Gun crime lawyer in Dunklin 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 Dunklin County, MO. Knowing these situations is essential for protecting your rights and your future.
Facing gun crime charges, such as illegal possession, improper brandishing, or gun use in the commission of a crime in Dunklin County, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Dunklin County, MO.
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 Dunklin 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.
Dunklin County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws
Dunklin 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: Displaying a firearm in a threatening way or using it during the commission of a crime can result in serious legal consequences.
- Restricted Areas: Certain areas, such as schools, courthouses, and specific private properties, restrict gun possession without explicit authorization.
- Restricted Individuals: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.
Dunklin 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 Dunklin County, MO, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in Dunklin County, 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 concealed weapons in or around Dunklin County, MO without proper authorization.
- Possessing a firearm in Dunklin County, MO prohibited areas.
- Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, like robbery or assault in Dunklin County, MO.
- 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.
Facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Dunklin County, MO can lead to serious penalties, including permanently losing your right to carry arms. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help. 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:
- Felon Possession
- Underage Possession
- Possession by Certain Offenders
- Federal Firearm Restrictions
In Missouri, unlawful firearm possession is typically classified as a Class C felony, unless the individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior Dunklin County, MO unlawful possession of a firearm in which case it’s a Class B felony.
If you’re dealing with charges, an experienced Dunklin County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to protect your future.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action in Dunklin County, MO involves using, displaying, or possessing a weapon during the commission of a felony. This charge enhances the severity of the primary 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 Dunklin 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 plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Dunklin County, MO armed criminal action charge.
- Implement a tailored defense strategy suited to your Dunklin 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 charges in Dunklin County, 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 Dunklin County, MO consider possession of a defaced firearm a serious matter due to its association with criminal activity, including stolen weapons. Under Missouri law, this offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.
Dunklin County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Dunklin County and Missouri.
Dunklin County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Facing Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri
Dunklin 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.
Dunklin 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 Dunklin County, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges in Missouri:
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent
For a conviction in Dunklin 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. - Illegal Search & Seizure
Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in Dunklin 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 Dunklin County, MO were lawful and justified.
If you’re accused of a gun crime in the Dunklin County, MO area and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing a leading gun crime lawyer in Dunklin County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable gun crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Dunklin County, MO residents:
Dunklin County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri
Facing a gun crime conviction in Dunklin County, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Dunklin County, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. Combs Waterkotte offers:
- Thorough Evidence Review: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
- Tailored Legal Strategy: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Dunklin County, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your situation.
- Strong Negotiation Capabilities: Our lawyers are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to secure reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal when possible.
- Skilled Courtroom Representation: If trial is necessary for your Dunklin County, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.
Gun Crime Charges in Dunklin County, MO? Let the Combs Waterkotte Experts Help You Defend Your Case Today
If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in Dunklin 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.
Call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP right away or reach out online to schedule a free case review with a Dunklin County, MO gun crime lawyer.