Gun crime lawyer in Kennett, MO. While Missouri gun laws are relatively permissive, the state still imposes strict penalties for violations. It is crucial to know that even if you have legally obtained a firearm, there are specific circumstances where its use or even possession may be a crime in Kennett, MO. Understanding these intricacies of Missouri’s gun laws can be key to protecting your rights and future.
Whether you’re facing gun crime charges in Kennett, 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.
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 Kennett, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.
Kennett, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: An Overview of Missouri Gun Laws
Kennett, 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:
- 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: Those with felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, or active protective orders are legally prohibited from owning or carrying firearms.
Kennett, 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 Kennett, MO, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in Kennett, 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 concealed weapons in Kennett, MO without proper authorization.
- Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
- Use of a weapon while committing a crime, such as robbery or assault in Kennett, 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 even life in prison.
Facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Kennett, MO can lead to serious penalties, including permanently losing your right to carry arms. 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 defines situations in which firearm possession is considered unlawful, including:
- Felon Possession
- Underage Possession
- 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 prior unlawful possession charges in Kennett, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.
If you’re facing charges, an experienced Kennett, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, scrutinize the evidence, and work to protect your future.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action is a serious offense in Kennett, 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 assault, burglary, robbery, or drug trafficking. 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 Kennett, MO defense lawyer who can:
- Analyze your case details for potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.
- Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Kennett, MO armed criminal action charge.
- Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Kennett, MO.
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
The unlawful transfer of weapons in Kennett, MO involves selling, loaning, leasing, giving away, or delivering firearms or other weapons to individuals who are legally 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 Kennett, 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
Possessing a firearm with defaced markings, such as removed or altered serial numbers, is a criminal offense. Authorities in Kennett, MO consider possession of a defaced firearm a serious matter due to its association with criminal activity, including stolen weapons. This offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.
Dunklin County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Dunklin County and Missouri.
Kennett, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri
Kennett, MO gun crimes can sometimes escalate to federal offenses, bringing harsher penalties and stricter enforcement. Federal gun charges often come into play when:
- The crime involves crossing state lines.
- 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.
Kennett, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Challenging Gun Crime Charges in Missouri
Here are a few common defenses for gun crimes the Combs Waterkotte Kennett, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges in Missouri:
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent
For many gun crimes in Kennett, 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. - Unlawful Search & Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Kennett, 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 Kennett, MO were lawful and justified.
If you’re facing gun crime charges in the Kennett, MO area and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring a leading gun crime lawyer in Kennett, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting 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 provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Kennett 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
Kennett, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri
Facing a gun crime conviction in Kennett, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Kennett, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. Combs Waterkotte provides:
- Expert Case Analysis: Your attorney will meticulously review all evidence, including witness statements and police reports, to identify all weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
- Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of Kennett, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we create 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.
- Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: If trial is necessary for your Kennett, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.
Facing a Gun Crime in Kennett, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in Kennett, MO, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you consult a knowledgeable gun crime lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong defense and securing the best possible outcome. Protect your rights, your future, and get the professional legal guidance you need during this challenging time.
Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online to schedule a free case review with a Kennett, MO gun crime lawyer.