Gun crime lawyer in Harrisonville, MO. Missouri’s relatively relaxed stance on firearms does not mean violations are taken lightly. Owning a firearm legally in Harrisonville, 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 Harrisonville, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Harrisonville, MO.
Don’t wait – call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation. Work with an expert criminal defense attorney who has the expertise to help in Harrisonville, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.
Harrisonville, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Breaking Down Missouri’s Gun Laws
Harrisonville, MO law respects the right to bear arms, supporting open carry and issuing concealed carry permits under certain guidelines. However, the state enforces several restrictions:
- Improper Use: Using a firearm for threats or criminal purposes can lead to significant penalties.
- Restricted Areas: Firearms are prohibited in schools, courthouses, and other designated zones unless authorized.
- Prohibited Persons: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.
Harrisonville, 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 Harrisonville, MO, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in Harrisonville, MO, such as:
- Discharging a firearm in certain areas, including firing a gun while intoxicated.
- Displaying a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
- Carrying a concealed weapon in or around Harrisonville, MO without proper authorization.
- Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
- Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, such as robbery or assault in Harrisonville, MO.
- Modifying firearms or accessories illegally.
Potential 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 life in prison.
If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Harrisonville, 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:
- Possession by a Felon
- Underage Possession
- Possession by Certain Offenders
- Federal Restrictions
Unlawful possession of a firearm is a Class C felony, unless an individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior unlawful possession conviction in Harrisonville, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.
If you’re facing these charges, an experienced Harrisonville, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, scrutinize the evidence, and work to protect your freedom.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action is a significant charge in Harrisonville, 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.
Armed criminal action is treated as a separate felony offense in Harrisonville, MO, with mandatory minimum sentence requirements, including 3 years for a first offense, 5 years for a second offense, and 10 years for a third offense. These complex charges and sentences make it crucial to have a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side who can:
- Analyze your case details for potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.
- Negotiate to mitigate or dismiss armed criminal action enhancements.
- Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Harrisonville, 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.
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 facing these charges in Harrisonville, 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 Harrisonville, 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.
Cass County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Cass County and Missouri.
Harrisonville, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Facing Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri
Federal firearm charges throughout the Harrisonville, MO area carry grave consequences, often resulting in substantial penalties, including mandatory prison sentences and hefty fines. Federal charges typically arise in Harrisonville, MO gun crimes 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.
- Aggravating circumstances, such as ties to organized crime or large-scale firearm distribution or smuggling, are present.
Harrisonville, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Fighting Gun Crime Charges in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte
The Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorneys in Harrisonville, MO, employ several effective strategies to counter gun crime charges. Common defenses include:
- Lack of Intent or Awareness
For a conviction in Harrisonville, 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. - Unreasonable Search & Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If Harrisonville, 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 Harrisonville, MO were lawful and justified.
When you are facing gun crime charges in the Harrisonville, MO area and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Harrisonville, 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 Harrisonville 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
Harrisonville, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Combs Waterkotte Gun Crime Lawyer
Facing a gun crime conviction in Harrisonville, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Harrisonville, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. Combs Waterkotte offers:
- Expert Case Analysis: 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 Harrisonville, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your situation.
- Negotiation Experise: In many cases, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges, probation, or alternative sentencing options.
- Assertive Trial Representation: If trial is necessary for your Harrisonville, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.
Gun Crime Charges in Harrisonville, MO? Let the Combs Waterkotte Experts Help You Defend Your Case Today
If you’re facing gun crime charges in the Harrisonville, 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 Harrisonville, MO gun crime lawyer.