Ozark, MO

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

If you’re charged with a gun crime in Ozark, MO – whether for unlawful possession, displaying a firearm, or using a gun during another offense – hiring a skilled gun crime lawyer in Ozark is your first step toward protecting your freedom.

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 Ozark, 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.

Ozark, 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: Brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner or using it in criminal activities can result in severe penalties.
• Restricted Zones: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
• Disqualified Individuals: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.

Ozark, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Gun Crimes in Missouri

The skillful and experienced Combs Waterkotte legal team handles a variety of gun crimes in and around Ozark, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

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

• Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
• Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
• Carrying concealed weapons in or around Ozark, MO without proper permission.
• Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
• Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, like robbery or assault in the Ozark, MO area.
• Illegal modifications or accessories.

Possible 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 life in prison.

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

Unlawful possession of a firearm is a Class C felony, unless an individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has prior unlawful possession charges in Ozark, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.

If you’re facing charges, a qualified Ozark, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to protect your future.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action is a significant charge in Ozark, 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 Ozark, MO defense lawyer who can:

• Thoroughly examine the facts and evidence in your case.
• Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Ozark, MO armed criminal action charge.
• Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Ozark, MO.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

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

A defaced firearm is one where identifying markings, like the serial number, have been intentionally altered, removed, or destroyed. Law enforcement in Ozark, 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. Under Missouri law, this offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.

Ozark, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: What Escalates a State Charge to a Federal Gun Crime?

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 Ozark, MO 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.
• Cases include serious factors such as organized crime affiliations or large-scale arms trafficking.

Ozark, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Fighting Gun Crime Charges in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte

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

• Lack of Intent or Awareness
  For a conviction in Ozark, 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.
• Illegal Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If Ozark, 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 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 Ozark, MO were lawful and justified.

When you are accused of a gun crime in Ozark, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring a leading gun crime lawyer in Ozark, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed gun crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Ozark, 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

Ozark, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri

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

• Thorough Evidence Review: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
• Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of Ozark, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we design 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 trial is necessary for your Ozark, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.

Gun Crime Charges in Ozark, MO? Let the Combs Waterkotte Experts Help You Defend Your Case Today

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

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