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Texas County, MO

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Last Updated: December 5, 2024

Gun crime lawyer in Texas County, 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 Texas County, MO. Understanding these intricacies of Missouri’s gun laws can be key to protecting your rights and future.

Facing gun crime charges, such as illegal possession, improper brandishing, or gun use in the commission of a crime in Texas County, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Texas County, 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 Texas County, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.

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Texas County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Breaking Down Missouri’s Gun Laws

Texas County, 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: Using a firearm for threats or criminal purposes can lead to significant penalties.
  • Prohibited Locations: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
  • Disqualified Individuals: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.

Gun Crime Lawyer in Texas County, MO | Criminal Defense Attorney | Combs Waterkotte

Texas County, 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 Texas 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 Texas County, MO, including:

  • Discharging a firearm in certain areas, including firing a gun while intoxicated.
  • Brandishing a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
  • Carrying a concealed weapon in or around Texas County, MO without proper permission.
  • Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
  • Use of a weapon while committing a crime, like robbery or assault in the Texas County, MO area.
  • Illegal modifications or accessories.

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 Texas 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 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 Texas County, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.

If you’re facing these charges, a qualified Texas County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and work to protect your rights.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action is a serious offense in Texas County, 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, 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 Texas County, MO defense lawyer who can:

  • Investigate the circumstances of your case.
  • Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Texas County, MO armed criminal action charge.
  • Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Texas County, MO.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

Under Missouri law, the unlawful transfer of weapons occurs when firearms or other weapons are sold, leased, or given to individuals prohibited from owning or possessing them due to legal restrictions.

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 charged with this crime, an experienced Combs Waterkotte Texas County, MO gun crime lawyer can assess your case, protect your legal rights, and fight for a favorable result. Call (314) 900-HELP right now 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 Texas 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 categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.

Texas County, 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 Texas County, MO when:

  • Firearms are involved in crimes 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.

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

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

  • Lack of Knowledge or Intent
    In many Texas County, 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.
  • Unlawful Search & Seizure
    The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Texas County, 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 Texas County, MO were lawful and justified.

When you are accused of a gun crime in Texas County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing a leading gun crime lawyer in Texas County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable gun crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Texas County, MO residents:

Gun Crime Lawyer | Texas County, MO Criminal Defense | Gun Crime Law Firm

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

Facing a gun crime conviction in Texas County, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Texas County, MO ensures your case is handled with expertise, compassion, and diligence. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide:

  • Expert Case Analysis: Your attorney will analyze every aspect of your case, from police procedures to forensic evidence, to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
  • Personalized Legal Strategy: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Texas County, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your situation.
  • 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 Texas County, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.

Gun Crime Charges in Texas County, MO? Let the Combs Waterkotte Experts Help You Defend Your Case Today

If you’re facing gun crime charges in the Texas County, MO area, 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. Protect your rights, your future, and get the professional legal guidance you need during this challenging time.

Call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP right away or connect with us online for a free case review with a Texas County, MO gun crime lawyer.

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