Gun crime lawyer in Moberly, 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 Moberly, MO. Knowing these situations is essential for protecting your rights and your future.
If you’re charged with a gun crime in Moberly, MO – whether for unlawful possession, displaying a firearm, or using a gun during another offense – hiring a skilled gun crime lawyer in Moberly 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 Moberly, 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.
Moberly, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws
While Moberly, 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:
- Improper Use: Using a firearm for threats or criminal purposes can lead to significant penalties.
- Prohibited Locations: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
- Disqualified Individuals: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.
Moberly, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Gun Crimes in Missouri
The skillful and experienced Combs Waterkotte legal team handles a variety of gun crimes in and around Moberly, MO, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common charges in Missouri, encompassing a variety of situations in Moberly, MO, including:
- Firing a weapon in restricted areas or under the influence of alcohol.
- Displaying a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
- Carrying concealed weapons in Moberly, MO without proper permission.
- Possession in prohibited areas in Moberly, MO.
- Use of a weapon while committing a crime, such as robbery or assault in the Moberly, MO area.
- Making illegal alterations or attachments to firearms.
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 Moberly, 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 outlines the circumstances under which possession of a firearm becomes unlawful, including:
- Possession by a Felon
- Underage Possession
- Possession by Certain Offenders
- Federal Firearm Restrictions
In Missouri, unlawful firearm possession is typically classified as a Class C felony, unless the individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior Moberly, MO unlawful possession of a firearm in which case it’s a Class B felony.
If you’re facing these charges, a qualified Moberly, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and work to protect your freedom.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action is a serious offense in Moberly, 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 example, someone committing a burglary while armed could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.
Armed criminal action is treated as a separate felony offense in Moberly, 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:
- Thoroughly examine the facts and evidence in your case.
- Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Moberly, MO armed criminal action charge.
- Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Moberly, MO.
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
The unlawful transfer of weapons in Moberly, MO involves selling, leasing, loaning, giving away, or delivering firearms or other weapons to individuals who are legally prohibited from owning or possessing them.
An unlawful transfer of weapons charge is a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony, depending on the severity of the case. If you’re facing these charges in Moberly, 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 the manufacturer’s serial number, or any other identifying markings, have been intentionally altered, removed, or obliterated. Law enforcement in Moberly, MO treats the offense of possession of a defaced firearm seriously because they are often linked to criminal activity, like stolen guns used in other crimes. This offense is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.
Randolph County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Randolph County and Missouri.
Moberly, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Facing 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 Moberly, MO when:
- The crime involves 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.
Moberly, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Challenging Gun Crime Charges in Missouri
The Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorneys in Moberly, MO, employ several effective strategies to counter gun crime charges. Common defenses include:
- Lack of Intent or Awareness
For a conviction in Moberly, 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
The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Moberly, MO law enforcement obtained evidence, such as a gun, through illegal stops, frisks, or searches of your vehicle or property, we can seek to suppress that evidence. - Self-Defense
Moberly, MO laws allow 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 facing gun crime charges in Moberly, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Moberly, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable gun crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Moberly, MO residents:
Moberly, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri
Facing a gun crime conviction in Moberly, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Moberly, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. Combs Waterkotte offers:
- Comprehensive Case Analysis: Your attorney will analyze every aspect of your case, from police procedures to forensic evidence, to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
- Customized Defense Planning: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Moberly, 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.
- Skilled Courtroom Representation: Should your case go to trial, your lawyer will advocate aggressively to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.
Charged With a Gun Crime in Moberly, MO? Consult a Skilled Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte
If you’re facing gun crime charges in or around Moberly, 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 connect with us online for a free case review with a Moberly, MO gun crime lawyer.