Branson, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Branson, 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 Branson, MO. Knowing these situations is essential for protecting your rights and your future.

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

Branson, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Breaking Down Missouri’s Gun Laws

While Branson, 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:

• Use of a Firearm: Brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner or using it in criminal activities can result in severe penalties.
• Restricted Zones: Firearms are prohibited in schools, courthouses, and other designated zones unless authorized.
• Restricted Individuals: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.

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

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

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in Branson, MO, such as:

• Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
• Brandishing a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying a concealed weapon in or around Branson, MO without proper authorization.
• Possession in prohibited areas in Branson, MO.
• Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, such as robbery or assault in Branson, MO.
• 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.

If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Branson, 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:

• Felon Possession
• 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 Branson, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.

If you’re facing charges, a qualified Branson, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, scrutinize the evidence, and fight to protect your freedom.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action is a significant charge in Branson, 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 instance, an individual charged with robbery while armed with a gun 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 Branson, MO defense lawyer who can:

• Investigate the circumstances of your case.
• Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Branson, MO armed criminal action charge.
• Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Branson, MO.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in Branson, 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 Branson, 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 Branson, 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.

Branson, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Facing Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri

Branson, MO gun crimes can sometimes escalate to federal offenses, bringing harsher penalties and stricter enforcement. Federal gun charges often come into play when:

• The crime involves crossing state lines.
• A gun is involved in federal offenses like drug trafficking, terrorism, or interstate violence.
• Cases include serious factors such as organized crime affiliations or large-scale arms trafficking.

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

When facing gun crime charges in Branson, 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
  For many gun crimes in Branson, MO, 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.
• Unreasonable Search & Seizure
  Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in Branson, MO. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, this can form the basis for a strong defense.
• 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 Branson, MO were lawful and justified.

When you’re accused of a gun crime in the Branson, MO area and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal gun crime lawyer in Branson, MO and throughout Missouri – you are 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 Branson, 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

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

Facing a gun crime conviction in Branson, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Branson, MO ensures your case receives professional attention and a strategic approach. Combs Waterkotte offers:

• Thorough Evidence Review: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• Personalized Legal Strategy: Using in-depth knowledge of Branson, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we create a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
• 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 Branson, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.

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

If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in Branson, MO, 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 at (314) 900-HELP right away or reach out online for a free case review with a Branson, MO gun crime lawyer.