Franklin County, MO

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

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

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 Franklin 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.

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

While Franklin 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:

• Use of a Firearm: Brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner or using it in criminal activities can result in severe penalties.
• Prohibited Locations: Certain areas, such as schools, courthouses, and specific private properties, restrict gun possession without explicit authorization.
• Restricted Individuals: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.

Franklin 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 Franklin 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 Franklin County, MO, including:

• Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
• Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
• Carrying a concealed weapon in Franklin County, MO without proper authorization.
• Possession in prohibited areas in Franklin County, MO.
• Use of a weapon while committing a crime, such as robbery or assault in the Franklin County, MO area.
• Modifying firearms or accessories illegally.

Possible legal consequences 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 Franklin County, MO can lead to serious penalties, including permanently losing your right to carry arms. 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:

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

Unlawful possession of a firearm is a Class C felony, unless the individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior Franklin 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 Franklin County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to protect your future.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action in Franklin County, MO involves using, displaying, or possessing 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 example, someone committing a burglary while armed 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 Franklin County, MO defense lawyer who can:

• Thoroughly examine the facts and evidence in your case.
• Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Franklin County, MO armed criminal action charge.
• Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Franklin County, MO.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in Franklin County, MO refers to the act of selling, leasing, loaning, giving away, or otherwise providing firearms or other weapons to individuals who are legally prohibited from owning or 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 charges in Franklin County, MO, act quickly to secure legal representation. A knowledgeable Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can protect your rights and work to get the best possible outcome for your case. Call (314) 900-HELP right away or contact us 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 Franklin 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.

Franklin County, 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 Franklin County, MO 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.

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

When facing gun crime charges in Franklin County, 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 Intent or Awareness
  In many Franklin 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
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Franklin County, MO law enforcement obtained evidence, such as a gun, through illegal stops, frisks, or searches of your vehicle or property, we can seek to suppress that evidence.
• Self-Defense
  Franklin County, MO laws allow 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 are facing gun crime charges in Franklin County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Franklin County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced gun crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Franklin 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

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

Facing a gun crime conviction in Franklin County, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Franklin County, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide:

• Thorough Evidence Review: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
• Tailored Legal Strategy: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Franklin County, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.
• Strong Negotiation Capabilities: In many cases, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges, probation, or alternative sentencing options.
• Skilled Courtroom Representation: Should your case go to trial, your lawyer will advocate aggressively to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.

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

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