St. Louis County, MO

Gun crime lawyer in St. Louis County, MO. While Missouri gun laws are relatively permissive, the state still imposes strict penalties for violations. It is crucial to know that even if you have legally obtained a firearm, there are specific circumstances where its use or even possession may be a crime in St. Louis County, MO. Understanding these intricacies of Missouri’s gun laws can be key to protecting your rights and future.

If you’re charged with a gun crime in St. Louis County, MO – whether for unlawful possession, displaying a firearm, or using a gun during another offense – hiring a skilled gun crime lawyer in St. Louis County is your first step toward protecting your freedom.

Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or connect online for a free, confidential consultation. Discuss your case with a skilled criminal defense attorney who understands the complexities of St. Louis County, MO law. With over 40 years of experience and a proven track record of successfully handling 10,000+ cases in Missouri, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is here to help.

St. Louis County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: An Overview of Missouri Gun Laws

Missouri recognizes the constitutional right to bear arms, allowing open carry and granting concealed carry permits under specific conditions. However, the state imposes restrictions in several areas:

• Unlawful Use: Displaying a firearm in a threatening way or using it during the commission of a crime can result in serious legal consequences.
• Prohibited Locations: Firearms are prohibited in schools, courthouses, and other designated zones unless authorized.
• Restricted Individuals: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.

St. Louis County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: A Guide to Missouri Gun Crimes

The skillful and experienced Combs Waterkotte legal team handles a variety of gun crimes in St. Louis County, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in St. Louis County, MO, such as:

• Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
• Displaying a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying concealed weapons in or around St. Louis County, MO without proper authorization.
• Possessing a firearm in St. Louis County, MO prohibited areas.
• Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, such as robbery or assault in the St. Louis County, MO area.
• Modifying firearms or accessories illegally.

Penalties for unlawful use of a weapon vary, from a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines, to a Class A felony, which can carry a prison sentence of 10 to life.

Facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in St. Louis County, MO can lead to serious penalties, including a permanent loss of your firearm rights. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070 outlines the circumstances under which possession of a firearm becomes unlawful, including:

• Felon Possession
• Underage Possession
• Possession by Certain Offenders
• Federal Restrictions

Unlawful possession of a firearm is classified as a Class C felony, unless an individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has prior unlawful possession charges in St. Louis County, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.

If you’re dealing with these charges, a qualified St. Louis County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, scrutinize the evidence, and fight to protect your future.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action in St. Louis County, MO involves using, displaying, or possessing a weapon during the commission of a felony. This charge is not independent but serves as an enhancement to the underlying felony, such as robbery, drug trafficking, assault, or burglary. For instance, committing assault with a weapon could lead to both assault and armed criminal action charges.

Armed criminal action in St. Louis County, MO is classified as a separate felony with strict mandatory minimum sentences: 3 years for a first offense, 5 years for a second, and 10 years for a third. These penalties highlight the importance of having an experienced criminal defense attorney who can:

• Analyze your case details for potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.
• Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
• Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in St. Louis County, MO.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

Under Missouri law, the unlawful transfer of weapons occurs when firearms or other weapons are sold, leased, or given to individuals prohibited from owning or possessing them due to legal restrictions.

Depending on the situation, charges for an unlawful transfer of weapons can be a Class A misdemeanor or escalate to a Class E felony. If you’re facing these allegations, securing an experienced Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer in St. Louis County, MO is essential to pursue the best outcome for your case. Contact us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Possession of a Defaced Firearm

Possessing a firearm with defaced markings, such as removed or altered serial numbers, is a criminal offense. Authorities in St. Louis County, MO consider possession of a defaced firearm a serious matter due to its association with criminal activity, including stolen weapons. Under Missouri law, this offense is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.

St. Louis County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: What Escalates a State Charge to a Federal Gun Crime?

In Missouri, certain gun crimes can escalate from state to federal charges. Penalties for federal gun crimes are severe and can include mandatory minimum sentences, fines over $250,000, and no-parole terms. Federal gun crimes often arise in St. Louis County, MO when:

• The crime spans across state borders.
• The firearm was used in a federal crime, such as drug trafficking, terrorism, or a violent offense crossing state lines.
• Cases include serious factors such as organized crime affiliations or large-scale arms trafficking.

St. Louis County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Defending Against Gun Crimes in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte

The Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorneys in St. Louis County, MO, employ several effective strategies to counter gun crime charges. Common defenses include:

• Lack of Intent or Awareness
  For many gun crimes in St. Louis County, MO, the prosecution must prove that you knowingly committed the offense. Our defense attorneys might argue that you were unaware of the gun’s presence or that you didn’t knowingly violate the law.
• Illegal Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If St. Louis County, MO law enforcement obtained evidence, such as a gun, through illegal stops, frisks, or searches of your vehicle or property, we can seek to suppress that evidence.
• Self-Defense
  Missouri law supports using force in self-defense if you reasonably believe it was necessary to protect yourself from imminent harm. We’ll present evidence to show your actions in St. Louis County, MO were lawful and justified.

When you’re facing gun crime charges in St. Louis County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal gun crime lawyer in St. Louis County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced gun crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for St. Louis County, MO residents:

• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Assault Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer
• Sex Offense Lawyers
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer

St. Louis County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Combs Waterkotte Gun Crime Lawyer

A conviction for a gun crime in St. Louis County, MO can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in St. Louis County, MO ensures your case receives professional attention and a strategic approach. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide:

• Expert Case Analysis: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
• Personalized Legal Strategy: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand St. Louis County, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your situation.
• Negotiation Experise: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
• Assertive Trial Representation: If your St. Louis County, MO case proceeds to court, our experienced gun crime lawyers will fight vigorously to defend your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

Facing a Gun Crime in St. Louis County, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re facing gun crime charges in St. Louis County, MO, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you consult a knowledgeable gun crime lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong defense and securing the best possible outcome. Protect your rights, your future, and get the professional legal guidance you need during this challenging time.

Contact Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free case review with a St. Louis County, MO gun crime lawyer.