Gun crime lawyer in Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO. Knowing these situations is essential for protecting your rights and your future.
Whether you’re facing gun crime charges in Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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.
Lexington, 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:
- Use of a Firearm: Brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner or using it in criminal activities can result in severe penalties.
- Restricted Zones: 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.
Lexington, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Gun Crimes in Missouri
The skillful and experienced Combs Waterkotte legal team handles a variety of gun crimes in and around Lexington, MO, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in Lexington, MO, such as:
- 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 Lexington, MO without proper authorization.
- Possession in prohibited areas in Lexington, MO.
- Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, like robbery or assault in Lexington, MO.
- Making illegal alterations or attachments to firearms.
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 even life in prison.
If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Lexington, 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:
- Felon Possession
- Possession by Minors
- Possession by Certain Offenders
- Federal 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 Lexington, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.
If you’re facing these charges, a qualified Lexington, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, scrutinize the evidence, and work to protect your freedom.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action is a significant charge in Lexington, 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 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 Lexington, 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:
- Analyze your case details for potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.
- Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Lexington, MO armed criminal action charge.
- Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Lexington, MO.
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
The unlawful transfer of weapons in Lexington, MO refers to the act of selling, leasing, loaning, giving away, or delivering firearms or other weapons to individuals who are prohibited from owning or 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 charges in Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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.
Lafayette County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Lafayette County and Missouri.
Lexington, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: What Escalates a State Charge to a Federal Gun Crime?
Federal firearm charges throughout the Lexington, MO area carry grave consequences, often resulting in substantial penalties, including mandatory prison sentences and hefty fines. Federal charges typically arise in Lexington, MO gun crimes 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.
Lexington, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Fighting Gun Crime Charges in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte
When facing gun crime charges in Lexington, MO, the experienced attorneys at Combs Waterkotte rely on well-established defense strategies to protect your rights. Some of the most effective approaches include:
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent
For many gun crimes in Lexington, MO, the prosecution must prove that you knowingly committed the offense. Our defense attorneys might argue that you were unaware of the gun’s presence or that you didn’t knowingly violate the law. - Unreasonable Search & Seizure
Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in Lexington, MO. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, this can form the basis for a strong defense. - Self-Defense
Lexington, 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 or around Lexington, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring a leading gun crime lawyer in Lexington, 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 staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Lexington and beyond:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
- Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer
- Weapons Crime Attorney
Lexington, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Why Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri?
A conviction for a gun crime in Lexington, MO can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Lexington, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide:
- 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.
- Tailored Legal Strategy: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Lexington, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Negotiation Experise: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
- Skilled Courtroom Representation: If trial is necessary for your Lexington, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.
Gun Crime Charges in Lexington, MO? Let the Combs Waterkotte Experts Help You Defend Your Case Today
If you’re facing gun crime charges in the Lexington, MO area, 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. Take proactive steps to protect your future with the guidance of experienced legal professionals.
Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for a free case review with a Lexington, MO gun crime lawyer.