Newton County, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Newton 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 Newton 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 Newton County, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Newton 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 Newton County, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.

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

Newton County, MO law respects the right to bear arms, supporting open carry and issuing concealed carry permits under certain guidelines. However, the state enforces several restrictions:

• Unlawful Use: Brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner or using it in criminal activities can result in severe penalties.
• Restricted Areas: Firearms are prohibited in schools, courthouses, and other designated zones unless authorized.
• Disqualified Individuals: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.

Newton 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 and around Newton County, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Unlawful use of a weapon refers to a range of offenses involving firearms in Newton 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 a concealed weapon in Newton County, MO without proper permission.
• Possession in prohibited areas in Newton County, MO.
• Use of a weapon while committing a crime, like robbery or assault in Newton County, MO.
• 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.

If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Newton 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:

• Felon Possession
• Possession by Minors
• Possession by Certain Offenders
• Federal 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 Newton County, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.

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

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action in Newton County, MO involves using, displaying, or possessing a weapon during the commission of a felony. Armed criminal action is not a standalone charge, but an enhancement to a felony, such as robbery, assault, drug trafficking, and burglary. For example, someone committing a burglary while armed could face both robbery 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 Newton County, MO defense lawyer who can:

• Investigate the circumstances of your case.
• Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Newton County, MO armed criminal action charge.
• Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Newton County, MO.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in Newton County, MO refers to the act of selling, leasing, loaning, giving away, or delivering firearms or other weapons to individuals who are legally prohibited from owning or possessing them.

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 facing these allegations, securing an experienced Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer in Newton 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 Newton 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.

Newton 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 Newton County, MO when:

• The crime spans across state borders.
• Weapons are used in federal offenses like drug smuggling, acts of terrorism, or violent interstate offenses.
• Cases include serious factors such as organized crime affiliations or large-scale arms trafficking.

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

When facing gun crime charges in Newton County, MO, the experienced attorneys at Combs Waterkotte rely on well-established defense strategies to protect your rights. Some of the most effective approaches include:

• Lack of Intent or Awareness
  For a conviction in Newton 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.
• Unreasonable Search & Seizure
  Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in Newton 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 facing gun crime charges in or around Newton County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring a leading gun crime lawyer in Newton County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable gun crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Newton 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

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

Facing a gun crime conviction in Newton County, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Newton County, MO ensures your case receives professional attention and a strategic approach. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide:

• Comprehensive Case Analysis: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
• Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of Newton County, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we create a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
• Personable Negotiation Skills: Our lawyers are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to secure reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal when possible.
• Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: 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 Newton County, MO? Consult a Skilled Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte

If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in or around Newton 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.

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