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Bollinger County, MO

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Last Updated: December 5, 2024

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

If you’re charged with a gun crime in Bollinger County, MO – whether for unlawful possession, displaying a firearm, or using a gun during another offense – hiring a skilled gun crime lawyer in Bollinger County is your first step toward protecting your freedom.

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 Bollinger County, 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.

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Bollinger County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: An Overview of Missouri Gun Laws

Bollinger County, 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:

  • Use of a Firearm: Using a firearm for threats or criminal purposes can lead to significant penalties.
  • Prohibited Locations: Certain areas, such as schools, courthouses, and specific private properties, restrict gun possession without explicit authorization.
  • Prohibited Persons: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.

Gun Crime Lawyer in Bollinger County, MO | Criminal Defense Attorney | Combs Waterkotte

Bollinger County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Gun Crimes in Missouri

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

  • Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
  • Brandishing a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
  • Carrying concealed weapons in or around Bollinger County, MO without proper permission.
  • Possessing a firearm in Bollinger County, MO prohibited areas.
  • Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, such as robbery or assault in Bollinger County, MO.
  • 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.

If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Bollinger County, 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
  • Underage Possession
  • Possession by Certain Offenders
  • Federal Firearm 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 Bollinger County, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.

If you’re dealing with charges, an experienced Bollinger County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, scrutinize the evidence, and work to protect your rights.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action is a serious offense in Bollinger County, MO involving the use, display, or possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony. This charge is not independent but serves as an enhancement to the underlying 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.

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 Bollinger County, MO defense lawyer who can:

  • Thoroughly examine the facts and evidence in your case.
  • Negotiate to mitigate or dismiss armed criminal action enhancements.
  • Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Bollinger County, MO.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

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

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 Bollinger County, 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 the manufacturer’s serial number, or any other identifying markings, have been intentionally altered, removed, or destroyed. The offense of possession of a defaced firearm is taken seriously, as these weapons are often linked to crimes in Bollinger County, MO. Under Missouri law, this offense is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.

Bollinger County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri

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

  • The crime spans across state borders.
  • The firearm was used in a federal crime, such as drug trafficking, terrorism, or a violent offense crossing state lines.
  • Cases include serious factors such as organized crime affiliations or large-scale arms trafficking.

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

The Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorneys in Bollinger County, MO, employ several effective strategies to counter gun crime charges. Common defenses include:

  • Lack of Intent or Awareness
    In many Bollinger County, 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.
  • Unlawful Search & Seizure
    Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in Bollinger County, MO. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, this can form the basis for a strong defense.
  • 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.

If you’re facing gun crime charges in the Bollinger County, MO area and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Bollinger County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable gun crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Bollinger County, MO residents:

Gun Crime Lawyer | Bollinger County, MO Criminal Defense | Gun Crime Law Firm

Bollinger County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri

A gun crime conviction in Bollinger County, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Bollinger County, MO ensures your case is handled with expertise, compassion, and diligence. Combs Waterkotte provides:

  • Thorough Evidence Review: 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 Bollinger County, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.
  • Personable Negotiation Skills: Our lawyers are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to secure reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal when possible.
  • Assertive Trial Representation: If your Bollinger County, 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 Bollinger County, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in or around Bollinger County, 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.

Contact Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free case review with a Bollinger County, MO gun crime lawyer.

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