Gun Crime Lawyer Maryland Heights, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Maryland Heights, MO. Missouri’s relatively relaxed stance on firearms does not mean violations are taken lightly. Owning a firearm legally in Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO – whether for unlawful possession, displaying a firearm, or using a gun during another offense – hiring a skilled gun crime lawyer in Maryland Heights is your first step toward protecting your freedom.

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 Maryland Heights, 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.

Maryland Heights, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: An Overview of Missouri Gun Laws

While Maryland Heights, 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: Brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner or using it in criminal activities can result in severe penalties.
• Restricted Zones: Certain areas, such as schools, courthouses, and specific private properties, restrict gun possession without explicit authorization.
• Restricted Individuals: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.

Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in Maryland Heights, MO, such as:

• Firing a weapon in restricted areas or under the influence of alcohol.
• Displaying a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying a concealed weapon in or around Maryland Heights, MO without proper permission.
• Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
• Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, like robbery or assault in the Maryland Heights, MO area.
• 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 Maryland Heights, 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 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 Maryland Heights, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.

If you’re facing these charges, a qualified Maryland Heights, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to protect your rights.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action is a serious offense in Maryland Heights, 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, drug trafficking, assault, or burglary. 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 Maryland Heights, 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.
• Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Maryland Heights, 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 charges in Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO consider possession of a defaced firearm a serious matter due to its association with criminal activity, including stolen weapons. This offense is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.

Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO when:

• The crime spans across state borders.
• The firearm was used in a federal crime, such as drug trafficking, terrorism, or a violent offense crossing state lines.
• Aggravating circumstances, such as ties to organized crime or large-scale firearm distribution or smuggling, are present.

Maryland Heights, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Defending Against Gun Crimes in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte

When facing gun crime charges in Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, 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.
• Unlawful Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Maryland Heights, MO law enforcement violated your rights when obtaining evidence, discovering a gun through an unlawful stop or frisk or search of your vehicle or residence.
• 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’re accused of a gun crime in Maryland Heights, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the ideal gun crime lawyer in Maryland Heights, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our experienced gun crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Maryland Heights, MO residents:

Maryland Heights, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Why Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri?

A conviction for a gun crime in Maryland Heights, MO can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Maryland Heights, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. Combs Waterkotte offers:

• Comprehensive Case Analysis: Your attorney will meticulously review all evidence, including witness statements and police reports, to identify all weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
• Customized Defense Planning: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Maryland Heights, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.
• Negotiation Experise: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
• Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: If your Maryland Heights, MO case proceeds to court, our experienced gun crime lawyers will fight vigorously to defend your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

Gun Crime Charges in Maryland Heights, MO? Let the Combs Waterkotte Experts Help You Defend Your Case Today

If you’re facing gun crime charges in or around Maryland Heights, 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 reach out online for a free case review with a Maryland Heights, MO gun crime lawyer.