Lincoln County, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Lincoln County, MO. Missouri gun laws, while relatively lenient, still carry severe penalties for violations. Even with a legally obtained firearm, specific circumstances can lead to criminal charges in Lincoln County, MO. Knowing these situations is essential for protecting your rights and your future.

Facing gun crime charges, such as illegal possession, improper brandishing, or gun use in the commission of a crime in Lincoln County, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Lincoln County, MO.

Don’t wait – call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation. Work with an expert criminal defense attorney who has the expertise to help in Lincoln County, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.

Lincoln County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: An Overview of Missouri Gun Laws

While Lincoln County, MO upholds the constitutional right to bear arms, allowing open carry and issuing concealed carry permits under defined conditions, there are important restrictions to be aware of:

• Use of a Firearm: Displaying a firearm in a threatening way or using it during the commission of a crime can result in serious legal consequences.
• Prohibited Locations: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
• Restricted Individuals: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.

Lincoln County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Gun Crimes in Missouri

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

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, MO without proper authorization.
• Possessing a firearm in Lincoln County, MO prohibited areas.
• Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, like robbery or assault in the Lincoln County, MO area.
• Modifying firearms or accessories illegally.

Possible penalties range in severity from a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,000, to a Class A felony, which carries a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 30 years or life in prison.

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

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070 details the conditions under which possession of a firearm is prohibited, including:

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

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

If you’re facing charges, an experienced Lincoln County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, challenge the evidence, and work to protect your rights.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action in Lincoln 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 assault, burglary, robbery, or drug trafficking. For example, committing assault with a weapon could lead to both assault and armed criminal action charges.

Armed criminal action in Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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.

This offense can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. If you’re charged with this crime, an experienced Combs Waterkotte Lincoln County, MO gun crime lawyer can assess your case, protect your legal rights, and fight for a favorable result. Call (314) 900-HELP right now or reach out online.

Possession of a Defaced Firearm

A defaced firearm is one where the manufacturer’s serial number, or any other identifying markings, have been intentionally altered, removed, or obliterated. The offense of possession of a defaced firearm is taken seriously, as these weapons are often linked to crimes in Lincoln County, MO. Under Missouri law, this offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.

Lincoln County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Facing Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri

Federal firearm charges throughout the Lincoln County, MO area carry grave consequences, often resulting in substantial penalties, including mandatory prison sentences and hefty fines. Federal charges typically arise in Lincoln County, MO gun crimes when:

• The crime spans across state borders.
• A gun is involved in federal offenses like drug trafficking, terrorism, or interstate violence.
• Aggravating circumstances, such as ties to organized crime or large-scale firearm distribution or smuggling, are present.

Lincoln County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Challenging Gun Crime Charges in Missouri

Here are a few common defenses for gun crimes the Combs Waterkotte Lincoln County, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges in Missouri:

• Lack of Intent or Awareness
  For a conviction in Lincoln County, MO, prosecutors must prove you acted knowingly. We might argue that you were unaware of the firearm’s presence or lacked intent to commit a crime.
• Illegal Search & Seizure
  Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in Lincoln County, MO. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, this can form the basis for a strong defense.
• Self-Defense
  Missouri law allows the use of force, including deadly force, in self-defense if you reasonably believed you were in imminent danger of harm or death and the use of force was necessary to prevent that harm.

When you are accused of a gun crime in or around Lincoln County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal gun crime lawyer in Lincoln County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re 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 Lincoln 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

Lincoln County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Why Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri?

A gun crime conviction in Lincoln County, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Lincoln County, MO ensures your case receives professional attention and a strategic approach. Combs Waterkotte provides:

• Comprehensive Case Analysis: Your attorney will meticulously review all evidence, including witness statements and police reports, to identify all weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
• Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of Lincoln County, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we create a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
• Personable Negotiation Skills: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
• Skilled Courtroom Representation: Should your case go to trial, your lawyer will advocate aggressively to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.

Charged With a Gun Crime in Lincoln County, MO? Consult a Skilled Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte

If you’re facing gun crime charges in or around Lincoln County, MO, don’t delay securing expert legal representation. Acting quickly can significantly improve your ability to build a compelling defense and get the best possible outcome. Take proactive steps to protect your future with the guidance of experienced legal professionals.

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