Pulaski County, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Pulaski County, 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 Pulaski County, MO. Knowing these situations is essential for protecting your rights and your future.

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

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 Pulaski County, 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.

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

Pulaski County, 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:

• Improper Use: Displaying a firearm in a threatening way or using it during the commission of a crime can result in serious legal consequences.
• Restricted Zones: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
• Prohibited Persons: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.

Pulaski County, 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 Pulaski County, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common charges in Missouri, encompassing a variety of situations in Pulaski County, MO, including:

• 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 Pulaski County, MO without proper authorization.
• Possessing a firearm in Pulaski County, MO prohibited areas.
• Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, like robbery or assault in the Pulaski County, MO area.
• 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.

Facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Pulaski County, MO can lead to serious penalties, including permanently losing your right to carry arms. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070 outlines the circumstances under which possession of a firearm becomes unlawful, including:

• Possession by a Felon
• Underage Possession
• Possession by Certain Offenders
• Federal Firearm Restrictions

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

If you’re facing these charges, a qualified Pulaski County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, challenge the evidence, and work to protect your rights.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action in Pulaski County, 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 robbery, drug trafficking, assault, or burglary. For example, 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 Pulaski County, MO defense lawyer who can:

• Investigate the circumstances of your case.
• Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Pulaski County, MO armed criminal action charge.
• Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Pulaski County, MO.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in Pulaski County, MO refers to the act of selling, leasing, loaning, 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 Pulaski County, 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

A defaced firearm is one where identifying markings, like the serial number, have been intentionally altered, removed, or destroyed. Law enforcement in Pulaski County, 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.

Pulaski County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Facing Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri

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 Pulaski County, MO when:

• Firearms are involved in crimes 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.

Pulaski County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Challenging Gun Crime Charges in Missouri

The Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorneys in Pulaski County, MO, employ several effective strategies to counter gun crime charges. Common defenses include:

• Lack of Intent or Awareness
  For a conviction in Pulaski County, 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
  Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in Pulaski County, MO. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, this can form the basis for a strong defense.
• 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 Pulaski County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Pulaski County, 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 offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Pulaski County 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

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

Facing a gun crime conviction in Pulaski County, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Pulaski County, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. Combs Waterkotte offers:

• Thorough Evidence Review: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of Pulaski County, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we create a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
• Personable Negotiation Skills: In many cases, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges, probation, or alternative sentencing options.
• Skilled Courtroom Representation: If trial is necessary for your Pulaski County, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.

Facing a Gun Crime in Pulaski County, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in the Pulaski County, MO area, 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. Protect your rights, your future, and get the professional legal guidance you need during this challenging time.

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