St. Peters, MO

Gun crime lawyer in St. Peters, MO. While Missouri gun laws are relatively permissive, the state still imposes strict penalties for violations. It is crucial to know that even if you have legally obtained a firearm, there are specific circumstances where its use or even possession may be a crime in St. Peters, MO. Understanding these intricacies of Missouri’s gun laws can be key to protecting your rights and future.

Whether you’re facing gun crime charges in St. Peters, MO or elsewhere in Missouri related to illegal possession, brandishing, or using a firearm in the commission of another crime, you need to have a skilled gun crime lawyer by your side.

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 St. Peters, 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.

St. Peters, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: An Overview of Missouri Gun Laws

While St. Peters, MO upholds the constitutional right to bear arms, allowing open carry and issuing concealed carry permits under defined conditions, there are important restrictions to be aware of:

• Improper Use: Using a firearm for threats or criminal purposes can lead to significant penalties.
• Restricted Zones: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
• Prohibited Persons: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.

St. Peters, 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. Peters, 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 St. Peters, MO, including:

• Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
• Displaying a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying a concealed weapon in St. Peters, MO without proper authorization.
• Possessing a firearm in St. Peters, MO prohibited areas.
• Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, such as robbery or assault in St. Peters, 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. Peters, 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 today 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

In Missouri, unlawful firearm possession is typically classified as a Class C felony, unless an individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior St. Peters, MO unlawful possession of a firearm in which case it’s a Class B felony.

If you’re dealing with these charges, an experienced St. Peters, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, scrutinize the evidence, and fight to protect your freedom.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action is a serious offense in St. Peters, MO involving the use, display, or possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony. This charge is not independent but serves as an enhancement to the underlying felony, such as robbery, assault, drug trafficking, and burglary. For example, someone committing a burglary while armed could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.

Armed criminal action in St. Peters, MO is classified as a separate felony with strict mandatory minimum sentences: 3 years for a first offense, 5 years for a second, and 10 years for a third. These penalties highlight the importance of having an experienced criminal defense attorney who can:

• Thoroughly examine the facts and evidence in your case.
• Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the St. Peters, MO armed criminal action charge.
• Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in St. Peters, MO.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in St. Peters, 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.

An unlawful transfer of weapons charge is a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony, depending on the severity of the case. If you’re facing these allegations, securing an experienced Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer in St. Peters, 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. Peters, 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.

St. Peters, 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. Peters, 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.
• Aggravating circumstances, such as ties to organized crime or large-scale firearm distribution or smuggling, are present.

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

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

• Lack of Intent or Awareness
  For a conviction in St. Peters, 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 St. Peters, 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. Peters, MO were lawful and justified.

If you’re facing gun crime charges in or around St. Peters, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal gun crime lawyer in St. Peters, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our experienced gun crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Peters 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. Peters, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri

Facing a gun crime conviction in St. Peters, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in St. Peters, MO ensures your case receives professional attention and a strategic approach. Combs Waterkotte offers:

• Comprehensive Case Analysis: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• Tailored Legal Strategy: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand St. Peters, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.
• Negotiation Experise: Our lawyers are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to secure reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal when possible.
• Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: Should your case go to trial, your lawyer will advocate aggressively to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.

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

If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in the St. Peters, 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.

Call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP right away or reach out online to schedule a free case review with a St. Peters, MO gun crime lawyer.