Putnam County, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Putnam County, MO. While Missouri gun laws are relatively permissive, the state still imposes strict penalties for violations. It is crucial to know that even if you have legally obtained a firearm, there are specific circumstances where its use or even possession may be a crime in Putnam County, MO. Understanding these intricacies of Missouri’s gun laws can be key to protecting your rights and future.

If you’re charged with a gun crime in Putnam County, MO – whether for unlawful possession, displaying a firearm, or using a gun during another offense – hiring a skilled gun crime lawyer in Putnam 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 Putnam 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.

Putnam County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws

Putnam 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: Using a firearm for threats or criminal purposes can lead to significant penalties.
• 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.

Putnam 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 Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO, including:

• Firing a weapon in restricted areas or under the influence of alcohol.
• Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
• Carrying concealed weapons in Putnam County, MO without proper authorization.
• Possessing a firearm in Putnam County, MO prohibited areas.
• Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, like robbery or assault in the Putnam County, MO area.
• Making illegal alterations or attachments to firearms.

Possible penalties 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.

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

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

If you’re dealing with these charges, a qualified Putnam County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, scrutinize the evidence, and work to protect your freedom.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action in Putnam 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 instance, someone committing a burglary while armed could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.

Armed criminal action in Putnam 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 plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Putnam County, MO armed criminal action charge.
• Implement a tailored defense strategy suited to your Putnam County, MO case.

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.

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 charges in Putnam 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 identifying markings, like the serial number, have been intentionally altered, removed, or destroyed. Law enforcement in Putnam County, MO treats the offense of possession of a defaced firearm seriously because they are often linked to criminal activity, like stolen guns used in other crimes. Under Missouri law, this offense is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.

Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO when:

• The crime spans across state borders.
• A gun is involved in federal offenses like drug trafficking, terrorism, or interstate violence.
• There are aggravating factors, such as involvement with organized crime or large-scale trafficking.

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

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

• Lack of Intent or Awareness
  For many gun crimes in Putnam 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 Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO were lawful and justified.

If you’re facing gun crime charges in the Putnam County, MO area and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring a leading gun crime lawyer in Putnam 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 legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Putnam 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

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

A gun crime conviction in Putnam County, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Putnam 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.
• Tailored Legal Strategy: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Putnam County, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.
• Personable Negotiation Skills: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
• Skilled Courtroom Representation: If your Putnam County, MO case proceeds to court, our experienced gun crime lawyers will fight vigorously to defend your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

Charged With a Gun Crime in Putnam County, MO? Consult a Skilled Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte

If you’re facing gun crime charges in the Putnam 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. Take proactive steps to protect your future with the guidance of experienced legal professionals.

Contact Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP right away or connect with us online for a free case review with a Putnam County, MO gun crime lawyer.