Saline County, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Saline County, MO. Missouri’s relatively relaxed stance on firearms does not mean violations are taken lightly. Owning a firearm legally in Saline 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.

If you’re charged with a gun crime in Saline County, MO – whether for unlawful possession, displaying a firearm, or using a gun during another offense – hiring a skilled gun crime lawyer in Saline County is your first step toward protecting your freedom.

Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert Saline County, MO criminal defense attorney. The Combs Waterkotte legal team has over 40 years of experience and has successfully handled more than 10,000 cases just like yours.

Saline County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws

Saline 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 Zones: Certain areas, such as schools, courthouses, and specific private properties, restrict gun possession without explicit authorization.
• Restricted Individuals: Those with felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, or active protective orders are legally prohibited from owning or carrying firearms.

Saline 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 Saline County, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

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

• 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 or around Saline County, MO without proper authorization.
• Possession in prohibited areas in Saline County, MO.
• Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, like robbery or assault in Saline County, MO.
• 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 Saline 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 Firearm 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 Saline County, MO unlawful possession of a firearm in which case it’s a Class B felony.

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

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action is a significant charge in Saline County, MO involving the use, display, or possession of 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, drug trafficking, assault, or burglary. For instance, 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 Saline 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 Saline County, MO armed criminal action charge.
• Implement a tailored defense strategy suited to your Saline County, MO case.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

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

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 Saline 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 Saline 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.

Saline 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 Saline County, MO when:

• Firearms are involved in crimes crossing state lines.
• The firearm was used in a federal crime, such as drug trafficking, terrorism, or a violent offense crossing state lines.
• Cases include serious factors such as organized crime affiliations or large-scale arms trafficking.

Saline County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Fighting Gun Crime Charges in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte

When facing gun crime charges in Saline 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
  In many Saline 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.
• Illegal Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Saline 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
  Saline 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.

When you’re facing gun crime charges in Saline County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Saline County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed gun crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Saline 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

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

Facing a gun crime conviction in Saline County, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Saline County, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. 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: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Saline County, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.
• Personable Negotiation Skills: In many cases, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges, probation, or alternative sentencing options.
• Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: If your Saline County, MO case proceeds to court, our experienced gun crime lawyers will fight vigorously to defend your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

Gun Crime Charges in Saline County, MO? Let the Combs Waterkotte Experts Help You Defend Your Case Today

If you’re facing gun crime charges in Saline 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. 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 connect with us online to schedule a free case review with a Saline County, MO gun crime lawyer.