Gun crime lawyer in Raymore, MO. Missouri’s relatively relaxed stance on firearms does not mean violations are taken lightly. Owning a firearm legally in Raymore, 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.
Facing gun crime charges, such as illegal possession, improper brandishing, or gun use in the commission of a crime in Raymore, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Raymore, MO.
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 Raymore, 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.
Raymore, 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:
- Unlawful Use: Brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner or using it in criminal activities can result in severe penalties.
- Restricted Zones: Firearms are prohibited in schools, courthouses, and other designated zones unless authorized.
- Restricted Individuals: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.
Raymore, 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 Raymore, 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 Raymore, MO, including:
- Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
- Brandishing a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
- Carrying concealed weapons in or around Raymore, 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 Raymore, MO.
- Making illegal alterations or attachments to firearms.
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 Raymore, 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
- Possession by Minors
- Possession by Certain Offenders
- Federal Restrictions
Unlawful possession of a firearm is classified as a Class C felony, unless an individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior Raymore, MO unlawful possession of a firearm in which case it’s a Class B felony.
If you’re dealing with these charges, a qualified Raymore, 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 is a significant charge in Raymore, 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 Raymore, MO defense lawyer who can:
- Thoroughly examine the facts and evidence in your case.
- Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Raymore, MO armed criminal action charge.
- Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Raymore, MO.
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
The unlawful transfer of weapons in Raymore, MO refers to the act of selling, leasing, loaning, giving away, or delivering 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 allegations, securing an experienced Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer in Raymore, 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. The offense of possession of a defaced firearm is taken seriously, as these weapons are often linked to crimes in Raymore, MO. Under Missouri law, this offense is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.
Cass County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Cass County and Missouri.
Raymore, 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 Raymore, MO when:
- Firearms are involved in crimes 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.
Raymore, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Challenging Gun Crime Charges in Missouri
When facing gun crime charges in Raymore, 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 Raymore, 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 unreasonable searches and seizures. If Raymore, 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 are accused of a gun crime in or around Raymore, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Raymore, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable gun crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Raymore, 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
Raymore, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Why Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri?
Facing a gun crime conviction in Raymore, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Raymore, MO ensures your case is handled with expertise, compassion, and diligence. Combs Waterkotte offers:
- Thorough Evidence Review: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Personalized Legal Strategy: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Raymore, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Personable Negotiation Skills: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
- Skilled Courtroom Representation: If trial is necessary for your Raymore, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.
Facing a Gun Crime in Raymore, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing gun crime charges in Raymore, 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 at (314) 900-HELP right away or connect with us online for a free case review with a Raymore, MO gun crime lawyer.