FBI Miami Field Office Arrests 65, Seizes 21 Firearms in “Operation Viper” Initiative

News about a widespread operation that “targeted violent crime” in the Miami area has hit headlines this week across the internet and T.V., and some individuals in Miami are wondering about the rights of those who have been arrested for exercising one of their most sacred rights – the right to bear arms. According to local news reports, CBS News Miami, from mid-May up through to late this month, the FBI Miami Field Office “deployed a Violent Crime Rapid Deployment Team to support local agencies in Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Miramar, Miami Gardens and Pembroke Pines.” The team, which was composed of 35 FBI agents, coordinated to locate and arrest “the most violent offenders across South Florida.” The team ultimately made a total of 60 local arrests, and five federal arrests for gun crimes in the operation dubbed “Operation Viper.”

The area of South Florida that saw the highest number of arrests as a result of Operation Viper was Fort Lauderdale. A total of 16 individuals were arrested in the Fort Lauderdale area alone, for crimes ranging from armed robbery to burglary to grand theft and firearms offenses, among others. In the Miami area, Operation Viper targets included “a criminal enterprise originating in Little Haiti, which had grown to impact broader areas of South Florida.”

Gun Crimes are No Joke in Miami – Know About Your Rights if You are Arrested for Gun Crimes in the Magic City

There is no doubt that gun crimes are very serious crimes under Florida criminal laws, and law enforcement authorities and Florida judges alike take gun crimes in Miami very seriously. For example, under Florida’s “10-20-Life law,” an individual who is convicted of a gun crime in Miami can face 10 years minimum for possession a firearm during the commission of certain other felony crimes, 20 years for firing the gun itself, and 25 years to a life sentence if someone is injured or killed as a result of the firing. These penalties may apply to an individual convicted of gun crimes in Miami even if they are a first-time offender. In addition, importantly, in Miami, juvenile gun crime offenders can be charged as adults under Florida law. Therefore, if you have been charged with a gun crime in Miami, it is important to discuss your rights, options, and the potential penalties and consequences that you may face if you are convicted with an experienced Miami gun crime attorney.

Getting Legal Help in Miami – Miami Gun Crime Attorney

If you are in the Miami area and you need legal help defending yourself against serious gun crimes, do not hesitate to speak with the experienced Miami gun crime attorneys at AsiliA Law Firm. The experienced Miami gun crime attorneys at AsiliA Law Firm are here to help individuals in Miami defend themselves against serious criminal charges for the best chance of justice in their case. Do not hesitate to speak with an experienced Miami lawyer about your case today. Contact AsiliA Law Firm and speak to a lawyer about your case now.