Hazelwood, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Hazelwood, MO. Missouri’s relatively relaxed stance on firearms does not mean violations are taken lightly. Owning a firearm legally in Hazelwood, MO doesn’t exempt you from potential charges if the gun is used or possessed under prohibited circumstances. Understanding Missouri’s complex gun laws is vital for avoiding legal trouble.

Facing gun crime charges, such as illegal possession, improper brandishing, or gun use in the commission of a crime in Hazelwood, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Hazelwood, MO.

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 Hazelwood, 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.

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

While Hazelwood, 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.
• Restricted Zones: Certain areas, such as schools, courthouses, and specific private properties, restrict gun possession without explicit authorization.
• Prohibited Persons: Those with felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, or active protective orders are legally prohibited from owning or carrying firearms.

Hazelwood, 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 and around Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO, including:

• Firing a weapon in restricted areas or under the influence of alcohol.
• Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
• Carrying a concealed weapon in Hazelwood, MO without proper authorization.
• Possession in prohibited areas in Hazelwood, MO.
• Use of a weapon while committing a crime, such as robbery or assault in the Hazelwood, MO area.
• Illegal modifications or accessories.

Possible 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 Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.

If you’re facing charges, a qualified Hazelwood, 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 is a significant charge in Hazelwood, 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 robbery, drug trafficking, assault, or burglary. For example, 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 Hazelwood, 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.
• Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Hazelwood, 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 facing these charges in Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, 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. This offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.

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

Hazelwood, 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.

Hazelwood, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Challenging Gun Crime Charges in Missouri

When facing gun crime charges in Hazelwood, 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
  For a conviction in Hazelwood, MO, prosecutors must prove you acted knowingly. We might argue that you were unaware of the firearm’s presence or lacked intent to commit a crime.
• Unlawful Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Hazelwood, MO law enforcement obtained evidence, such as a gun, through illegal stops, frisks, or searches of your vehicle or property, we can seek to suppress that evidence.
• Self-Defense
  Missouri law allows the use of force, including deadly force, in self-defense if you reasonably believed you were in imminent danger of harm or death and the use of force was necessary to prevent that harm.

When you are accused of a gun crime in or around Hazelwood, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting a leading gun crime lawyer in Hazelwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced gun crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Hazelwood 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

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

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

• Comprehensive Case Analysis: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
• Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of Hazelwood, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we design a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
• Personable Negotiation Skills: Our lawyers are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to secure reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal when possible.
• Skilled Courtroom Representation: Should your case go to trial, your lawyer will advocate aggressively to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.

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

If you’re facing gun crime charges in Hazelwood, 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 reach out online for a free case review with a Hazelwood, MO gun crime lawyer.