Washington, MO

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

If you’re charged with a gun crime in Washington, MO – whether for unlawful possession, displaying a firearm, or using a gun during another offense – hiring a skilled gun crime lawyer in Washington 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 Washington, 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.

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

While Washington, 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:

• Use of a Firearm: Displaying a firearm in a threatening way or using it during the commission of a crime can result in serious legal consequences.
• Prohibited Locations: Firearms are prohibited in schools, courthouses, and other designated zones unless authorized.
• Prohibited Persons: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.

Washington, 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 Washington, 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 Washington, MO, including:

• Firing a weapon in restricted areas or under the influence of alcohol.
• Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
• Carrying concealed weapons in Washington, MO without proper permission.
• Possessing a firearm in Washington, MO prohibited areas.
• Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, such as robbery or assault in the Washington, MO area.
• Making illegal alterations or attachments to firearms.

Potential penalties 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.

If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Washington, MO, it’s essential to have a knowledgeable and experienced attorney by your side. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help you understand the charges against you, your options, and fight for the best possible outcome.

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
• Possession by Minors
• Possession by Certain Offenders
• Federal Restrictions

Unlawful possession of a firearm is classified as a Class C felony, unless the individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior Washington, MO unlawful possession of a firearm in which case it’s a Class B felony.

If you’re facing charges, an experienced Washington, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to protect your future.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action in Washington, 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 example, someone committing a burglary while armed could face both robbery 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 Washington, MO defense lawyer who can:

• Investigate the circumstances of your case.
• Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
• Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Washington, MO.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in Washington, MO refers to the act of selling, loaning, leasing, giving away, or delivering firearms or other weapons to individuals who are prohibited from owning or 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 Washington, 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

A defaced firearm is one where the manufacturer’s serial number, or any other identifying markings, have been intentionally altered, removed, or destroyed. Law enforcement in Washington, MO treats the offense of possession of a defaced firearm seriously because they are often linked to criminal activity, like stolen guns used in other crimes. This offense is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.

Washington, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Facing Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri

Washington, MO gun crimes can sometimes escalate to federal offenses, bringing harsher penalties and stricter enforcement. Federal gun charges often come into play 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.

Washington, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Fighting Gun Crime Charges in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte

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

• Lack of Knowledge or Intent
  For a conviction in Washington, 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 Washington, MO. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, this can form the basis for a strong defense.
• Self-Defense
  Missouri law allows 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 Washington, MO area and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting a leading gun crime lawyer in Washington, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our experienced gun crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Washington 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

Washington, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Why Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri?

A conviction for a gun crime in Washington, MO can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Washington, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide:

• Expert Case Analysis: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
• Customized Defense Planning: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Washington, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.
• Personable Negotiation Skills: In many cases, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges, probation, or alternative sentencing options.
• Assertive Trial Representation: Should your case go to trial, your lawyer will advocate aggressively to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.

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

If you’re facing gun crime charges in Washington, 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. 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 reach out online to schedule a free case review with a Washington, MO gun crime lawyer.