Washington County, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Washington 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 Washington County, MO. Knowing these situations is essential for protecting your rights and your future.

Whether you’re facing gun crime charges in Washington County, MO or elsewhere in Missouri related to illegal possession, brandishing, or using a firearm in the commission of another crime, you need to have a skilled gun crime lawyer by your side.

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 Washington 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.

Washington County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Breaking Down Missouri’s Gun Laws

While Washington 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.
• Restricted Individuals: Those with felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, or active protective orders are legally prohibited from owning or carrying firearms.

Washington 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 Washington County, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

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

• Firing a weapon in restricted areas or under the influence of alcohol.
• Brandishing a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying a concealed weapon in Washington County, MO without proper permission.
• Possession in prohibited areas in Washington County, MO.
• Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, such as robbery or assault in Washington County, MO.
• Making illegal alterations or attachments to firearms.

Potential legal consequences range in severity from a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,000, to a Class A felony, which carries a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 30 years or even life in prison.

Facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Washington County, MO can lead to serious penalties, including permanently losing your right to carry arms. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help. Call now 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

Unlawful possession of a firearm is a Class C felony, unless the individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has prior unlawful possession charges in Washington County, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.

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

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action is a serious offense in Washington County, MO involving the use, display, or possession of 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 instance, committing assault with a weapon could lead to both assault and armed criminal action charges.

Armed criminal action in Washington County, MO is classified as a separate felony with strict mandatory minimum sentences: 3 years for a first offense, 5 years for a second, and 10 years for a third. These penalties highlight the importance of having an experienced criminal defense attorney who can:

• Thoroughly examine the facts and evidence in your case.
• Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
• Implement a tailored defense strategy suited to your Washington County, MO case.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in Washington 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 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 allegations, securing an experienced Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer in Washington 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 Washington 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.

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

Federal firearm charges throughout the Washington County, MO area carry grave consequences, often resulting in substantial penalties, including mandatory prison sentences and hefty fines. Federal charges typically arise in Washington County, MO gun crimes when:

• The crime involves crossing state lines.
• 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.

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

When facing gun crime charges in Washington 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 many gun crimes in Washington 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.
• Unlawful Search & Seizure
  Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in Washington County, MO. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, this can form the basis for a strong defense.
• 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 Washington County, MO were lawful and justified.

When you are facing gun crime charges in Washington County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal gun crime lawyer in Washington 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 lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Washington 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

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

Facing a gun crime conviction in Washington County, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Washington County, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. Combs Waterkotte provides:

• Thorough Evidence Review: Your attorney will analyze every aspect of your case, from police procedures to forensic evidence, to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• Tailored Legal Strategy: Using in-depth knowledge of Washington County, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we create 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.
• Assertive Trial Representation: If trial is necessary for your Washington County, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.

Facing a Gun Crime in Washington County, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re facing gun crime charges in or around Washington County, MO, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you consult a knowledgeable gun crime lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong defense and securing the best possible outcome. Take proactive steps to protect your future with the guidance of experienced legal professionals.

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