Lee’s Summit, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Lee’s Summit, 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 Lee’s Summit, MO. Knowing these situations is essential for protecting your rights and your future.

Whether you’re facing gun crime charges in Lee’s Summit, 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 Lee’s Summit, 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.

Lee’s Summit, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws

Missouri recognizes the constitutional right to bear arms, allowing open carry and granting concealed carry permits under specific conditions. However, the state imposes restrictions in several areas:

• Unlawful Use: Using a firearm for threats or criminal purposes can lead to significant penalties.
• Restricted Areas: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
• Prohibited Persons: Those with felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, or active protective orders are legally prohibited from owning or carrying firearms.

Lee’s Summit, 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 Lee’s Summit, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Unlawful use of a weapon refers to a range of offenses involving firearms in Lee’s Summit, MO. These include:

• Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
• Displaying a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying concealed weapons in or around Lee’s Summit, MO without proper authorization.
• Possession in prohibited areas in Lee’s Summit, MO.
• Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, such as robbery or assault in Lee’s Summit, 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.

If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Lee’s Summit, 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
• Underage Possession
• 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 prior unlawful possession charges in Lee’s Summit, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.

If you’re dealing with charges, an experienced Lee’s Summit, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, scrutinize the evidence, and fight to protect your future.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action in Lee’s Summit, MO involves using, displaying, or possessing a weapon during the commission of a felony. Armed criminal action is not a standalone charge, but an enhancement to a 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 is treated as a separate felony offense in Lee’s Summit, 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 to mitigate or dismiss armed criminal action enhancements.
• Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Lee’s Summit, 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.

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 Lee’s Summit, 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. Law enforcement in Lee’s Summit, 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 classified as a Class B misdemeanor.

Lee’s Summit, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: What Escalates a State Charge to a Federal Gun Crime?

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

• The crime spans across state borders.
• Weapons are used in federal offenses like drug smuggling, acts of terrorism, or violent interstate offenses.
• There are aggravating factors, such as involvement with organized crime or large-scale trafficking.

Lee’s Summit, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Fighting Gun Crime Charges in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte

When facing gun crime charges in Lee’s Summit, 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
  In many Lee’s Summit, 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 Lee’s Summit, 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 Lee’s Summit, MO were lawful and justified.

If you’re facing gun crime charges in Lee’s Summit, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal gun crime lawyer in Lee’s Summit, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable gun crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Lee’s Summit, 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

Lee’s Summit, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Why Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri?

A conviction for a gun crime in Lee’s Summit, MO can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Lee’s Summit, MO ensures your case receives professional attention and a strategic approach. 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 arguments.
• Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of Lee’s Summit, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we create a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
• Negotiation Experise: In many cases, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges, probation, or alternative sentencing options.
• Assertive Trial Representation: If your Lee’s Summit, 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 Lee’s Summit, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in or around Lee’s Summit, MO, 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. 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 reach out online to schedule a free case review with a Lee’s Summit, MO gun crime lawyer.