Excelsior Springs, MO

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

Excelsior Springs, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: An Overview of Missouri Gun Laws

Excelsior Springs, 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 Zones: Firearms are prohibited in schools, courthouses, and other designated zones unless authorized.
• Prohibited Persons: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.

Excelsior Springs, 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 Excelsior Springs, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

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

• Discharging a firearm in certain areas, including firing a gun while intoxicated.
• Displaying a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying concealed weapons in or around Excelsior Springs, MO without proper permission.
• Possession in prohibited areas in Excelsior Springs, MO.
• Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, like robbery or assault in the Excelsior Springs, MO area.
• 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 Excelsior Springs, 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
• Possession by Minors
• 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 prior unlawful possession charges in Excelsior Springs, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.

If you’re facing charges, a qualified Excelsior Springs, 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 is a significant charge in Excelsior Springs, 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 assault, burglary, robbery, or drug trafficking. For example, committing assault with a weapon could lead to both assault and armed criminal action charges.

Missouri law treats armed criminal action as a separate felony with mandatory sentencing requirements – 3 years for a first offense, 5 years for a second, and 10 years for a third. These stringent penalties require the expertise of an experienced Excelsior Springs, MO defense lawyer who can:

• Analyze your case details for potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.
• Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Excelsior Springs, MO armed criminal action charge.
• Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Excelsior Springs, 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.

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 charged with this crime, an experienced Combs Waterkotte Excelsior Springs, 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 Excelsior Springs, 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.

Excelsior Springs, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: What Escalates a State Charge to a Federal Gun Crime?

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 Excelsior Springs, MO when:

• The crime spans across state borders.
• The firearm was used in a federal crime, such as drug trafficking, terrorism, or a violent offense crossing state lines.
• There are aggravating factors, such as involvement with organized crime or large-scale trafficking.

Excelsior Springs, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Defending Against Gun Crimes in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte

Here are a few common defenses for gun crimes the Combs Waterkotte Excelsior Springs, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges in Missouri:

• Lack of Knowledge or Intent
  In many Excelsior Springs, 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.
• Unlawful Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If Excelsior Springs, 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
  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 Excelsior Springs, MO were lawful and justified.

If you are accused of a gun crime in the Excelsior Springs, MO area and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal gun crime lawyer in Excelsior Springs, 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 offers expertise in the following areas for Excelsior Springs, 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

Excelsior Springs, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Combs Waterkotte Gun Crime Lawyer

Facing a gun crime conviction in Excelsior Springs, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Excelsior Springs, MO ensures your case is handled with expertise, compassion, and diligence. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide:

• Expert Case Analysis: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of Excelsior Springs, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we create a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
• Strong Negotiation Capabilities: In many cases, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges, probation, or alternative sentencing options.
• Assertive Trial Representation: Should your case go to trial, your lawyer will advocate aggressively to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.

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

If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in or around Excelsior Springs, 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. Protect your rights, your future, and get the professional legal guidance you need during this challenging time.

Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for a free case review with a Excelsior Springs, MO gun crime lawyer.