Boonville, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Boonville, MO. Missouri gun laws, while relatively lenient, still carry severe penalties for violations. Even with a legally obtained firearm, specific circumstances can lead to criminal charges in Boonville, MO. Knowing these situations is essential for protecting your rights and your future.

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

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 Boonville, 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.

Boonville, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws

While Boonville, 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:

• Improper Use: 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 felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.

Boonville, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Gun Crimes in Missouri

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

• Firing a weapon in restricted areas or under the influence of alcohol.
• Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
• Carrying concealed weapons in Boonville, MO without proper permission.
• Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
• Use of a weapon while committing a crime, like robbery or assault in the Boonville, MO area.
• Making illegal alterations or attachments to firearms.

Penalties for unlawful use of a weapon vary, from a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines, to a Class A felony, which can carry a prison sentence of 10 to life.

Facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Boonville, MO 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 defines situations in which firearm possession is considered unlawful, including:

• Felon Possession
• Underage Possession
• Possession by Certain Offenders
• Federal Firearm Restrictions

Unlawful possession of a firearm is classified as a Class C felony, unless an individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior unlawful possession conviction in Boonville, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.

If you’re dealing with charges, a qualified Boonville, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to protect your freedom.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action in Boonville, 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, assault, drug trafficking, and burglary. For instance, an individual charged with robbery while armed with a gun could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.

Armed criminal action in Boonville, MO is classified as a separate felony with strict mandatory minimum sentences: 3 years for a first offense, 5 years for a second, and 10 years for a third. These penalties highlight the importance of having an experienced criminal defense attorney who can:

• Thoroughly examine the facts and evidence in your case.
• Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
• Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Boonville, 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.

Depending on the situation, charges for an unlawful transfer of weapons can be a Class A misdemeanor or escalate to a Class E felony. If you’re facing these allegations, securing an experienced Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer in Boonville, 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. Law enforcement in Boonville, 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.

Boonville, 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 Boonville, 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.

Boonville, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Fighting Gun Crime Charges in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte

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

• Lack of Knowledge or Intent
  In many Boonville, 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
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If Boonville, 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 Boonville, MO were lawful and justified.

If you’re facing gun crime charges in or around Boonville, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Boonville, 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 residents in Boonville 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

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

Facing a gun crime conviction in Boonville, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Boonville, 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: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Boonville, MO, 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.
• Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: If trial is necessary for your Boonville, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.

Gun Crime Charges in Boonville, MO? Let the Combs Waterkotte Experts Help You Defend Your Case Today

If you’re facing gun crime charges in or around Boonville, 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 Boonville, MO gun crime lawyer.