Jackson County, MO

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

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

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

While Jackson 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: Displaying a firearm in a threatening way or using it during the commission of a crime can result in serious legal consequences.
• Restricted Areas: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
• Restricted Individuals: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.

Jackson County, 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 Jackson County, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

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

• Firing a weapon in restricted areas or under the influence of alcohol.
• Brandishing a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying a concealed weapon in Jackson County, MO without proper permission.
• Possession in prohibited areas in Jackson County, MO.
• Use of a weapon while committing a crime, like robbery or assault in the Jackson County, MO area.
• 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 Jackson 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
• Underage Possession
• Possession by Certain Offenders
• Federal Firearm Restrictions

Unlawful possession of a firearm is classified as a Class C felony, unless the individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior unlawful possession conviction in Jackson County, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.

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

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action in Jackson 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, drug trafficking, assault, or burglary. For instance, 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 Jackson County, MO defense lawyer who can:

• Investigate the circumstances of your case.
• Negotiate to mitigate or dismiss armed criminal action enhancements.
• Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Jackson County, 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.

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 Jackson 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 Jackson 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.

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

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 Jackson County, MO when:

• The crime spans across state borders.
• 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.

Jackson County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Fighting Gun Crime Charges in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte

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

• Lack of Intent or Awareness
  In many Jackson 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.
• Unreasonable Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Jackson 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
  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 Jackson County, MO were lawful and justified.

When you’re accused of a gun crime in Jackson County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Jackson County, 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 attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Jackson 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

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

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

• 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.
• Personalized Legal Strategy: Using in-depth knowledge of Jackson County, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we design a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
• Strong Negotiation Capabilities: Our lawyers are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to secure reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal when possible.
• Assertive Trial Representation: If your Jackson County, MO case proceeds to court, our experienced gun crime lawyers will fight vigorously to defend your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

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

If you’re facing gun crime charges in or around Jackson County, MO, time is of the essence. The earlier you consult with a skilled gun crime lawyer, the greater your chances of building a solid defense strategy and minimizing the impact of the charges. 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 connect with us online to schedule a free case review with a Jackson County, MO gun crime lawyer.