Dallas County, MO

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

Whether you’re facing gun crime charges in Dallas County, 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.

Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or connect online for a free, confidential consultation. Discuss your case with a skilled criminal defense attorney who understands the complexities of Dallas County, MO law. With over 40 years of experience and a proven track record of successfully handling 10,000+ cases in Missouri, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is here to help.

Dallas County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws

While Dallas 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: Certain areas, such as schools, courthouses, and specific private properties, restrict gun possession without explicit authorization.
• Prohibited Persons: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.

Dallas 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 Dallas County, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

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

• Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
• Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
• Carrying a concealed weapon in or around Dallas County, MO without proper authorization.
• Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
• Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, like robbery or assault in Dallas County, MO.
• Modifying firearms or accessories illegally.

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 Dallas 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 defines situations in which firearm possession is considered unlawful, including:

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

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

If you’re facing charges, a qualified Dallas County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, scrutinize the evidence, and work to protect your rights.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action in Dallas County, 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, someone committing a burglary while armed could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.

Armed criminal action in Dallas 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:

• Thoroughly examine the facts and evidence in your case.
• Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
• Implement a tailored defense strategy suited to your Dallas County, MO case.

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 charged with this crime, an experienced Combs Waterkotte Dallas 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 Dallas County, MO consider possession of a defaced firearm a serious matter due to its association with criminal activity, including stolen weapons. Under Missouri law, this offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.

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

Dallas County, 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 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.

Dallas County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Challenging Gun Crime Charges in Missouri

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

• Lack of Knowledge or Intent
  For a conviction in Dallas 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.
• Unlawful Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Dallas County, 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 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.

When you’re accused of a gun crime in Dallas County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Dallas County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable gun crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Dallas County, 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

Dallas County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Combs Waterkotte Gun Crime Lawyer

A gun crime conviction in Dallas County, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Dallas County, 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 Dallas County, 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: Should your case go to trial, your lawyer will advocate aggressively to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.

Facing a Gun Crime in Dallas County, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in Dallas County, 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.

Contact Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP right away or connect with us online for a free case review with a Dallas County, MO gun crime lawyer.