Gun Crime Lawyer Mississippi County, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Mississippi 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 Mississippi County, MO. Knowing these situations is essential for protecting your rights and your future.

Facing gun crime charges, such as illegal possession, improper brandishing, or gun use in the commission of a crime in Mississippi County, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Mississippi County, MO.

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 Mississippi County, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.

Mississippi County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: An Overview of Missouri Gun Laws

Mississippi County, 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: Displaying a firearm in a threatening way or using it during the commission of a crime can result in serious legal consequences.
• Prohibited Locations: Certain areas, such as schools, courthouses, and specific private properties, restrict gun possession without explicit authorization.
• Disqualified Individuals: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.

Mississippi County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Key Facts and Penalties of Missouri Gun Crimes

The skillful and experienced Combs Waterkotte legal team handles a variety of gun crimes in Mississippi County, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

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

• Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
• Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
• Carrying a concealed weapon in Mississippi County, MO without proper authorization.
• Possession in prohibited areas in Mississippi County, MO.
• Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, like robbery or assault in Mississippi County, 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 Mississippi County, 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:

• Possession by a Felon
• Possession by Minors
• Possession by Certain Offenders
• Federal Restrictions

Unlawful possession of a firearm is a Class C felony, unless an individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior unlawful possession conviction in Mississippi County, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.

If you’re facing charges, a qualified Mississippi County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, scrutinize the evidence, and fight to protect your rights.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action in Mississippi 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 assault, burglary, robbery, or drug trafficking. For instance, committing assault with a weapon could lead to both assault and armed criminal action charges.

Missouri law treats armed criminal action as a separate felony with mandatory sentencing requirements – 3 years for a first offense, 5 years for a second, and 10 years for a third. These stringent penalties require the expertise of an experienced Mississippi County, MO defense lawyer who can:

• Thoroughly examine the facts and evidence in your case.
• Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
• Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Mississippi County, 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 allegations, securing an experienced Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer in Mississippi County, MO is essential to pursue the best outcome for your case. Contact us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out 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 Mississippi County, MO. Under Missouri law, this offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.

Mississippi County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: What Escalates a State Charge to a Federal Gun Crime?

Federal firearm charges throughout the Mississippi County, MO area carry grave consequences, often resulting in substantial penalties, including mandatory prison sentences and hefty fines. Federal charges typically arise in Mississippi County, MO gun crimes when:

• Firearms are involved in crimes crossing state lines.
• Weapons are used in federal offenses like drug smuggling, acts of terrorism, or violent interstate offenses.
• Aggravating circumstances, such as ties to organized crime or large-scale firearm distribution or smuggling, are present.

Mississippi County, 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 Mississippi County, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges in Missouri:

• Lack of Knowledge or Intent
  For many gun crimes in Mississippi County, 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.
• Unlawful Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Mississippi County, 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 supports using force in self-defense if you reasonably believe it was necessary to protect yourself from imminent harm. We’ll present evidence to show your actions in Mississippi County, MO were lawful and justified.

When you’re accused of a gun crime in or around Mississippi County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Mississippi County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed gun crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Mississippi County and beyond:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney
• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer

Mississippi County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Combs Waterkotte Gun Crime Lawyer

A conviction for a gun crime in Mississippi County, MO can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Mississippi County, MO ensures your case receives professional attention and a strategic approach. 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.
• Tailored Legal Strategy: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Mississippi County, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.
• Personable Negotiation Skills: Our lawyers are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to secure reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal when possible.
• Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: If your Mississippi County, 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 Mississippi County, MO? Consult a Skilled Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte

If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in or around Mississippi 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. Protect your rights, your future, and get the professional legal guidance you need during this challenging time.

Contact Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP right away or reach out online for a free case review with a Mississippi County, MO gun crime lawyer.