Greene County, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Greene County, MO. Missouri’s relatively relaxed stance on firearms does not mean violations are taken lightly. Owning a firearm legally in Greene County, MO doesn’t exempt you from potential charges if the gun is used or possessed under prohibited circumstances. Understanding Missouri’s complex gun laws is vital for avoiding legal trouble.

Facing gun crime charges, such as illegal possession, improper brandishing, or gun use in the commission of a crime in Greene County, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Greene 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 Greene County, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.

Greene 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:

• Improper 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: 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.

Greene County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Key Facts and Penalties of Missouri Gun Crimes

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

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common charges in Missouri, encompassing a variety of situations in Greene County, MO, including:

• Firing a weapon in restricted areas or under the influence of alcohol.
• Displaying a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying a concealed weapon in or around Greene County, MO without proper permission.
• Possession in prohibited areas in Greene County, MO.
• Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, such as robbery or assault in Greene 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 Greene 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 defines situations in which firearm possession is considered unlawful, including:

• Possession by a Felon
• 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 a prior Greene County, MO unlawful possession of a firearm in which case it’s a Class B felony.

If you’re dealing with these charges, a qualified Greene 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 Greene County, MO involves using, displaying, or possessing 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, committing assault with a weapon could lead to both assault and armed criminal action charges.

Armed criminal action is treated as a separate felony offense in Greene 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:

• Thoroughly examine the facts and evidence in your case.
• Negotiate to mitigate or dismiss armed criminal action enhancements.
• Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Greene 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.

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 charged with this crime, an experienced Combs Waterkotte Greene 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 Greene 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.

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

Greene 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 spans across state borders.
• Weapons are used in federal offenses like drug smuggling, acts of terrorism, or violent interstate offenses.
• There are aggravating factors, such as involvement with organized crime or large-scale trafficking.

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

When facing gun crime charges in Greene 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 Greene 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.
• Unlawful Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Greene 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
  Greene County, MO laws allow 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.

If you are facing gun crime charges in Greene County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing a leading gun crime lawyer in Greene County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our experienced gun crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Greene 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

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

A conviction for a gun crime in Greene County, MO can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Greene County, MO ensures your case is handled with expertise, compassion, and diligence. Combs Waterkotte provides:

• 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 Greene County, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.
• Negotiation Experise: Our lawyers are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to secure reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal when possible.
• Skilled Courtroom Representation: If your Greene 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 Greene County, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re facing gun crime charges in the Greene 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.

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