Harsher Penalties Proposed for Assault Weapons Crimes

A couple of legislators in South Florida have proposed a bill mandating harsher prison sentences for those convicted of crimes involving the use of semiautomatic or automatic firearms.

The proposed legislation would require a minimum 25-year sentence for individuals who use an assault weapon to commit a crime and a mandatory life sentence for those who use assault weapons during a crime that ends in death or serious personal injury.

“Assault weapons are the weapons of choice for criminals today,” said Robert Parker of the Miami-Dade Police Department.

Support & Opposition

A number of police organizations have already voiced their support for the legislation, including the Fraternal Order of Police, the Florida Sheriffs Association, the Police Benevolent Association, and the Florida Police Chiefs Association.

However, the bill does have its opponents. The National Rifle Association is a powerful lobby with numerous supporters and Marion Hammer, a lobbyist for the group, has spoken out against the proposal.

“They claim the intent is to increase penalties. I would suggest to you the penalties they are trying to increase are not necessary. It’s already a 15-year penalty for using semiautomatics for the commission or attempted commission of a crime. If you kill somebody with one, it’s already life,” Hammer said.

(Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel)

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