Gun crime lawyer in Mexico, 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 Mexico, MO. Understanding these intricacies of Missouri’s gun laws can be key to protecting your rights and future.
If you’re charged with a gun crime in Mexico, MO – whether for unlawful possession, displaying a firearm, or using a gun during another offense – hiring a skilled gun crime lawyer in Mexico 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 Mexico, 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.
Mexico, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws
Mexico, 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:
- 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.
- Disqualified Individuals: Those with felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, or active protective orders are legally prohibited from owning or carrying firearms.
Mexico, 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 Mexico, MO, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in Mexico, MO, such as:
- 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 or around Mexico, MO without proper permission.
- Possession in prohibited areas in Mexico, MO.
- Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, like robbery or assault in Mexico, 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.
Facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Mexico, MO can lead to serious penalties, including a permanent loss of your firearm rights. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help. Give us a 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:
- Possession by a Felon
- 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 prior unlawful possession charges in Mexico, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.
If you’re facing these charges, a qualified Mexico, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, scrutinize the evidence, and work to protect your freedom.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action in Mexico, MO involves using, displaying, or possessing a weapon during the commission of a felony. Armed criminal action is not a standalone charge, but an enhancement to a felony, such as assault, burglary, robbery, or drug trafficking. For example, 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 Mexico, 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 plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Mexico, MO armed criminal action charge.
- Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Mexico, 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 Mexico, 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 obliterated. The offense of possession of a defaced firearm is taken seriously, as these weapons are often linked to crimes in Mexico, MO. This offense is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.
Audrain County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Audrain County and Missouri.
Mexico, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri
Federal firearm charges throughout the Mexico, MO area carry grave consequences, often resulting in substantial penalties, including mandatory prison sentences and hefty fines. Federal charges typically arise in Mexico, MO gun crimes when:
- Firearms are involved in crimes crossing state lines.
- A gun is involved in federal offenses like drug trafficking, terrorism, or interstate violence.
- Aggravating circumstances, such as ties to organized crime or large-scale firearm distribution or smuggling, are present.
Mexico, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Fighting Gun Crime Charges in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte
Here are a few common defenses for gun crimes the Combs Waterkotte Mexico, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges in Missouri:
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent
In many Mexico, 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. - Illegal Search & Seizure
Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in Mexico, 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 the Mexico, MO area and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Mexico, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed gun crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Mexico and beyond:
Mexico, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Why Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri?
Facing a gun crime conviction in Mexico, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Mexico, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. Combs Waterkotte offers:
- Expert Case Analysis: 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 Mexico, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your situation.
- Negotiation Experise: In many cases, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges, probation, or alternative sentencing options.
- Skilled Courtroom Representation: If trial is necessary for your Mexico, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.
Gun Crime Charges in Mexico, MO? Let the Combs Waterkotte Experts Help You Defend Your Case Today
If you’re facing gun crime charges in the Mexico, 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.
Contact Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online to schedule a free case review with a Mexico, MO gun crime lawyer.