Jefferson County, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Jefferson County, MO. Missouri’s relatively relaxed stance on firearms does not mean violations are taken lightly. Owning a firearm legally in Jefferson County, 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.

Whether you’re facing gun crime charges in Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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.

Jefferson County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws

Jefferson County, 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:

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

Jefferson County, 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 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 Jefferson County, MO, including:

• Discharging a firearm in certain areas, including firing a gun while intoxicated.
• Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
• Carrying a concealed weapon in Jefferson County, MO without proper permission.
• Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
• Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, like robbery or assault in the Jefferson County, MO area.
• Illegal modifications or accessories.

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.

Facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Jefferson County, MO can lead to serious penalties, including a permanent loss of your firearm rights. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help. Call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

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
• Possession by Minors
• Possession by Certain Offenders
• Federal Firearm 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 unlawful possession conviction in Jefferson County, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.

If you’re facing charges, an experienced Jefferson County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, scrutinize the evidence, and fight to protect your freedom.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action is a serious offense in Jefferson County, MO involving the use, display, or possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony. This charge is not independent but serves as an enhancement to the underlying 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 in Jefferson 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:

• Analyze your case details for potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.
• Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
• Implement a tailored defense strategy suited to your Jefferson County, MO case.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in Jefferson County, MO refers to the act of selling, loaning, leasing, giving away, or delivering firearms or other weapons to individuals who are prohibited from 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 allegations, securing an experienced Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer in Jefferson County, MO is essential to pursue the best outcome for your case. Contact us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Possession of a Defaced Firearm

A defaced firearm is one where the manufacturer’s serial number, or any other identifying markings, have been intentionally altered, removed, or destroyed. Law enforcement in Jefferson County, MO treats the offense of possession of a defaced firearm seriously because they are often linked to criminal activity, like stolen guns used in other crimes. This offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.

Jefferson County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Facing 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 Jefferson County, MO when:

• The crime spans across state borders.
• A gun is involved in federal offenses like drug trafficking, terrorism, or interstate violence.
• Aggravating circumstances, such as ties to organized crime or large-scale firearm distribution or smuggling, are present.

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

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

• Lack of Intent or Awareness
  In many Jefferson 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.
• Illegal Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Jefferson 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
  Jefferson 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.

If you’re accused of a gun crime in or around Jefferson County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing a leading gun crime lawyer in Jefferson 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 lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Jefferson 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

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

A gun crime conviction in Jefferson County, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Jefferson County, MO ensures your case is handled with expertise, compassion, and diligence. Combs Waterkotte provides:

• 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 case.
• Personalized Legal Strategy: Using in-depth knowledge of Jefferson County, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we design a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
• Personable Negotiation Skills: In many cases, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges, probation, or alternative sentencing options.
• Assertive Trial 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 Jefferson County, MO? Let the Combs Waterkotte Experts Help You Defend Your Case Today

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

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