Jefferson City, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Jefferson City, MO. Missouri’s relatively relaxed stance on firearms does not mean violations are taken lightly. Owning a firearm legally in Jefferson City, 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 Jefferson City, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Jefferson City, MO.

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 Jefferson City, 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.

Jefferson City, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: An Overview of Missouri Gun Laws

Jefferson City, 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.
• Prohibited Locations: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
• Prohibited Persons: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.

Jefferson City, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Key Facts and Penalties of Missouri Gun Crimes

The skillful and experienced Combs Waterkotte legal team handles a variety of gun crimes in Jefferson City, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

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

• Firing a weapon in restricted areas or under the influence of alcohol.
• Displaying a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying a concealed weapon in or around Jefferson City, MO without proper permission.
• Possession in prohibited areas in Jefferson City, MO.
• Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, like robbery or assault in Jefferson City, MO.
• Making illegal alterations or attachments to firearms.

Potential 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 life in prison.

If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Jefferson City, 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 details the conditions under which possession of a firearm is prohibited, including:

• Felon Possession
• Possession by Minors
• Possession by Certain Offenders
• Federal Firearm 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 prior unlawful possession charges in Jefferson City, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.

If you’re dealing with charges, a qualified Jefferson City, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to protect your rights.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action in Jefferson City, 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, drug trafficking, assault, or burglary. For instance, someone committing a burglary while armed could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.

Armed criminal action is treated as a separate felony offense in Jefferson City, 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:

• 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 Jefferson City, MO.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in Jefferson City, MO involves 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 Jefferson City, 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 Jefferson City, 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.

Jefferson City, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: What Escalates a State Charge to a Federal Gun Crime?

Federal firearm charges throughout the Jefferson City, MO area carry grave consequences, often resulting in substantial penalties, including mandatory prison sentences and hefty fines. Federal charges typically arise in Jefferson City, MO gun crimes 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.

Jefferson City, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Defending Against Gun Crimes in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte

When facing gun crime charges in Jefferson City, 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 Knowledge or Intent
  For many gun crimes in Jefferson City, MO, the prosecution must prove that you knowingly committed the offense. Our defense attorneys might argue that you were unaware of the gun’s presence or that you didn’t knowingly violate the law.
• Illegal Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Jefferson City, 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 Jefferson City, MO were lawful and justified.

When you are facing gun crime charges in the Jefferson City, MO area and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring a leading gun crime lawyer in Jefferson City, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our experienced gun crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Jefferson City, 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

Jefferson City, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Why Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri?

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

• Thorough Evidence Review: Your attorney will analyze every aspect of your case, from police procedures to forensic evidence, to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
• Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of Jefferson City, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we design a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
• Negotiation Experise: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
• Assertive Trial Representation: Should your case go to trial, your lawyer will advocate aggressively to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.

Charged With a Gun Crime in Jefferson City, MO? Consult a Skilled Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte

If you’re facing gun crime charges in Jefferson City, 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. Take proactive steps to protect your future with the guidance of experienced legal professionals.

Call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP right away or connect with us online to schedule a free case review with a Jefferson City, MO gun crime lawyer.