Springfield, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Springfield, MO. Missouri’s relatively relaxed stance on firearms does not mean violations are taken lightly. Owning a firearm legally in Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Springfield, 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 Springfield, 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.

Springfield, 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:

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

Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

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

• Firing a weapon in restricted areas or under the influence of alcohol.
• Displaying a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying a concealed weapon in Springfield, MO without proper authorization.
• Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
• Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, such as robbery or assault in Springfield, MO.
• Making illegal alterations or attachments to firearms.

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.

Facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Springfield, 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 defines situations in which firearm possession is considered unlawful, including:

• Felon Possession
• Possession by Minors
• Possession by Certain Offenders
• Federal Firearm Restrictions

Unlawful possession of a firearm is a Class C felony, unless the individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior unlawful possession conviction in Springfield, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.

If you’re dealing with charges, a qualified Springfield, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, scrutinize the evidence, and work to protect your freedom.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action in Springfield, 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 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 Springfield, MO defense lawyer who can:

• Thoroughly examine the facts and evidence in your case.
• Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
• Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Springfield, MO.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in Springfield, MO refers to the act of selling, leasing, loaning, giving away, or delivering firearms or other weapons to individuals who are prohibited from owning or 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO consider possession of a defaced firearm a serious matter due to its association with criminal activity, including stolen weapons. Under Missouri law, this offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.

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

Springfield, 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.
• There are aggravating factors, such as involvement with organized crime or large-scale trafficking.

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

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

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

When you’re facing gun crime charges in Springfield, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting a leading gun crime lawyer in Springfield, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed gun crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Springfield, 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

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

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

• Thorough Evidence Review: Your attorney will analyze every aspect of your case, from police procedures to forensic evidence, to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
• Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of Springfield, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we design a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
• Strong Negotiation Capabilities: Our lawyers are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to secure reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal when possible.
• Skilled Courtroom Representation: If trial is necessary for your Springfield, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.

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

If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in or around Springfield, 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. Take proactive steps to protect your future with the guidance of experienced legal professionals.

Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case review with a Springfield, MO gun crime lawyer.