Johnson County, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Johnson 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 Johnson 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 Johnson County, MO – whether for unlawful possession, displaying a firearm, or using a gun during another offense – hiring a skilled gun crime lawyer in Johnson 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 Johnson 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.

Johnson County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws

While Johnson 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:

• Unlawful Use: Displaying a firearm in a threatening way or using it during the commission of a crime can result in serious legal consequences.
• Restricted Areas: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
• Disqualified Individuals: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.

Johnson 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 Johnson County, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

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

• Firing a weapon in restricted areas or under the influence of alcohol.
• Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
• Carrying a concealed weapon in Johnson County, MO without proper permission.
• Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
• Use of a weapon while committing a crime, such as robbery or assault in the Johnson County, MO area.
• Illegal modifications or accessories.

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 Johnson County, MO can lead to serious penalties, including permanently losing your right to carry arms. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help. Give us a call today 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:

• Possession by a Felon
• 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 a prior unlawful possession conviction in Johnson County, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.

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

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action in Johnson 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.

Missouri law treats armed criminal action as a separate felony with mandatory sentencing requirements – 3 years for a first offense, 5 years for a second, and 10 years for a third. These stringent penalties require the expertise of an experienced Johnson County, MO defense lawyer who can:

• Thoroughly examine the facts and evidence in your case.
• Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
• Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Johnson 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 charged with this crime, an experienced Combs Waterkotte Johnson 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

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

Johnson County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: What Escalates a State Charge to a Federal Gun Crime?

Johnson County, MO gun crimes can sometimes escalate to federal offenses, bringing harsher penalties and stricter enforcement. Federal gun charges often come into play when:

• The crime involves crossing state lines.
• The firearm was used in a federal crime, such as drug trafficking, terrorism, or a violent offense crossing state lines.
• Aggravating circumstances, such as ties to organized crime or large-scale firearm distribution or smuggling, are present.

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

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

• Lack of Intent or Awareness
  In many Johnson County, MO gun crimes, the prosecution must demonstrate that you knowingly committed the offense. Our expert legal team may argue that you were unaware of the firearm’s presence or that there was no deliberate intent to violate the law.
• Unreasonable Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If Johnson County, MO law enforcement violated your rights when obtaining evidence, discovering a gun through an unlawful stop or frisk or search of your vehicle or residence.
• 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 Johnson County, MO were lawful and justified.

When you are accused of a gun crime in the Johnson County, MO area and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal gun crime lawyer in Johnson County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed gun crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Johnson County and beyond:

• 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

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

A gun crime conviction in Johnson County, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Johnson County, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. Combs Waterkotte provides:

• Thorough Evidence Review: Your attorney will meticulously review all evidence, including witness statements and police reports, to identify all weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
• Personalized Legal Strategy: Using in-depth knowledge of Johnson County, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we design 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.
• Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: If your Johnson 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 Johnson County, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in or around Johnson County, MO, 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. Take proactive steps to protect your future with the guidance of experienced legal professionals.

Call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP right away or connect with us online for a free case review with a Johnson County, MO gun crime lawyer.