10-20-Life

Understanding the 10-20-Life Law

Florida’s 10-20-Life is a law that requires courts to impose mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years, 20 years, or 25 years to life for certain felony convictions involving the use or attempted use of a firearm. Under the “10-20-life” law, courts must impose a:

  • 10-year prison sentence on anyone convicted of committing or attempting to commit certain felonies (with certain exceptions), while armed with a firearm or destructive device;
  • 20-year prison term if the accused fired the firearm; and
  • 25-year to life term if the accused discharged the firearm and killed or seriously hurt someone.

Crimes that fall under the 10-20-life law include:

  • Murder
  • Arson
  • Battery
  • Aggravated battery
  • Aggravated child abuse
  • Assault/Aggravated assault
  • Felony possession of a firearm
  • Drug possession
  • Drug trafficking
  • Possession of a firearm by a felon
  • Sexual battery
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated piracy
  • Aggravated stalking
  • Carjacking
  • Home invasions

 

Understanding the 10-20-Life Law

Florida’s 10-20-Life is a law that requires courts to impose mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years, 20 years, or 25 years to life for certain felony convictions involving the use or attempted use of a firearm. Under the “10-20-life” law, courts must impose a:

  • 10-year prison sentence on anyone convicted of committing or attempting to commit certain felonies (with certain exceptions), while armed with a firearm or destructive device;
  • 20-year prison term if the accused fired the firearm; and
  • 25-year to life term if the accused discharged the firearm and killed or seriously hurt someone.

Crimes that fall under the 10-20-life law include:

  • Murder
  • Arson
  • Battery
  • Aggravated battery
  • Aggravated child abuse
  • Assault/Aggravated assault
  • Felony possession of a firearm
  • Drug possession
  • Drug trafficking
  • Possession of a firearm by a felon
  • Sexual battery
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated piracy
  • Aggravated stalking
  • Carjacking
  • Home invasions