Gun crime lawyer in Taney 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 Taney County, MO. Knowing these situations is essential for protecting your rights and your future.
If you’re charged with a gun crime in Taney County, MO – whether for unlawful possession, displaying a firearm, or using a gun during another offense – hiring a skilled gun crime lawyer in Taney County is your first step toward protecting your freedom.
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 Taney County, 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.
Taney County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: An Overview of Missouri Gun Laws
While Taney County, 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: Displaying a firearm in a threatening way or using it during the commission of a crime can result in serious legal consequences.
- Restricted Zones: Certain areas, such as schools, courthouses, and specific private properties, restrict gun possession without explicit authorization.
- Prohibited Persons: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.
Taney County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: A Guide to Missouri Gun Crimes
The skillful and experienced Combs Waterkotte legal team handles a variety of gun crimes in and around Taney 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 Taney County, MO, including:
- Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
- Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
- Carrying concealed weapons in Taney County, MO without proper permission.
- Possession in prohibited areas in Taney County, MO.
- Use of a weapon while committing a crime, such as robbery or assault in the Taney County, MO area.
- Illegal modifications or accessories.
Potential legal consequences 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 Taney County, MO can lead to serious penalties, including a permanent loss of your firearm rights. 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 defines situations in which firearm possession is considered 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 Taney County, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.
If you’re facing these charges, an experienced Taney County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to protect your freedom.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action in Taney County, 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, assault, drug trafficking, and burglary. For instance, an individual charged with robbery while armed with a gun could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.
Armed criminal action in Taney County, 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:
- Investigate the circumstances of your case.
- Negotiate to mitigate or dismiss armed criminal action enhancements.
- Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Taney County, MO.
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
The unlawful transfer of weapons in Taney County, MO involves selling, loaning, leasing, giving away, or otherwise providing 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 charges in Taney County, MO, act quickly to secure legal representation. A knowledgeable Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can protect your rights and work to get the best possible outcome for your case. Call (314) 900-HELP right away or contact us 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 Taney County, 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.
Taney County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Taney County and Missouri.
Taney County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: What Escalates a State Charge to a Federal Gun Crime?
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 Taney County, MO 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.
Taney County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Defending Against Gun Crimes in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte
Here are a few common defenses for gun crimes the Combs Waterkotte Taney County, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges in Missouri:
- Lack of Intent or Awareness
For a conviction in Taney 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. - Illegal Search & Seizure
Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in Taney County, MO. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, this can form the basis for a strong defense. - Self-Defense
Taney County, MO laws allow 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.
If you are facing gun crime charges in Taney County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing a leading gun crime lawyer in Taney County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting 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 offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Taney 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
Taney County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Combs Waterkotte Gun Crime Lawyer
A gun crime conviction in Taney County, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Taney County, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. Combs Waterkotte offers:
- 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 Taney County, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we create a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
- Personable Negotiation Skills: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
- Assertive Trial Representation: Should your case go to trial, your lawyer will advocate aggressively to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.
Charged With a Gun Crime in Taney County, MO? Consult a Skilled Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte
If you’re facing gun crime charges in the Taney County, MO area, don’t delay securing expert legal representation. Acting quickly can significantly improve your ability to build a compelling defense and get the best possible outcome. Protect your rights, your future, and get the professional legal guidance you need during this challenging time.
Contact Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for a free case review with a Taney County, MO gun crime lawyer.