Gun crime lawyer in Howard 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 Howard County, MO. Knowing these situations is essential for protecting your rights and your future.
Whether you’re facing gun crime charges in Howard County, MO or elsewhere in Missouri related to illegal possession, brandishing, or using a firearm in the commission of another crime, you need to have a skilled gun crime lawyer by your side.
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 Howard 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.
Howard County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws
While Howard 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:
- Use of a Firearm: Brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner or using it in criminal activities can result in severe penalties.
- Restricted Areas: Firearms are prohibited in schools, courthouses, and other designated zones unless authorized.
- Prohibited Persons: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.
Howard 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 Howard County, MO, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in Howard County, MO, such as:
- Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
- Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
- Carrying concealed weapons in Howard County, MO without proper authorization.
- Possessing a firearm in Howard County, MO prohibited areas.
- Use of a weapon while committing a crime, such as robbery or assault in Howard County, MO.
- Making illegal alterations or attachments to firearms.
Potential legal consequences 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 life in prison.
Facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Howard County, 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 defines situations in which firearm possession is considered unlawful, including:
- Felon Possession
- Possession by Minors
- Possession by Certain Offenders
- Federal 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 prior unlawful possession charges in Howard County, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.
If you’re dealing with these charges, a qualified Howard County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to protect your freedom.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action in Howard 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, assault, drug trafficking, and burglary. For instance, someone committing a burglary while armed could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.
Armed criminal action in Howard 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 plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Howard County, MO armed criminal action charge.
- Implement a tailored defense strategy suited to your Howard County, MO case.
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
The unlawful transfer of weapons in Howard County, MO refers to the act of selling, leasing, loaning, giving away, or otherwise providing firearms or other weapons to individuals who are prohibited from owning or possessing them.
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 Howard 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
A defaced firearm is one where the manufacturer’s serial number, or any other identifying markings, have been intentionally altered, removed, or destroyed. The offense of possession of a defaced firearm is taken seriously, as these weapons are often linked to crimes in Howard County, MO. Under Missouri law, this offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.
Howard County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Howard County and Missouri.
Howard 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 Howard County, MO when:
- The crime involves 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.
Howard County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Challenging Gun Crime Charges in Missouri
The Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorneys in Howard County, MO, employ several effective strategies to counter gun crime charges. Common defenses include:
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent
For a conviction in Howard 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. - Unlawful Search & Seizure
Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in Howard County, MO. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, this can form the basis for a strong defense. - Self-Defense
Howard 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.
If you’re accused of a gun crime in or around Howard County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal gun crime lawyer in Howard County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced gun crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Howard County, MO residents:
Howard County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Combs Waterkotte Gun Crime Lawyer
A gun crime conviction in Howard County, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Howard County, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. Combs Waterkotte provides:
- 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.
- Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of Howard County, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we design a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
- Negotiation Experise: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
- Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: If your Howard County, MO case proceeds to court, our experienced gun crime lawyers will fight vigorously to defend your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
Facing a Gun Crime in Howard County, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing gun crime charges in Howard 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. Take proactive steps to protect your future with the guidance of experienced legal professionals.
Contact Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for a free case review with a Howard County, MO gun crime lawyer.