Gun crime lawyer in Andrew County, MO. Missouri’s relatively relaxed stance on firearms does not mean violations are taken lightly. Owning a firearm legally in Andrew County, MO doesn’t exempt you from potential charges if the gun is used or possessed under prohibited circumstances. Understanding Missouri’s complex gun laws is vital for avoiding legal trouble.
Whether you’re facing gun crime charges in Andrew County, 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.
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 Andrew County, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.
Andrew County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Breaking Down Missouri’s Gun Laws
Andrew 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:
- 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.
- Restricted Areas: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
- Restricted Individuals: Those with felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, or active protective orders are legally prohibited from owning or carrying firearms.
Andrew County, 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 Andrew County, MO, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in Andrew County, MO, such as:
- Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
- Brandishing a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
- Carrying concealed weapons in Andrew County, MO without proper authorization.
- Possessing a firearm in Andrew County, MO prohibited areas.
- Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, such as robbery or assault in Andrew County, MO.
- Modifying firearms or accessories illegally.
Possible 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 Andrew County, 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:
- Felon Possession
- Underage Possession
- Possession by Certain Offenders
- Federal Restrictions
In Missouri, unlawful firearm possession is typically classified as a Class C felony, unless an individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior Andrew County, MO unlawful possession of a firearm in which case it’s a Class B felony.
If you’re dealing with these charges, a qualified Andrew County, 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 is a serious offense in Andrew 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 assault, burglary, robbery, or drug trafficking. 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 Andrew County, MO defense lawyer who can:
- Investigate the circumstances of your case.
- Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
- Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Andrew County, MO.
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
The unlawful transfer of weapons in Andrew County, MO involves selling, loaning, leasing, giving away, or otherwise providing firearms or other weapons to individuals who are legally prohibited from owning or possessing them.
Depending on the situation, charges for an unlawful transfer of weapons can be a Class A misdemeanor or escalate to a Class E felony. If you’re facing these allegations, securing an experienced Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer in Andrew County, 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 obliterated. The offense of possession of a defaced firearm is taken seriously, as these weapons are often linked to crimes in Andrew County, MO. This offense is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.
Andrew County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Andrew County and Missouri.
Andrew County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Facing Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri
Andrew County, 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 spans across state borders.
- A gun is involved in federal offenses like drug trafficking, terrorism, or interstate violence.
- There are aggravating factors, such as involvement with organized crime or large-scale trafficking.
Andrew County, 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 Andrew County, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges:
- Lack of Intent or Awareness
For many gun crimes in Andrew County, 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. - Unlawful Search & Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If Andrew County, MO law enforcement violated your rights when obtaining evidence, discovering a gun through an unlawful stop or frisk or search of your vehicle or residence. - Self-Defense
Andrew County, 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 Andrew County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal gun crime lawyer in Andrew County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed gun crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Andrew County, MO residents:
- Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
- Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
- Weapons Crime Attorney
- DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
Andrew County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Why Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri?
A gun crime conviction in Andrew County, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Andrew County, 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 arguments.
- Tailored Legal Strategy: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Andrew County, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your situation.
- Negotiation Experise: Our lawyers are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to secure reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal when possible.
- 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 Andrew County, MO? Consult a Skilled Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte
If you’re facing gun crime charges in or around Andrew County, 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. Take proactive steps to protect your future with the guidance of experienced legal professionals.
Contact Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for a free case review with a Andrew County, MO gun crime lawyer.