Buchanan County, MO

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

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

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

While Buchanan County, 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.
• Prohibited Locations: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
• Disqualified Individuals: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.

Buchanan County, 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 and around Buchanan County, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

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

• Discharging a firearm in certain areas, including firing a gun while intoxicated.
• Brandishing a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying a concealed weapon in or around Buchanan County, MO without proper authorization.
• Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
• Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, such as robbery or assault in Buchanan County, MO.
• Modifying firearms or accessories illegally.

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.

Facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Buchanan County, 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 details the conditions under which possession of a firearm is prohibited, including:

• Possession by a Felon
• Underage Possession
• Possession by Certain Offenders
• Federal 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 Buchanan County, MO unlawful possession of a firearm in which case it’s a Class B felony.

If you’re dealing with these charges, a qualified Buchanan County, 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 is a significant charge in Buchanan 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 robbery, assault, drug trafficking, and burglary. For instance, committing assault with a weapon could lead to both assault and armed criminal action charges.

Armed criminal action in Buchanan County, 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:

• Investigate the circumstances of your case.
• Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
• Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Buchanan County, MO.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in Buchanan County, MO involves selling, loaning, leasing, 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 charged with this crime, an experienced Combs Waterkotte Buchanan County, 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

Possessing a firearm with defaced markings, such as removed or altered serial numbers, is a criminal offense. Authorities in Buchanan County, MO consider possession of a defaced firearm a serious matter due to its association with criminal activity, including stolen weapons. This offense is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.

Buchanan County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: What Escalates a State Charge to a Federal Gun Crime?

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

• Firearms are involved in crimes crossing state lines.
• Weapons are used in federal offenses like drug smuggling, acts of terrorism, or violent interstate offenses.
• Cases include serious factors such as organized crime affiliations or large-scale arms trafficking.

Buchanan County, 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 Buchanan County, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges in Missouri:

• Lack of Knowledge or Intent
  For a conviction in Buchanan County, 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.
• Illegal Search & Seizure
  Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in Buchanan County, 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 Buchanan County, MO were lawful and justified.

If you are accused of a gun crime in the Buchanan County, MO area and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring a leading gun crime lawyer in Buchanan County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed gun crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Buchanan County 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

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

Facing a gun crime conviction in Buchanan County, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Buchanan County, MO ensures your case is handled with expertise, compassion, and diligence. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide:

• Thorough Evidence Review: Your attorney will meticulously review all evidence, including witness statements and police reports, to identify all weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of Buchanan County, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we create a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
• Negotiation Experise: In many cases, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges, probation, or alternative sentencing options.
• Skilled Courtroom Representation: If trial is necessary for your Buchanan County, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.

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

If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in Buchanan 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. 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 to schedule a free case review with a Buchanan County, MO gun crime lawyer.