Bolivar, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Bolivar, MO. Missouri’s relatively relaxed stance on firearms does not mean violations are taken lightly. Owning a firearm legally in Bolivar, 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.

Whether you’re facing gun crime charges in Bolivar, 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.

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 Bolivar, MO 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.

Bolivar, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: An Overview of Missouri Gun Laws

Bolivar, 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:

• Unlawful Use: Displaying a firearm in a threatening way or using it during the commission of a crime can result in serious legal consequences.
• Restricted Areas: Firearms are prohibited in schools, courthouses, and other designated zones unless authorized.
• Restricted Individuals: Those with felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, or active protective orders are legally prohibited from owning or carrying firearms.

Bolivar, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Key Facts and Penalties of Missouri Gun Crimes

The skillful and experienced Combs Waterkotte legal team handles a variety of gun crimes in Bolivar, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Unlawful use of a weapon refers to a range of offenses involving firearms in Bolivar, MO. These include:

• Firing a weapon in restricted areas or under the influence of alcohol.
• Displaying a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying a concealed weapon in or around Bolivar, MO without proper authorization.
• Possession in prohibited areas in Bolivar, MO.
• Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, like robbery or assault in Bolivar, MO.
• Making illegal alterations or attachments to firearms.

Possible 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 even life in prison.

If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Bolivar, 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 outlines the circumstances under which possession of a firearm becomes unlawful, including:

• Possession by a Felon
• Possession by Minors
• Possession by Certain Offenders
• Federal Firearm Restrictions

In Missouri, unlawful firearm possession is typically classified as a Class C felony, unless an individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has prior unlawful possession charges in Bolivar, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.

If you’re dealing with these charges, an experienced Bolivar, 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 Bolivar, 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, drug trafficking, assault, or burglary. For example, someone committing a burglary while armed could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.

Missouri law treats armed criminal action as a separate felony with mandatory sentencing requirements – 3 years for a first offense, 5 years for a second, and 10 years for a third. These stringent penalties require the expertise of an experienced Bolivar, MO defense lawyer who can:

• Thoroughly examine the facts and evidence in your case.
• Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Bolivar, MO armed criminal action charge.
• Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Bolivar, 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 allegations, securing an experienced Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer in Bolivar, MO is essential to pursue the best outcome for your case. Contact us today at (314) 900-HELP 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 destroyed. Law enforcement in Bolivar, 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.

Bolivar, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding 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 in Bolivar, MO when:

• Firearms are involved in crimes 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.

Bolivar, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Defending Against Gun Crimes in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte

Here are a few common defenses for gun crimes the Combs Waterkotte Bolivar, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges:

• Lack of Intent or Awareness
  For a conviction in Bolivar, 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 unreasonable searches and seizures. If Bolivar, MO 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 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 Bolivar, MO were lawful and justified.

If you are accused of a gun crime in or around Bolivar, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Bolivar, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed gun crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Bolivar, 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

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

Facing a gun crime conviction in Bolivar, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Bolivar, MO ensures your case receives professional attention and a strategic approach. 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: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Bolivar, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your situation.
• Personable Negotiation Skills: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
• Skilled Courtroom Representation: If trial is necessary for your Bolivar, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.

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

If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in the Bolivar, MO area, 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. Take proactive steps to protect your future with the guidance of experienced legal professionals.

Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online to schedule a free case review with a Bolivar, MO gun crime lawyer.