Webb City, MO

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

Facing gun crime charges, such as illegal possession, improper brandishing, or gun use in the commission of a crime in Webb City, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Webb City, MO.

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 Webb City, 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.

Webb City, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: An Overview of Missouri Gun Laws

Missouri recognizes the constitutional right to bear arms, allowing open carry and granting concealed carry permits under specific conditions. However, the state imposes restrictions in several areas:

• Improper Use: Using a firearm for threats or criminal purposes can lead to significant penalties.
• Restricted Zones: Firearms are prohibited in schools, courthouses, and other designated zones unless authorized.
• Disqualified Individuals: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.

Webb City, 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 Webb City, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Unlawful use of a weapon refers to a range of offenses involving firearms in Webb City, MO. These include:

• Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
• Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
• Carrying concealed weapons in or around Webb City, MO without proper permission.
• Possession in prohibited areas in Webb City, MO.
• Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, such as robbery or assault in Webb City, 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.

If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Webb City, 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 defines situations in which firearm possession is considered 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 Webb City, MO unlawful possession of a firearm in which case it’s a Class B felony.

If you’re facing charges, a qualified Webb City, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, scrutinize the evidence, and fight to protect your freedom.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action in Webb City, MO involves using, displaying, or possessing a weapon during the commission of a felony. This charge enhances the severity of the primary felony, such as robbery, drug trafficking, assault, or burglary. For instance, committing assault with a weapon could lead to both assault and armed criminal action charges.

Armed criminal action is treated as a separate felony offense in Webb City, MO, with mandatory minimum sentence requirements, including 3 years for a first offense, 5 years for a second offense, and 10 years for a third offense. These complex charges and sentences make it crucial to have a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side who can:

• Investigate the circumstances of your case.
• Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Webb City, MO armed criminal action charge.
• Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Webb City, 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 facing these charges in Webb City, 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 Webb City, 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.

Webb City, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: What Escalates a State Charge to a Federal Gun Crime?

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

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

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

• Lack of Intent or Awareness
  In many Webb City, 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.
• Unreasonable Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If Webb City, 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 Webb City, MO were lawful and justified.

When you are accused of a gun crime in the Webb City, MO area and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Webb City, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced gun crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Webb City, 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

Webb City, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Combs Waterkotte Gun Crime Lawyer

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

• Thorough Evidence Review: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
• Tailored Legal Strategy: Using in-depth knowledge of Webb City, 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.
• Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: If trial is necessary for your Webb City, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.

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

If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in or around Webb City, 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. 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 reach out online for a free case review with a Webb City, MO gun crime lawyer.