is a significant difference in the punishment and could be a major deterrent in taking a Jacksonville Gun Crimes Case to trial. Prosecutors can waive the minimum mandatory sentences when negotiating a plea agreement, but one the case goes to trial there is no discretion. Judges are bound by the sentencing law and cannot legally give a different sentence. Our Jacksonville Gun Crimes attorney knows when minimum mandatory sentences apply and will provide you or your loved one with that information and fully investigate the case so you can make a decision on how to proceed.

If you or a loved one needs a criminal defense attorney in Jacksonville or the surrounding area, call The Mussallem Law Firm at (904) 365-5200 for a FREE CONSULTATION. Our Jacksonville Gun Crimes Attorney, Victoria “Tori” Mussallem, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.