Barry County, MO

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

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

While Barry 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:

• Use of a Firearm: Brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner or using it in criminal activities can result in severe penalties.
• Prohibited Locations: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
• Disqualified Individuals: Those with felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, or active protective orders are legally prohibited from owning or carrying firearms.

Barry 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 Barry County, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

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

• Firing a weapon in restricted areas or under the influence of alcohol.
• Brandishing a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying concealed weapons in Barry County, MO without proper authorization.
• Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
• Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, like robbery or assault in Barry County, MO.
• 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 Barry County, MO can lead to serious penalties, including a permanent loss of your firearm rights. 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 defines situations in which firearm possession is considered unlawful, including:

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

In Missouri, unlawful firearm possession is typically classified as a Class C felony, unless an individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has prior unlawful possession charges in Barry County, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.

If you’re dealing with these charges, an experienced Barry County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, scrutinize the evidence, and work to protect your rights.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action is a serious offense in Barry 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 instance, someone committing a burglary while armed could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.

Armed criminal action is treated as a separate felony offense in Barry 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 Barry County, MO armed criminal action charge.
• Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Barry County, MO.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in Barry County, MO involves selling, leasing, loaning, giving away, or otherwise providing firearms or other weapons to individuals who are legally prohibited from 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 facing these charges in Barry County, MO, act quickly to secure legal representation. A knowledgeable Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can protect your rights and work to get the best possible outcome for your case. Call (314) 900-HELP right away or contact us online.

Possession of a Defaced Firearm

A defaced firearm is one where the manufacturer’s serial number, or any other identifying markings, have been intentionally altered, removed, or obliterated. The offense of possession of a defaced firearm is taken seriously, as these weapons are often linked to crimes in Barry County, MO. This offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.

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

Barry 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.
• Aggravating circumstances, such as ties to organized crime or large-scale firearm distribution or smuggling, are present.

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

The Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorneys in Barry County, MO, employ several effective strategies to counter gun crime charges. Common defenses include:

• Lack of Knowledge or Intent
  For many gun crimes in Barry County, MO, the prosecution must prove that you knowingly committed the offense. Our defense attorneys might argue that you were unaware of the gun’s presence or that you didn’t knowingly violate the law.
• Unreasonable Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Barry 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
  Barry 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 the Barry County, MO area and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal gun crime lawyer in Barry County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable gun crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Barry 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

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

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

• Expert Case Analysis: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• Customized Defense Planning: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Barry County, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.
• Negotiation Experise: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
• Assertive Trial Representation: If your Barry 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 Barry County, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re facing gun crime charges in Barry 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 right now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for a free case review with a Barry County, MO gun crime lawyer.