Naples Man Pleads Not Guilty in Connection with Accidental Firearm Discharge

Accidental firearm discharges may seem like innocent mistakes, but they can lead to serious criminal consequences. This was made quite clear after an incident in Naples that left a child with a gunshot wound to the leg. Media reports illustrate the various criminal consequences that this particular defendant may face due to an accidental firearm discharge – and these reports should serve as a warning for firearms owners across the State. If you already face criminal consequences associated with these accidents, it may be worth speaking with a firearms defense lawyer in Naples – especially if a child was injured.

Unclear Set of Circumstances in Naples Causes Accidental Discharge 

In late December of 2023, Naples Daily News reported that a man had been arrested on numerous charges after an accidental discharge of a handgun. The defendant was accused of accidentally shooting a child in the leg after handling another individual’s firearm. According to the police report, the defendant requested to hold the weapon because he was considering whether or not to purchase one. The firearm owner allegedly informed the defendant that the handgun was loaded before the incident.

Under circumstances that aren’t exactly clear, the firearm discharged and sent a bullet through a wall. This bullet struck a child in the leg at some point, and the minor had to be hospitalized. The defendant was also allegedly holding a small child in his arms while handling the weapon – but the report doesn’t clarify whether this is the same child who suffered the gunshot injury. As a result of the incident, the defendant was charged with child neglect with great bodily harm, shooting into a dwelling, and using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol. All of this occurred on Christmas day.

Child neglect with great bodily injury is a second degree felony, and the maximum prison sentence for this crime is 15 years. Defendants may also face 15 years of probation and a $10,000 fine. In addition, parents may lose custody after being convicted of such crimes due to actions taken by Child Protective Services, other parents, or both. Operating a firearm while intoxicated is a second degree misdemeanor in Florida. The defendant also faces allegations of shooting into a home – which is also a second degree felony. In other words, this individual faces well over 30 years in prison for a few seconds of alleged carelessness with a firearm.

The fact that the defendant entered a “not guilty” plea implies that there is more to this story than media reports indicate. One must remember that defendants in Florida are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty. If nothing else, this story illustrates just how serious an accidental firearm discharge can become.

Find a Qualified, Experienced Defense Attorney in Naples 

If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced gun violations attorney, look no further than Foley & Wilson. With our assistance, you can approach a range of firearms-related charges in an efficient manner – including those related to accidental discharges. Book your consultation today to determine the most appropriate defense strategy.

Sources: 

naplesnews.com/story/news/crime/2023/12/27/man-charged-with-accidentally-firing-weapon-injuring-child/72034599007/

naplesnews.com/story/news/crime/2024/01/22/naples-man-pleads-not-guilty-in-shooting-that-injured-child/72314574007/