Joe Schilling was previously granted immunity in a 2021 lawsuit, but now the entire case has been dismissed against the remaining Defendants.  In a previous post on April 27, 2023, we wrote about a lawsuit against Joe Schilling, a former professional mixed martial artist and Muay Thai world champion kickboxer we had the privilege of representing.  Mr. Schilling was out for a pleasant evening with a friend at B Square Burgers in Fort Lauderdale.  During the evening a man named Justin Balboa who was also a patron at B Square approach Mr. Schilling and caused problems.  Mr. Sc ..read more

FEDERAL PROHIBITIONS ON POSSESSING FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION The Federal Gun Control Act prohibits certain persons from possessing or receiving firearms and ammunition.  See U.S.C. § 922(g) and (n).  These prohibitions apply to individuals in every State and may not be avoided by moving from one state to another.  In addition to federal prohibitions, each State can apply further restrictions on the ownership of firearms and ammunition.  It is each person’s responsibility to understand both the federal and state laws and to know when they become  prohibited from possessin ..read more

Criminal Law and Expungement.  Katz & Phillips, P.A. also know as “The Firearm Firm” is proud to announce the launching of two new websites. NEW – Low Cost Automated Expungements The first new website we have launched will allow you to expunge or seal your prior criminal cases using today’s cutting edge technology.  Not sure if you qualify to seal or expunge your record?  Take the new websites automated quiz to see if you qualify.  This website is currently only for Florida Residents, but we hope to expand it soon to allow anyone in the United States to determine if the ..read more

Many “snowbirds” wonder if they can carry concealed in Florida. Each winter out-of-state “snowbirds” flock to the Sunshine State in hopes of avoiding brutal blizzards and freezing temperatures.  Most of Florida’s seasonal visitors come from the northern New England states or Canada. While some individuals have the luxury of owning a second home in Florida, others enjoy temporary residency in beachside motels, rentals, or RVs. Either way, the question remains, do snowbirds have a right to carry concealed in Florida?  Regardless of whether it is a firearm or other weapon, the answer to ..read more

ShotSpotter – Law Enforcement’s Gunshot Detection System Technology Upheld in Court There are many devices and techniques used by law enforcement to investigate crime, ranging from simple fingerprint gathering techniques to advanced cyber-crime strategies. One recent way police have found to investigate potential crimes is the “ShotSpotter” gunfire detection system. ShotSpotter, Inc. is the company behind the ShotSpotter technology now used around the country to detect gunshots and notify the police. According to ShotSpotter’s Frequently Asked Questions page, “ShotSpotter is gunshot detection ..read more

Forcible Felonies: What Types of Crimes Trigger Self-Defense Rights? The state of Florida has some of the most favorable self-defense laws in the country. Florida law allows you to Stand Your Ground, imposing no duty to retreat before using defensive force. Florida also gives some extremely powerful protections to people defending themselves in their homes or in their cars under the Castle Doctrine. While these protections are important to know and understand, they are only part of the self-defense equation in the state of Florida. Under the right circumstances, the Castle Doctrine allows for ..read more

Federal and state law both affect an individual’s firearms rights after a domestic violence conviction. Both federal and state laws govern the effects of a domestic violence conviction on an individual’s firearm rights. Per federal law, a person who has been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot possess a firearm or ammunition in any state. 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(9).  In addition, state laws may impose their own restrictions.  In Florida, your right to carry a concealed weapon or firearm will be suspended as a result of an arrest or charge for domestic ..read more

How can a religious organization protect itself and its congregation from the acts of terrorists?  With the action of terrorists in the middle east and the world wide call for a day of “jihad,” we are receiving lots of calls from firearm owners asking if they can provide security services at their local temples, synagogues, churches and other places of worship.  Some of the calls have been from unarmed security guards who have been asked to bring their firearms to work due to the situation in the world and the threats to the safety of their congregations.  This article is meant ..read more

The Auto Key Card Recently the government has prosecuted those who sold, advertised or promoted the Auto Key Card.  An Auto Key Card is a flat piece of metal about the size of a credit card, which the government claims could be used to convert a semi-automatic rifle into a machine gun.  One of the people caught in the government’s sights was Matthew Hoover who was prosecuted for and convicted of conspiracy to transfer unregistered machine gun conversion kits.  However, after the conviction, the prosecutor went a step too far. Government Attempts to silence Pro-2A Journalist in A ..read more

US Court of Appeals finds Denial of Gun Rights for Non-Violent Felons Unconstitutional June 6, 2023 marks another major win for supporters of the Second Amendment as the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit found that the U.S. government cannot constitutionally ban those convicted of non-violent felonies from possessing guns. The case, Range v. Attorney General United States of America; Regina Lombardo, comes as one of many recent decisions upholding the importance of the Second Amendment and the constitutional right to keep and bear arms. The court found in an 11-4 decision re ..read more