Gun crime lawyer in Kansas City, MO. Missouri’s relatively relaxed stance on firearms does not mean violations are taken lightly. Owning a firearm legally in Kansas City, 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.
If you’re charged with a gun crime in Kansas City, MO – whether for unlawful possession, displaying a firearm, or using a gun during another offense – hiring a skilled gun crime lawyer in Kansas City is your first step toward protecting your freedom.
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 Kansas City, 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.
Kansas City, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: An Overview of Missouri Gun Laws
While Kansas City, 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:
- Unlawful Use: Using a firearm for threats or criminal purposes can lead to significant penalties.
- Restricted Zones: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
- Prohibited Persons: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.
Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Unlawful use of a weapon refers to a range of offenses involving firearms in Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO without proper permission.
- Possession in prohibited areas in Kansas City, MO.
- Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, such as robbery or assault in Kansas City, MO.
- Modifying firearms or accessories illegally.
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 Kansas 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 outlines the circumstances under which possession of a firearm becomes unlawful, including:
- Felon Possession
- Underage Possession
- Possession by Certain Offenders
- Federal Firearm 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 Kansas City, MO unlawful possession of a firearm in which case it’s a Class B felony.
If you’re dealing with charges, an experienced Kansas City, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, scrutinize the evidence, and fight to protect your freedom.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action is a serious offense in Kansas City, 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 assault, burglary, robbery, or drug trafficking. 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 Kansas City, 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 for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
- Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Kansas City, MO.
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
The unlawful transfer of weapons in Kansas City, 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 Kansas 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
Possessing a firearm with defaced markings, such as removed or altered serial numbers, is a criminal offense. Authorities in Kansas City, MO consider possession of a defaced firearm a serious matter due to its association with criminal activity, including stolen weapons. This offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.
Jackson County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jackson County and Missouri.
Kansas City, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Facing Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri
Kansas City, MO gun crimes can sometimes escalate to federal offenses, bringing harsher penalties and stricter enforcement. Federal gun charges often come into play 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.
Kansas City, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Challenging Gun Crime Charges in Missouri
The Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorneys in Kansas City, MO, employ several effective strategies to counter gun crime charges. Common defenses include:
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent
For a conviction in Kansas City, 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 Kansas 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.
When you are accused of a gun crime in or around Kansas City, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal gun crime lawyer in Kansas City, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing 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 Kansas City, MO residents:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
- Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer
- Weapons Crime Attorney
Kansas City, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Why Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri?
A conviction for a gun crime in Kansas City, MO can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Kansas City, MO ensures your case is handled with expertise, compassion, and diligence. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide:
- Thorough Evidence Review: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Customized Defense Planning: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Kansas City, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Strong Negotiation Capabilities: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
- Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: If your Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO? Consult a Skilled Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte
If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in or around Kansas City, MO, 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 for a free case review with a Kansas City, MO gun crime lawyer.