Gun Crime Lawyer

Gun crime lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri. 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. Understanding these intricacies of Missouri’s gun laws can be key to protecting your rights and future.

Whether you’re facing gun crime charges in St. Louis 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.

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 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.

St. Louis 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:

• Use of a Firearm: Brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner or using it in criminal activities can result in severe penalties.
• Restricted Zones: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
• Prohibited Persons: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.
• Firearms Enhancements: Crimes committed with firearms often carry enhanced penalties, making legal representation essential.

St. Louis Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Gun Crimes in Missouri

The skillful and experienced Combs Waterkotte legal team handles a variety of gun crimes in St. Louis and throughout Missouri, 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, including:

• Discharging a firearm in certain areas, including firing a gun while intoxicated.
• Displaying a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying a concealed weapon without proper authorization.
• Possession in prohibited areas.
• Use of a weapon while committing a crime, such as robbery or assault.
• Illegal modifications or accessories.

Potential 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 life in prison.

Facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in St. Louis can lead to serious penalties, including a permanent loss of your firearm rights. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help. Call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070 outlines the circumstances under which possession of a firearm becomes unlawful, 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 a prior unlawful possession of a firearm in which case it’s a Class B felony.

If you’re facing these charges, an experienced Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, challenge the evidence, and work to protect your rights.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action is a serious offense in St. Louis, involving the use, display, or possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony. Armed criminal action is not a standalone charge, but an enhancement to a felony, such as robbery, assault, drug trafficking, and burglary. For example, an individual charged with robbery while armed with a gun could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.

Armed criminal action is treated as a separate felony offense 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:

• Investigate the circumstances of your case.
• Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the armed criminal action charge.
• Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in St. Louis involves selling, leasing, loaning, giving away, or delivering firearms or other weapons to individuals who are prohibited from possessing them.

An unlawful transfer of weapons charge is a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony, depending on the severity of the case. If you’re facing these charges, 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 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.

St. Louis Gun Crime Lawyer: Facing 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 when:

• The crime involves crossing state lines.
• 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.

St. Louis Gun Crime Lawyer: Defending Against Gun Crimes in Missouri

Here are a few common defenses for gun crimes the Combs Waterkotte St. Louis criminal defense lawyers use against charges in Missouri:

• Lack of Knowledge or Intent
  For many gun crimes in St. Louis, 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.
• Illegal Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If 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 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.

St. Louis Gun Crime Lawyer: Why Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri?

A gun crime conviction in St. Louis or anywhere else in Missouri can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer ensures your case is handled with expertise, compassion, and diligence. Combs Waterkotte provides:

• Expert Case Analysis: Your attorney will meticulously review all evidence, including witness statements and police reports, to identify all weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• Personalized Legal Strategy: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand St. Louis, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your situation.
• Personable Negotiation Skills: In many cases, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges, probation, or alternative sentencing options.
• Skilled Courtroom 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 St. Louis? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re facing gun crime charges in St. Louis, 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. 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 St. Louis gun crime lawyer.