If you’re facing armed robbery charges in Florida, you’ve probably heard about the 10-20-Life law, and you’re probably terrified. This law mandates harsh minimum prison sentences when firearms are involved in certain felonies, including armed robbery. The question everyone asks: can these charges be reduced?

The answer is yes, in some cases, but it requires experienced legal defense that challenges how the 10-20-Life law applies to your specific situation. At Bozanic Law, we defend clients facing armed robbery charges throughout South Florida and understand the critical strategies that can prevent mandatory minimum sentences from destroying your life.

What is Florida’s 10-20-Life Law?

Florida Statute § 775.087, commonly called the 10-20-Life law, requires judges to impose mandatory minimum sentences for certain felonies committed with a firearm. The name comes from the three sentencing tiers:

• 10 years – Possessing a firearm during the commission of certain felonies
• 20 years – Discharging a firearm during the commission of certain felonies
• 25 years to life – Discharging a firearm during certain felonies and causing death or great bodily harm

Critical detail: These are mandatory minimum sentences. Judges cannot go below them, even for first-time offenders or sympathetic circumstances, unless the law’s application is successfully challenged.

How Does 10-20-Life Apply to Armed Robbery?

Armed robbery is specifically listed under § 775.087 as one of the felonies subject to 10-20-Life sentencing. Under Florida Statute § 812.13, robbery becomes armed robbery when a weapon or firearm is used.

If you’re convicted of armed robbery in Florida:

• With a firearm in your possession: 10-year mandatory minimum
• If you discharged the firearm: 20-year mandatory minimum
• If someone was shot or killed: 25 years to life mandatory minimum

These sentences are consecutive to any other sentence you receive for the underlying robbery conviction. That means they stack on top of each other, potentially resulting in decades in prison.

Can Armed Robbery Charges Be Reduced?

Yes, through several defense strategies:

Challenge Whether the Weapon Was Actually a Firearm

§ 775.087 applies only to firearms as defined under Florida Statute § 790.001. If the weapon was:

• A BB gun that couldn’t fire
• An airsoft gun or replica
• A toy gun or fake weapon
• Something that only resembled a firearm

The 10-20-Life mandatory minimum may not apply. Prosecutors often overcharge based on witness descriptions rather than actual evidence. Challenging the classification of the weapon can reduce charges from armed robbery to robbery or strong-arm robbery, which carry significantly lower sentences.

Prove You Didn’t Actually Possess the Firearm

Under § 775.087(4), “possession” means either:

• Carrying it on your person, OR
• Having it within immediate physical reach with ready access and intent to use it

If you didn’t know a firearm was present, or if someone else possessed it, the mandatory minimum doesn’t apply to you. This is common in cases involving multiple defendants where prosecutors try to hold everyone equally responsible.

Negotiate a Plea to Lesser Charges

Experienced defense counsel can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges before you’re convicted of armed robbery. Potential reductions include:

• Robbery (§ 812.13) – Second-degree felony, 15-year maximum (no mandatory minimum)
• Strong-arm robbery – No weapon involved, lower sentencing range
• Aggravated assault (§ 784.021) – Third-degree felony in some circumstances

Why prosecutors agree to reductions:

• Weak identification evidence
• Problems with the alleged victim’s credibility
• Self-defense claims that create reasonable doubt
• Fourth Amendment violations (illegal search and seizure)

Challenge the Stop, Search, or Arrest

If police violated your constitutional rights, conducting an illegal stop, search without probable cause, or arrest without warrant, evidence, including the firearm itself, may be suppressed. Without the firearm evidence, prosecutors cannot prove the 10-20-Life enhancement.

What About Self-Defense or Defense of Property?

Florida’s self-defense laws under Chapter 776 permit the use of force, including deadly force, in certain circumstances. If you possessed a firearm for self-defense and the State is characterizing it as armed robbery, a strong self-defense claim can result in:

• Complete dismissal of charges
• Reduction to lesser offenses
• Acquittal at trial

Example: You’re accused of “robbing” someone who actually owed you money and threatened you first. What prosecutors call robbery may actually be you defending yourself or recovering property.

Can First-Time Offenders Avoid the 10-Year Minimum?

The 10-20-Life law applies regardless of your criminal history. Even first-time offenders face mandatory minimums if convicted of armed robbery with a firearm.

However, first-time offenders have the best chance of:

• Securing charge reductions through plea negotiations
• Demonstrating lack of intent
• Showing the firearm was not actually used or brandished
• Obtaining pretrial diversion in cases with weak evidence

What Should You Do If You’re Charged with Armed Robbery?

Do Not Make Statements to Police

Anything you say will be used against you. Police will try to get you to “explain your side”, but statements made to police almost always hurt your case. Exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately.

Hire an Experienced Armed Robbery Lawyer

Generic criminal defense attorneys who primarily handle DUIs and misdemeanors do not have the experience necessary to fight 10-20-Life cases. You need counsel who:

• Understands firearm classification under Florida law
• Knows how to challenge possession and use elements
• Has relationships with prosecutors for negotiation
• Is prepared to take your case to trial if necessary

Act Quickly

The earlier your attorney gets involved, the more options you have. Pre-filing intervention, before formal charges are filed—can sometimes prevent armed robbery charges entirely. After charges are filed, your attorney can:

• File motions to suppress evidence
• Challenge the legal basis for the charges
• Negotiate for reduced charges
• Prepare a strong defense for trial

Experienced Armed Robbery Defense in South Florida

At Bozanic Law, we defend clients facing armed robbery charges and 10-20-Life mandatory minimums throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. Attorney Bozanic’s background as a prosecutor provides critical insight into how the State builds these cases and how to dismantle them.

We know how to challenge weapon classifications, contest possession elements, suppress illegally obtained evidence, and negotiate for reduced charges that avoid mandatory minimums. We’ve secured dismissals, acquittals, and significantly reduced sentences for clients facing decades in prison.

Armed robbery charges under Florida’s 10-20-Life law are serious—but they are not insurmountable. With the right defense strategy, mandatory minimums can be avoided.

No Panic, Call Bozanic!

If you’ve been arrested for armed robbery in South Florida, contact Bozanic Law immediately. Do not speak to police. Do not wait. The decisions you make in the next 48 hours will determine whether you spend the next 10-25 years in prison.

Call today for a confidential consultation.