Gun crime lawyer in Jefferson City, 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 Jefferson City, MO. Knowing these situations is essential for protecting your rights and your future.
Whether you’re facing gun crime charges in Jefferson City, 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.
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 Jefferson City, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.
Jefferson City, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws
Jefferson City, 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: Using a firearm for threats or criminal purposes can lead to significant penalties.
- Prohibited Locations: Firearms are prohibited in schools, courthouses, and other designated zones unless authorized.
- Disqualified Individuals: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.

Jefferson City, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Gun Crimes in Missouri
The skillful and experienced Combs Waterkotte legal team handles a variety of gun crimes in Jefferson City, MO, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in Jefferson City, MO, such as:
- Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
- Displaying a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
- Carrying concealed weapons in Jefferson City, MO without proper permission.
- Possession in prohibited areas in Jefferson City, MO.
- Use of a weapon while committing a crime, like robbery or assault in Jefferson City, MO.
- 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.
If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Jefferson City, 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 details the conditions under which possession of a firearm is prohibited, including:
- Felon Possession
- Underage Possession
- Possession by Certain Offenders
- Federal Restrictions
Unlawful possession of a firearm is classified as a Class C felony, unless the individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior unlawful possession conviction in Jefferson City, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.
If you’re dealing with these charges, an experienced Jefferson City, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and work to protect your future.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action in Jefferson City, MO involves using, displaying, or possessing 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 instance, someone committing a burglary while armed could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.
Armed criminal action in Jefferson City, 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 Jefferson City, 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.
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 Jefferson City, 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 identifying markings, like the serial number, 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 Jefferson City, MO. This offense is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.
Cole County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Cole County and Missouri.
Jefferson City, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Facing Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri
Federal firearm charges throughout the Jefferson City, MO area carry grave consequences, often resulting in substantial penalties, including mandatory prison sentences and hefty fines. Federal charges typically arise in Jefferson City, MO gun crimes 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.
Jefferson City, 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 Jefferson City, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges in Missouri:
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent
For many gun crimes in Jefferson City, 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. - Illegal Search & Seizure
Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in Jefferson City, MO. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, this can form the basis for a strong defense. - 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.
If you are facing gun crime charges in Jefferson City, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting a leading gun crime lawyer in Jefferson City, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting 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 provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Jefferson City and beyond:

Jefferson City, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Combs Waterkotte Gun Crime Lawyer
Facing a gun crime conviction in Jefferson City, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Jefferson City, 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 case.
- Customized Defense Planning: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Jefferson City, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Personable Negotiation Skills: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
- 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 Jefferson City, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing gun crime charges in the Jefferson City, 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.
Call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP right away or connect with us online for a free case review with a Jefferson City, MO gun crime lawyer.