Gun crime lawyer in Florissant, MO. While Missouri gun laws are relatively permissive, the state still imposes strict penalties for violations. It is crucial to know that even if you have legally obtained a firearm, there are specific circumstances where its use or even possession may be a crime in Florissant, MO. Understanding these intricacies of Missouri’s gun laws can be key to protecting your rights and future.
If you’re charged with a gun crime in Florissant, MO – whether for unlawful possession, displaying a firearm, or using a gun during another offense – hiring a skilled gun crime lawyer in Florissant is your first step toward protecting your freedom.
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 Florissant, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.
Florissant, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws
Florissant, 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: 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: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.
Florissant, 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 Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO, including:
- Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
- Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
- Carrying concealed weapons in or around Florissant, MO without proper permission.
- Possession in prohibited areas in Florissant, MO.
- Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, such as robbery or assault in Florissant, MO.
- Modifying firearms or accessories illegally.
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 Florissant, MO can lead to serious penalties, including a permanent loss of your firearm rights. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help. Call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070 details the conditions under which possession of a firearm is prohibited, including:
- Felon Possession
- Possession by Minors
- Possession by Certain Offenders
- Federal 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 Florissant, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.
If you’re facing charges, an experienced Florissant, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and work to protect your rights.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action is a significant charge in Florissant, MO involving the use, display, or possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony. Armed criminal action is not a standalone charge, but an enhancement to a felony, such as robbery, assault, drug trafficking, and burglary. For example, 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 Florissant, 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:
- Thoroughly examine the facts and evidence in your case.
- Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
- Implement a tailored defense strategy suited to your Florissant, 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.
This offense can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. If you’re charged with this crime, an experienced Combs Waterkotte Florissant, 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
A defaced firearm is one where identifying markings, like the serial number, have been intentionally altered, removed, or obliterated. Law enforcement in Florissant, 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. Under Missouri law, this offense is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Florissant, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri
Florissant, MO gun crimes can sometimes escalate to federal offenses, bringing harsher penalties and stricter enforcement. Federal gun charges often come into play when:
- Firearms are involved in crimes 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.
Florissant, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Challenging Gun Crime Charges in Missouri
Here are a few common defenses for gun crimes the Combs Waterkotte Florissant, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges in Missouri:
- Lack of Intent or Awareness
For many gun crimes in Florissant, 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. - Unreasonable Search & Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO were lawful and justified.
If you’re accused of a gun crime in or around Florissant, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Florissant, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable gun crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Florissant, MO residents:
Florissant, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Combs Waterkotte Gun Crime Lawyer
A gun crime conviction in Florissant, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Florissant, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. Combs Waterkotte offers:
- Comprehensive Case Analysis: Your attorney will analyze every aspect of your case, from police procedures to forensic evidence, to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
- Tailored Legal Strategy: Using in-depth knowledge of Florissant, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we create a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
- Personable Negotiation Skills: Our lawyers are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to secure reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal when possible.
- Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: Should your case go to trial, your lawyer will advocate aggressively to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.
Facing a Gun Crime in Florissant, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing gun crime charges in the Florissant, MO area, 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. Protect your rights, your future, and get the professional legal guidance you need during this challenging time.
Contact Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP right away or connect with us online to schedule a free case review with a Florissant, MO gun crime lawyer.