Gun crime lawyer in Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO. Understanding these intricacies of Missouri’s gun laws can be key to protecting your rights and future.
Facing gun crime charges, such as illegal possession, improper brandishing, or gun use in the commission of a crime in Florissant, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.
Florissant, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: An Overview of Missouri Gun Laws
Florissant, 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:
- Use of a Firearm: Displaying a firearm in a threatening way or using it during the commission of a crime can result in serious legal consequences.
- Prohibited Locations: Certain areas, such as schools, courthouses, and specific private properties, restrict gun possession without explicit authorization.
- Prohibited Persons: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.
Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in Florissant, MO, such as:
- Discharging a firearm in certain areas, including firing a gun while intoxicated.
- Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
- Carrying a concealed weapon in Florissant, MO without proper permission.
- Possession in prohibited areas in Florissant, MO.
- Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, such as robbery or assault in the Florissant, MO area.
- Illegal modifications or accessories.
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 life in prison.
If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Florissant, 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:
- Possession by a Felon
- Possession by Minors
- Possession by Certain Offenders
- Federal Restrictions
Unlawful possession of a firearm is a Class C felony, unless an individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior unlawful possession conviction in Florissant, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.
If you’re dealing with charges, a qualified Florissant, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, scrutinize the evidence, and work to protect your future.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action in Florissant, 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 example, someone committing a burglary while armed could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.
Armed criminal action in Florissant, 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:
- Investigate the circumstances of your case.
- Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
- Implement a tailored defense strategy suited to your Florissant, 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.
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 Florissant, 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
Possessing a firearm with defaced markings, such as removed or altered serial numbers, is a criminal offense. Authorities in Florissant, 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.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Florissant, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri
Florissant, 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 involves crossing state lines.
- 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.
Florissant, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Fighting Gun Crime Charges in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte
When facing gun crime charges in Florissant, 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 Knowledge or Intent
In many Florissant, 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
Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO were lawful and justified.
When you’re facing gun crime charges in or around Florissant, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Florissant, 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 provides expertise in the following areas for Florissant, 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
Florissant, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Why Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri?
A gun crime conviction in Florissant, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Florissant, 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 arguments.
- Personalized Legal Strategy: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Florissant, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your situation.
- Negotiation Experise: In many cases, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges, probation, or alternative sentencing options.
- Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: Should your case go to trial, your lawyer will advocate aggressively to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.
Gun Crime Charges in Florissant, MO? Let the Combs Waterkotte Experts Help You Defend Your Case Today
If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in or around Florissant, 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 right now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for a free case review with a Florissant, MO gun crime lawyer.