Moniteau County, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Moniteau 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 Moniteau County, MO. Understanding these intricacies of Missouri’s gun laws can be key to protecting your rights and future.

Whether you’re facing gun crime charges in Moniteau County, MO or elsewhere in Missouri related to illegal possession, brandishing, or using a firearm in the commission of another crime, you need to have a skilled gun crime lawyer by your side.

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 Moniteau 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.

Moniteau 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:

• 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: Certain areas, such as schools, courthouses, and specific private properties, restrict gun possession without explicit authorization.
• Disqualified Individuals: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.

Moniteau 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 Moniteau County, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Unlawful use of a weapon refers to a range of offenses involving firearms in Moniteau County, MO. These include:

• Discharging a firearm in certain areas, including firing a gun while intoxicated.
• Brandishing a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying concealed weapons in Moniteau County, MO without proper authorization.
• Possession in prohibited areas in Moniteau County, MO.
• Use of a weapon while committing a crime, such as robbery or assault in the Moniteau County, MO area.
• Making illegal alterations or attachments to firearms.

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.

If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Moniteau County, MO, it’s essential to have a knowledgeable and experienced attorney by your side. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help you understand the charges against you, your options, and fight for the best possible outcome.

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

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

• Possession by a Felon
• Possession by Minors
• Possession by Certain Offenders
• Federal Restrictions

In Missouri, unlawful firearm possession is typically classified as a Class C felony, unless the individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior unlawful possession conviction in Moniteau County, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.

If you’re facing these charges, a qualified Moniteau County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, scrutinize the evidence, and work to protect your rights.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action is a significant charge in Moniteau County, MO involving the use, display, or possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony. This charge enhances the severity of the primary felony, such as robbery, assault, drug trafficking, and burglary. For example, an individual charged with robbery while armed with a gun could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.

Armed criminal action is treated as a separate felony offense in Moniteau County, MO, with mandatory minimum sentence requirements, including 3 years for a first offense, 5 years for a second offense, and 10 years for a third offense. These complex charges and sentences make it crucial to have a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side who can:

• Analyze your case details for potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.
• Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Moniteau County, MO armed criminal action charge.
• Implement a tailored defense strategy suited to your Moniteau County, MO case.

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.

An unlawful transfer of weapons charge is a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony, depending on the severity of the case. If you’re facing these allegations, securing an experienced Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer in Moniteau 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 Moniteau 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 classified as a Class B misdemeanor.

Moniteau County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri

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 Moniteau County, MO when:

• The crime involves crossing state lines.
• Weapons are used in federal offenses like drug smuggling, acts of terrorism, or violent interstate offenses.
• Aggravating circumstances, such as ties to organized crime or large-scale firearm distribution or smuggling, are present.

Moniteau County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Defending Against Gun Crimes in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte

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

• Lack of Knowledge or Intent
  For a conviction in Moniteau 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 Moniteau County, MO. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, this can form the basis for a strong defense.
• 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 Moniteau County, MO were lawful and justified.

When you are accused of a gun crime in Moniteau County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Moniteau County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our experienced gun crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Moniteau 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

Moniteau County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Combs Waterkotte Gun Crime Lawyer

A conviction for a gun crime in Moniteau County, MO can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Moniteau County, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide:

• 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: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Moniteau County, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your situation.
• Strong Negotiation Capabilities: In many cases, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges, probation, or alternative sentencing options.
• Assertive Trial Representation: If trial is necessary for your Moniteau County, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.

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

If you’re facing gun crime charges in the Moniteau County, MO area, time is of the essence. The earlier you consult with a skilled gun crime lawyer, the greater your chances of building a solid defense strategy and minimizing the impact of the charges. Protect your rights, your future, and get the professional legal guidance you need during this challenging time.

Contact Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP right away or connect with us online to schedule a free case review with a Moniteau County, MO gun crime lawyer.