Gun crime lawyer in Camden County, MO. Missouri’s relatively relaxed stance on firearms does not mean violations are taken lightly. Owning a firearm legally in Camden 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.
If you’re charged with a gun crime in Camden County, MO – whether for unlawful possession, displaying a firearm, or using a gun during another offense – hiring a skilled gun crime lawyer in Camden 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 Camden 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.
Camden County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws
Camden 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:
- Improper Use: Brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner or using it in criminal activities can result in severe penalties.
- Restricted Areas: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
- Prohibited Persons: Those with felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, or active protective orders are legally prohibited from owning or carrying firearms.
Camden County, 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 Camden County, 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 Camden County, MO, including:
- Discharging a firearm in certain areas, including firing a gun while intoxicated.
- Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
- Carrying a concealed weapon in Camden County, MO without proper permission.
- Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
- Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, such as robbery or assault in Camden County, MO.
- Making illegal alterations or attachments to firearms.
Possible 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.
If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Camden 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 details the conditions under which possession of a firearm is prohibited, including:
- Possession by a Felon
- Underage Possession
- 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 prior unlawful possession charges in Camden County, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.
If you’re facing these charges, a qualified Camden County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, challenge the evidence, and work to protect your rights.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action in Camden County, MO involves using, displaying, or possessing a weapon during the commission of a felony. This charge is not independent but serves as an enhancement to the underlying felony, such as robbery, drug trafficking, assault, or 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 is treated as a separate felony offense in Camden County, 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:
- Analyze your case details for potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.
- Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
- Implement a tailored defense strategy suited to your Camden County, MO case.
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.
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 Camden 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 identifying markings, like the serial number, 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 Camden County, MO. Under Missouri law, this offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.
Camden County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Camden County and Missouri.
Camden County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Facing Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri
Camden 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 involves crossing state lines.
- A gun is involved in federal offenses like drug trafficking, terrorism, or interstate violence.
- Cases include serious factors such as organized crime affiliations or large-scale arms trafficking.
Camden County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Defending Against Gun Crimes in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte
The Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorneys in Camden County, MO, employ several effective strategies to counter gun crime charges. Common defenses include:
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent
In many Camden County, 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 Camden 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 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.
If you are accused of a gun crime in Camden County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Camden County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced gun crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Camden County and beyond:
Camden County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Why Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri?
A gun crime conviction in Camden County, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Camden County, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. Combs Waterkotte provides:
- Expert Case Analysis: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of Camden County, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we create a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
- Personable Negotiation Skills: In many cases, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges, probation, or alternative sentencing options.
- Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: If trial is necessary for your Camden County, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.
Facing a Gun Crime in Camden County, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in the Camden County, MO area, 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. Take proactive steps to protect your future with the guidance of experienced legal professionals.
Contact Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP right away or connect with us online for a free case review with a Camden County, MO gun crime lawyer.