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Gun Crime Lawyer Dallas County, MO

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Last Updated: December 5, 2024

Gun crime lawyer in Dallas County, MO. Missouri’s relatively relaxed stance on firearms does not mean violations are taken lightly. Owning a firearm legally in Dallas 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 Dallas 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.

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 Dallas County, 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.

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

Dallas 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 Zones: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
  • Restricted Individuals: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.

Gun Crime Lawyer in Dallas County, MO | Criminal Defense Attorney | Combs Waterkotte

Dallas 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 Dallas County, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Unlawful use of a weapon refers to a range of offenses involving firearms in Dallas County, 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 Dallas County, MO without proper authorization.
  • Possession in prohibited areas in Dallas County, MO.
  • Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, such as robbery or assault in the Dallas County, MO area.
  • 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 Dallas 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
  • Possession by Minors
  • Possession by Certain Offenders
  • Federal Firearm 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 Dallas County, MO unlawful possession of a firearm in which case it’s a Class B felony.

If you’re dealing with charges, a qualified Dallas County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to protect your freedom.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action is a serious offense in Dallas County, MO involving the use, display, or possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony. This charge enhances the severity of the primary felony, such as robbery, assault, drug trafficking, and burglary. For instance, 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 Dallas County, MO defense lawyer who can:

  • Investigate the circumstances of your case.
  • Negotiate to mitigate or dismiss armed criminal action enhancements.
  • Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Dallas County, MO.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in Dallas County, MO involves selling, leasing, loaning, 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 charged with this crime, an experienced Combs Waterkotte Dallas County, MO gun crime lawyer can assess your case, protect your legal rights, and fight for a favorable result. Call (314) 900-HELP right now or reach out 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 Dallas County, 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.

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

Federal firearm charges throughout the Dallas County, MO area carry grave consequences, often resulting in substantial penalties, including mandatory prison sentences and hefty fines. Federal charges typically arise in Dallas County, 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.
  • Aggravating circumstances, such as ties to organized crime or large-scale firearm distribution or smuggling, are present.

Dallas County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Defending Against Gun Crimes in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte

When facing gun crime charges in Dallas 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 Dallas 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
    Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in Dallas County, MO. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, this can form the basis for a strong defense.
  • 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 Dallas County, MO were lawful and justified.

If you’re facing gun crime charges in or around Dallas County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal gun crime lawyer in Dallas County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed gun crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Dallas County and beyond:

Gun Crime Lawyer | Dallas County, MO Criminal Defense | Gun Crime Law Firm

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

Facing a gun crime conviction in Dallas County, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Dallas County, MO ensures your case receives professional attention and a strategic approach. 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.
  • Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of Dallas 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.
  • Assertive Trial Representation: If trial is necessary for your Dallas County, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.

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

If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in Dallas County, MO, don’t delay securing expert legal representation. Acting quickly can significantly improve your ability to build a compelling defense and get 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 reach out online for a free case review with a Dallas County, MO gun crime lawyer.

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