Gun crime lawyer in Moberly, MO. Missouri’s relatively relaxed stance on firearms does not mean violations are taken lightly. Owning a firearm legally in Moberly, 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 Moberly, 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 Moberly, 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.
Moberly, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: An Overview of 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: Brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner or using it in criminal activities can result in severe penalties.
- Prohibited Locations: Firearms are prohibited in schools, courthouses, and other designated zones unless authorized.
- Restricted Individuals: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.
Moberly, 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 and around Moberly, MO, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Unlawful use of a weapon refers to a range of offenses involving firearms in Moberly, MO. These include:
- Discharging a firearm in certain areas, including firing a gun while intoxicated.
- Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
- Carrying concealed weapons in or around Moberly, MO without proper authorization.
- Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
- Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, such as robbery or assault in Moberly, 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.
If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Moberly, 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
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 Moberly, MO unlawful possession of a firearm in which case it’s a Class B felony.
If you’re dealing with charges, an experienced Moberly, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, challenge the evidence, and work to protect your future.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action in Moberly, MO involves using, displaying, or possessing a weapon during the commission of a felony. This charge enhances the severity of the primary felony, such as assault, burglary, robbery, or drug trafficking. For example, an individual charged with robbery while armed with a gun could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.
Armed criminal action is treated as a separate felony offense in Moberly, 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:
- Analyze your case details for potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.
- Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Moberly, MO armed criminal action charge.
- Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Moberly, MO.
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
The unlawful transfer of weapons in Moberly, MO refers to the act of selling, leasing, loaning, giving away, or otherwise providing 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 Moberly, 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 Moberly, 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.
Randolph County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Randolph County and Missouri.
Moberly, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: What Escalates a State Charge to a Federal Gun Crime?
Moberly, 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.
- Cases include serious factors such as organized crime affiliations or large-scale arms trafficking.
Moberly, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Defending Against Gun Crimes in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte
When facing gun crime charges in Moberly, 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 Intent or Awareness
In many Moberly, 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 Moberly, 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 Moberly, MO were lawful and justified.
When you’re facing gun crime charges in or around Moberly, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal gun crime lawyer in Moberly, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced gun crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Moberly, 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
Moberly, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Combs Waterkotte Gun Crime Lawyer
A gun crime conviction in Moberly, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Moberly, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. Combs Waterkotte provides:
- Comprehensive Case Analysis: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
- Customized Defense Planning: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Moberly, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your situation.
- Personable Negotiation Skills: In many cases, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges, probation, or alternative sentencing options.
- Assertive Trial Representation: If trial is necessary for your Moberly, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.
Facing a Gun Crime in Moberly, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing gun crime charges in the Moberly, MO area, 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 for a free case review with a Moberly, MO gun crime lawyer.