St. Louis, MO

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

Facing gun crime charges, such as illegal possession, improper brandishing, or gun use in the commission of a crime in St. Louis, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in St. Louis, MO.

Don’t wait – call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation. Work with an expert criminal defense attorney who has the expertise to help in St. Louis, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.

St. Louis, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws

St. Louis, 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: 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.

St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

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

• Discharging a firearm in certain areas, including firing a gun while intoxicated.
• Displaying a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying concealed weapons in St. Louis, MO without proper authorization.
• Possessing a firearm in St. Louis, MO prohibited areas.
• Use of a weapon while committing a crime, like robbery or assault in St. Louis, MO.
• 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 St. Louis, 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:

• Felon Possession
• Underage Possession
• Possession by Certain Offenders
• Federal Firearm 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 prior unlawful possession charges in St. Louis, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.

If you’re dealing with these charges, a qualified St. Louis, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, challenge the evidence, and work to protect your freedom.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action is a significant charge in St. Louis, 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 robbery, drug trafficking, assault, or burglary. For example, committing assault with a weapon could lead to both assault and armed criminal action charges.

Armed criminal action is treated as a separate felony offense in St. Louis, 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:

• Investigate the circumstances of your case.
• Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the St. Louis, MO armed criminal action charge.
• Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in St. Louis, MO.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in St. Louis, MO involves selling, leasing, loaning, giving away, or delivering firearms or other weapons to individuals who are legally 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 St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO consider possession of a defaced firearm a serious matter due to its association with criminal activity, including stolen weapons. This offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.

St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO when:

• The crime spans across state borders.
• A gun is involved in federal offenses like drug trafficking, terrorism, or interstate violence.
• Aggravating circumstances, such as ties to organized crime or large-scale firearm distribution or smuggling, are present.

St. Louis, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Challenging Gun Crime Charges in Missouri

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

• Lack of Knowledge or Intent
  For a conviction in St. Louis, 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
  Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in St. Louis, MO. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, this can form the basis for a strong defense.
• 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 St. Louis, MO were lawful and justified.

When you are facing gun crime charges in or around St. Louis, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the ideal gun crime lawyer in St. Louis, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable gun crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Louis 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

St. Louis, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri

A gun crime conviction in St. Louis, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in St. Louis, MO ensures your case is handled with expertise, compassion, and diligence. 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 case.
• Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of St. Louis, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we create 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.
• Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: If your St. Louis, MO case proceeds to court, our experienced gun crime lawyers will fight vigorously to defend your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

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

If you’re facing gun crime charges in or around St. Louis, 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 at (314) 900-HELP right away or connect with us online for a free case review with a St. Louis, MO gun crime lawyer.