Gun Crime Lawyer Buchanan County, MO

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

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

Buchanan County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: An Overview of Missouri Gun Laws

Buchanan 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:

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

Buchanan County, 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 Buchanan County, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in Buchanan County, MO, such as:

• Firing a weapon in restricted areas or under the influence of alcohol.
• Brandishing a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying concealed weapons in or around Buchanan County, MO without proper permission.
• Possession in prohibited areas in Buchanan County, MO.
• Use of a weapon while committing a crime, like robbery or assault in Buchanan County, MO.
• Illegal modifications or accessories.

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 even life in prison.

Facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Buchanan County, MO can lead to serious penalties, including a permanent loss of your firearm rights. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

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 Firearm Restrictions

Unlawful possession of a firearm is classified as a Class C felony, unless an individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior unlawful possession conviction in Buchanan County, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.

If you’re facing these charges, an experienced Buchanan County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, scrutinize the evidence, and work to protect your rights.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action in Buchanan County, 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 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 Buchanan County, MO defense lawyer who can:

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

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in Buchanan County, MO refers to the act of selling, loaning, leasing, giving away, or delivering firearms or other weapons to individuals who are prohibited from 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 Buchanan 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 destroyed. Law enforcement in Buchanan County, 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 classified as a Class B misdemeanor.

Buchanan County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Facing Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri

In Missouri, certain gun crimes can escalate from state to federal charges. Penalties for federal gun crimes are severe and can include mandatory minimum sentences, fines over $250,000, and no-parole terms. Federal gun crimes often arise in Buchanan County, MO when:

• The crime involves crossing state lines.
• 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.

Buchanan County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Challenging Gun Crime Charges in Missouri

When facing gun crime charges in Buchanan County, 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 a conviction in Buchanan County, 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.
• Unlawful Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Buchanan County, 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 Buchanan County, MO were lawful and justified.

When you are accused of a gun crime in or around Buchanan County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Buchanan County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable gun crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Buchanan County and beyond:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys

Buchanan County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri

A gun crime conviction in Buchanan County, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Buchanan County, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide:

• Comprehensive Case Analysis: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• Tailored Legal Strategy: Using in-depth knowledge of Buchanan County, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we design a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
• Negotiation Experise: In many cases, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges, probation, or alternative sentencing options.
• Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: If your Buchanan County, MO case proceeds to court, our experienced gun crime lawyers will fight vigorously to defend your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

Facing a Gun Crime in Buchanan County, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in Buchanan County, 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.

Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online to schedule a free case review with a Buchanan County, MO gun crime lawyer.