Gun Crime Lawyer Greene County, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Greene County, 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 Greene County, MO. Understanding these intricacies of Missouri’s gun laws can be key to protecting your rights and future.

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

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

While Greene County, 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 Zones: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
• Disqualified Individuals: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.

Greene 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 Greene County, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

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

• Firing a weapon in restricted areas or under the influence of alcohol.
• Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
• Carrying a concealed weapon in Greene County, MO without proper permission.
• Possession in prohibited areas in Greene County, MO.
• Use of a weapon while committing a crime, such as robbery or assault in the Greene County, MO area.
• Making illegal alterations or attachments to firearms.

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 Greene 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
• Underage Possession
• Possession by Certain Offenders
• Federal Restrictions

Unlawful possession of a firearm is a Class C felony, unless an individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior unlawful possession conviction in Greene County, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.

If you’re dealing with charges, an experienced Greene 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 Greene County, MO involves using, displaying, or possessing 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, committing assault with a weapon could lead to both assault and armed criminal action charges.

Armed criminal action in Greene County, MO is classified as a separate felony with strict mandatory minimum sentences: 3 years for a first offense, 5 years for a second, and 10 years for a third. These penalties highlight the importance of having an experienced criminal defense attorney who can:

• Thoroughly examine the facts and evidence in your case.
• Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
• Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Greene County, MO.

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 facing these allegations, securing an experienced Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer in Greene County, MO is essential to pursue the best outcome for your case. Contact us today at (314) 900-HELP 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. The offense of possession of a defaced firearm is taken seriously, as these weapons are often linked to crimes in Greene County, MO. This offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.

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

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 Greene County, MO when:

• Firearms are involved in crimes 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.

Greene County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Challenging Gun Crime Charges in Missouri

When facing gun crime charges in Greene 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 Greene 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 Greene 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 Greene County, MO were lawful and justified.

If you’re accused of a gun crime in the Greene County, MO area and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal gun crime lawyer in Greene County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with 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 Greene County and beyond:

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

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

A gun crime conviction in Greene County, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Greene County, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. Combs Waterkotte offers:

• 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.
• Tailored Legal Strategy: Using in-depth knowledge of Greene County, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we design a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
• Negotiation Experise: 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 Greene County, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.

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

If you’re facing gun crime charges in Greene 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.

Contact Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP right away or connect with us online for a free case review with a Greene County, MO gun crime lawyer.