Gun crime lawyer in Gentry 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 Gentry 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 Gentry County, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Gentry County, 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 Gentry 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.
Gentry County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: An Overview of Missouri Gun Laws
Gentry 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: 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.
Gentry 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 Gentry 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 Gentry 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 concealed weapons in or around Gentry County, MO without proper authorization.
- Possession in prohibited areas in Gentry County, MO.
- Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, such as robbery or assault in the Gentry 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.
Facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Gentry County, MO can lead to serious penalties, including a permanent loss of your firearm rights. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
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
- Possession by Minors
- Possession by Certain Offenders
- Federal Firearm Restrictions
In Missouri, unlawful firearm possession is typically classified as a Class C felony, unless an individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior unlawful possession conviction in Gentry County, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.
If you’re facing charges, a qualified Gentry County, 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 serious offense in Gentry 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 example, 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 Gentry County, MO defense lawyer who can:
- Investigate the circumstances of your case.
- Negotiate to mitigate or dismiss armed criminal action enhancements.
- Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Gentry County, MO.
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
The unlawful transfer of weapons in Gentry County, MO involves selling, leasing, loaning, giving away, or delivering firearms or other weapons to individuals who are legally 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 charged with this crime, an experienced Combs Waterkotte Gentry 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
A defaced firearm is one where the manufacturer’s serial number, or any other identifying markings, have been intentionally altered, removed, or obliterated. Law enforcement in Gentry County, 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.
Gentry County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Gentry County and Missouri.
Gentry County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri
In Missouri, certain gun crimes can escalate from state to federal charges. Penalties for federal gun crimes are severe and can include mandatory minimum sentences, fines over $250,000, and no-parole terms. Federal gun crimes often arise in Gentry County, MO when:
- The crime involves crossing state lines.
- Weapons are used in federal offenses like drug smuggling, acts of terrorism, or violent interstate offenses.
- There are aggravating factors, such as involvement with organized crime or large-scale trafficking.
Gentry County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Defending Against Gun Crimes in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte
When facing gun crime charges in Gentry 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 Intent or Awareness
In many Gentry 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. - Illegal Search & Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If Gentry 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
Gentry County, MO laws allow 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 facing gun crime charges in the Gentry County, MO area and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Gentry County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable gun crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Gentry County, MO residents:
Gentry County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri
Facing a gun crime conviction in Gentry County, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Gentry County, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide:
- Expert 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.
- Personalized Legal Strategy: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Gentry County, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.
- 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: Should your case go to trial, your lawyer will advocate aggressively to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.
Charged With a Gun Crime in Gentry County, MO? Consult a Skilled Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte
If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in Gentry County, MO, 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. Protect your rights, your future, and get the professional legal guidance you need during this challenging time.
Call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP right away or reach out online to schedule a free case review with a Gentry County, MO gun crime lawyer.