Gun crime lawyer in Town and Country, 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 Town and Country, 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 Town and Country, 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 Town and Country, 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.
Town and Country, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Breaking Down Missouri’s Gun Laws
Town and Country, 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:
- Use of a Firearm: Brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner or using it in criminal activities can result in severe penalties.
- Prohibited Locations: Certain areas, such as schools, courthouses, and specific private properties, restrict gun possession without explicit authorization.
- Disqualified Individuals: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.
Town and Country, 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 Town and Country, 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 Town and Country, MO, including:
- Discharging a firearm in certain areas, including firing a gun while intoxicated.
- Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
- Carrying concealed weapons in Town and Country, MO without proper authorization.
- Possession in prohibited areas in Town and Country, MO.
- Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, like robbery or assault in Town and Country, MO.
- 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 Town and Country, MO can lead to serious penalties, including a permanent loss of your firearm rights. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help. 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:
- Possession by a Felon
- Underage Possession
- Possession by Certain Offenders
- Federal Restrictions
Unlawful possession of a firearm is a Class C felony, unless an individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior Town and Country, MO unlawful possession of a firearm in which case it’s a Class B felony.
If you’re dealing with these charges, a qualified Town and Country, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, scrutinize the evidence, and work to protect your freedom.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action is a significant charge in Town and Country, 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 assault, burglary, robbery, or drug trafficking. For instance, 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 Town and Country, MO defense lawyer who can:
- Thoroughly examine the facts and evidence in your case.
- Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Town and Country, MO armed criminal action charge.
- Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Town and Country, MO.
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
The unlawful transfer of weapons in Town and Country, MO involves selling, loaning, leasing, giving away, or otherwise providing firearms or other weapons to individuals who are legally prohibited from possessing them.
This offense can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. If you’re facing these allegations, securing an experienced Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer in Town and Country, 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 Town and Country, MO consider possession of a defaced firearm a serious matter due to its association with criminal activity, including stolen weapons. This offense is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Town and Country, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Facing Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri
Town and Country, 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.
- Weapons are used in federal offenses like drug smuggling, acts of terrorism, or violent interstate offenses.
- Cases include serious factors such as organized crime affiliations or large-scale arms trafficking.
Town and Country, 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 Town and Country, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges:
- Lack of Intent or Awareness
For a conviction in Town and Country, 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 Town and Country, 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
Town and Country, 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.
When you’re facing gun crime charges in the Town and Country, MO area and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting a leading gun crime lawyer in Town and Country, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable gun crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Town and Country, 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
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
Town and Country, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri
Facing a gun crime conviction in Town and Country, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Town and Country, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. Combs Waterkotte offers:
- Thorough Evidence Review: Your attorney will meticulously review all evidence, including witness statements and police reports, to identify all weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of Town and Country, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we design 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.
- Skilled Courtroom 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 Town and Country, MO? Consult a Skilled Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte
If you’re facing gun crime charges in Town and Country, MO, 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. Take proactive steps to protect your future with the guidance of experienced legal professionals.
Contact Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP right away or connect with us online for a free case review with a Town and Country, MO gun crime lawyer.