Gun Crime Lawyer Fulton, MO

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

Facing gun crime charges, such as illegal possession, improper brandishing, or gun use in the commission of a crime in Fulton, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Fulton, MO.

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 Fulton, 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.

Fulton, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws

While Fulton, MO upholds the constitutional right to bear arms, allowing open carry and issuing concealed carry permits under defined conditions, there are important restrictions to be aware of:

• Improper Use: Brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner or using it in criminal activities can result in severe penalties.
• Restricted Areas: Certain areas, such as schools, courthouses, and specific private properties, restrict gun possession without explicit authorization.
• Prohibited Persons: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.

Fulton, 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 Fulton, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Unlawful use of a weapon refers to a range of offenses involving firearms in Fulton, MO. These include:

• 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 Fulton, 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 Fulton, MO.
• Making illegal alterations or attachments to firearms.

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.

If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Fulton, 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:

• Possession by a Felon
• 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 prior unlawful possession charges in Fulton, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.

If you’re facing charges, a qualified Fulton, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to protect your rights.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action is a significant charge in Fulton, MO involving the use, display, or possession of 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 Fulton, 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:

• Investigate the circumstances of your case.
• Negotiate to mitigate or dismiss armed criminal action enhancements.
• Implement a tailored defense strategy suited to your Fulton, MO case.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in Fulton, MO involves selling, loaning, leasing, giving away, or delivering firearms or other weapons to individuals who are prohibited from owning or possessing them.

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 facing these charges in Fulton, 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

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 Fulton, 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 classified as a Class B misdemeanor.

Fulton, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: What Escalates a State Charge to a Federal Gun Crime?

Federal firearm charges throughout the Fulton, MO area carry grave consequences, often resulting in substantial penalties, including mandatory prison sentences and hefty fines. Federal charges typically arise in Fulton, MO gun crimes when:

• The crime involves crossing state lines.
• The firearm was used in a federal crime, such as drug trafficking, terrorism, or a violent offense crossing state lines.
• Aggravating circumstances, such as ties to organized crime or large-scale firearm distribution or smuggling, are present.

Fulton, 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 Fulton, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges in Missouri:

• Lack of Knowledge or Intent
  For many gun crimes in Fulton, 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.
• Unlawful Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Fulton, MO law enforcement violated your rights when obtaining evidence, discovering a gun through an unlawful stop or frisk or search of your vehicle or residence.
• 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.

When you are accused of a gun crime in Fulton, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Fulton, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed gun crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Fulton, MO residents:

• Weapons Crime Attorney
• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer

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

A gun crime conviction in Fulton, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Fulton, MO ensures your case is handled with expertise, compassion, and diligence. Combs Waterkotte provides:

• Thorough Evidence Review: Your attorney will meticulously review all evidence, including witness statements and police reports, to identify all weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
• Customized Defense Planning: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Fulton, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.
• Strong Negotiation Capabilities: In many cases, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges, probation, or alternative sentencing options.
• Assertive Trial Representation: If your Fulton, MO case proceeds to court, our experienced gun crime lawyers will fight vigorously to defend your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

Charged With a Gun Crime in Fulton, MO? Consult a Skilled Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte

If you’re facing gun crime charges in the Fulton, 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. 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 Fulton, MO gun crime lawyer.