Maryville, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Maryville, 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 Maryville, 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 Maryville, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Maryville, 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 Maryville, 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.

Maryville, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws

Missouri recognizes the constitutional right to bear arms, allowing open carry and granting concealed carry permits under specific conditions. However, the state imposes restrictions in several areas:

• Improper Use: Using a firearm for threats or criminal purposes can lead to significant penalties.
• Restricted Zones: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
• Disqualified Individuals: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.

Maryville, 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 and around Maryville, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

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

• Firing a weapon in restricted areas or under the influence of alcohol.
• Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
• Carrying concealed weapons in Maryville, MO without proper authorization.
• Possessing a firearm in Maryville, MO prohibited areas.
• Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, such as robbery or assault in the Maryville, MO area.
• Modifying firearms or accessories illegally.

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 even life in prison.

If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Maryville, 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 Restrictions

In Missouri, unlawful firearm possession is typically classified as a Class C felony, unless an individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior unlawful possession conviction in Maryville, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.

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

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action in Maryville, 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 assault, burglary, robbery, or drug trafficking. For instance, committing assault with a weapon could lead to both assault 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 Maryville, 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 Maryville, MO armed criminal action charge.
• Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Maryville, 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 Maryville, 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

A defaced firearm is one where identifying markings, like the serial number, have been intentionally altered, removed, or obliterated. The offense of possession of a defaced firearm is taken seriously, as these weapons are often linked to crimes in Maryville, MO. Under Missouri law, this offense is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.

Maryville, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri

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

• The crime involves crossing state lines.
• Weapons are used in federal offenses like drug smuggling, acts of terrorism, or violent interstate offenses.
• Aggravating circumstances, such as ties to organized crime or large-scale firearm distribution or smuggling, are present.

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

Here are a few common defenses for gun crimes the Combs Waterkotte Maryville, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges in Missouri:

• Lack of Knowledge or Intent
  For a conviction in Maryville, MO, prosecutors must prove you acted knowingly. We might argue that you were unaware of the firearm’s presence or lacked intent to commit a crime.
• Unlawful Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Maryville, 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 allows 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.

When you’re accused of a gun crime in Maryville, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Maryville, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced gun crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Maryville 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

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

A conviction for a gun crime in Maryville, MO can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Maryville, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. Combs Waterkotte provides:

• 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.
• Tailored Legal Strategy: Using in-depth knowledge of Maryville, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we create a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
• Personable Negotiation Skills: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
• Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: If your Maryville, MO case proceeds to court, our experienced gun crime lawyers will fight vigorously to defend your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

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

If you’re facing gun crime charges in Maryville, 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.

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