Gun crime lawyer in Blue Springs, 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 Blue Springs, 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 Blue Springs, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Blue 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 Blue Springs, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.
Blue Springs, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: An Overview of Missouri Gun Laws
While Blue Springs, 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:
- Unlawful Use: Using a firearm for threats or criminal purposes can lead to significant penalties.
- Restricted Areas: Certain areas, such as schools, courthouses, and specific private properties, restrict gun possession without explicit authorization.
- Disqualified Individuals: Those with felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, or active protective orders are legally prohibited from owning or carrying firearms.
Blue 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 Blue Springs, 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 Blue Springs, MO, including:
- Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
- Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
- Carrying a concealed weapon in or around Blue Springs, MO without proper authorization.
- Possessing a firearm in Blue Springs, MO prohibited areas.
- Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, such as robbery or assault in Blue Springs, MO.
- Making illegal alterations or attachments to firearms.
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 Blue Springs, MO can lead to serious penalties, including permanently losing your right to carry arms. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help. Give us a 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:
- Felon Possession
- 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 Blue Springs, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.
If you’re dealing with charges, a qualified Blue Springs, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, scrutinize the evidence, and fight to protect your future.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action is a serious offense in Blue Springs, MO 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, someone committing a burglary while armed could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.
Armed criminal action is treated as a separate felony offense in Blue Springs, 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.
- Implement a tailored defense strategy suited to your Blue Springs, MO case.
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
The unlawful transfer of weapons in Blue Springs, MO involves selling, loaning, leasing, giving away, or delivering firearms or other weapons to individuals who are legally prohibited from owning or 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 charged with this crime, an experienced Combs Waterkotte Blue 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
A defaced firearm is one where identifying markings, like the serial number, have been intentionally altered, removed, or obliterated. Law enforcement in Blue Springs, 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 categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.
Jackson County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jackson County and Missouri.
Blue 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 Blue Springs, MO 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.
- Aggravating circumstances, such as ties to organized crime or large-scale firearm distribution or smuggling, are present.
Blue Springs, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Fighting Gun Crime Charges in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte
When facing gun crime charges in Blue Springs, 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 Blue 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. - Unreasonable Search & Seizure
Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in Blue Springs, MO. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, this can form the basis for a strong defense. - Self-Defense
Blue Springs, MO laws allow 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.
If you are accused of a gun crime in Blue Springs, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting a leading gun crime lawyer in Blue Springs, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re 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 Blue Springs 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
Blue Springs, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri
A gun crime conviction in Blue Springs, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Blue Springs, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. Combs Waterkotte offers:
- Thorough Evidence Review: 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 Blue Springs, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we design a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
- Negotiation Experise: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
- Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: If your Blue Springs, 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 Blue Springs, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in the Blue Springs, MO area, 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. Take proactive steps to protect your future with the guidance of experienced legal professionals.
Call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP right away or reach out online for a free case review with a Blue Springs, MO gun crime lawyer.