Liberty, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Liberty, 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 Liberty, 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 Liberty, 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.

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 Liberty, 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.

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

Liberty, 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: Displaying a firearm in a threatening way or using it during the commission of a crime can result in serious legal consequences.
• Prohibited Locations: Certain areas, such as schools, courthouses, and specific private properties, restrict gun possession without explicit authorization.
• Disqualified Individuals: Those with felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, or active protective orders are legally prohibited from owning or carrying firearms.

Liberty, 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 Liberty, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

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

• Discharging a firearm in certain areas, including firing a gun while intoxicated.
• Brandishing a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying a concealed weapon in or around Liberty, MO without proper permission.
• Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
• Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, such as robbery or assault in Liberty, MO.
• Modifying firearms or accessories illegally.

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 Liberty, 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:

• Possession by a Felon
• 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 Liberty, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.

If you’re dealing with these charges, an experienced Liberty, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to protect your rights.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action is a serious offense in Liberty, 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 assault, burglary, robbery, or drug trafficking. For example, someone committing a burglary while armed could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.

Armed criminal action in Liberty, 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:

• Investigate the circumstances of your case.
• Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
• Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Liberty, MO.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in Liberty, MO involves selling, loaning, leasing, giving away, or otherwise providing firearms or other weapons to individuals who are prohibited from owning or possessing them.

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 facing these charges in Liberty, 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 Liberty, 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.

Liberty, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Facing Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri

Liberty, 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.
• 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.

Liberty, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Challenging Gun Crime Charges in Missouri

When facing gun crime charges in Liberty, 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 Liberty, 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.
• Unreasonable Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If Liberty, 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 Liberty, MO were lawful and justified.

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

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

A conviction for a gun crime in Liberty, MO can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Liberty, MO ensures your case receives professional attention and a strategic approach. 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 case.
• Personalized Legal Strategy: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Liberty, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.
• Strong Negotiation Capabilities: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
• Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: 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 Liberty, MO? Consult a Skilled Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte

If you’re facing gun crime charges in or around Liberty, 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.

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