Gun crime lawyer in Neosho, 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 Neosho, MO. Knowing these situations is essential for protecting your rights and your future.
If you’re charged with a gun crime in Neosho, MO – whether for unlawful possession, displaying a firearm, or using a gun during another offense – hiring a skilled gun crime lawyer in Neosho 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 Neosho, 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.
Neosho, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Breaking Down Missouri’s Gun Laws
Missouri recognizes the constitutional right to bear arms, allowing open carry and granting concealed carry permits under specific conditions. However, the state imposes restrictions in several areas:
- Unlawful 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.
- Restricted Individuals: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.
Neosho, 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 Neosho, 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 Neosho, MO, including:
- Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
- Displaying a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
- Carrying concealed weapons in or around Neosho, MO without proper authorization.
- Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
- Use of a weapon while committing a crime, like robbery or assault in the Neosho, MO area.
- Making illegal alterations or attachments to firearms.
Possible legal consequences range in severity from a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,000, to a Class A felony, which carries a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 30 years or life in prison.
Facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Neosho, MO can lead to serious penalties, including permanently losing your right to carry arms. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help. Call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070 details the conditions under which possession of a firearm is prohibited, including:
- Felon Possession
- Underage Possession
- Possession by Certain Offenders
- Federal 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 Neosho, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.
If you’re dealing with these charges, an experienced Neosho, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to protect your freedom.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action in Neosho, 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 example, an individual charged with robbery while armed with a gun could face both robbery 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 Neosho, MO defense lawyer who can:
- Analyze your case details for potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.
- Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
- Implement a tailored defense strategy suited to your Neosho, MO case.
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
The unlawful transfer of weapons in Neosho, MO involves selling, loaning, leasing, giving away, or delivering firearms or other weapons to individuals who are 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 allegations, securing an experienced Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer in Neosho, 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 Neosho, MO. This offense is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.
Newton County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Newton County and Missouri.
Neosho, 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 Neosho, 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.
Neosho, 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 Neosho, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges:
- Lack of Intent or Awareness
In many Neosho, 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. - Unreasonable Search & Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Neosho, 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
Neosho, 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.
If you’re facing gun crime charges in Neosho, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing a leading gun crime lawyer in Neosho, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable gun crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Neosho and beyond:
Neosho, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Why Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri?
A gun crime conviction in Neosho, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Neosho, 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 arguments.
- Tailored Legal Strategy: Using in-depth knowledge of Neosho, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we create a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
- Negotiation Experise: Our lawyers are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to secure reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal when possible.
- Skilled Courtroom Representation: If trial is necessary for your Neosho, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.
Charged With a Gun Crime in Neosho, MO? Consult a Skilled Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte
If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in the Neosho, MO area, 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 to schedule a free case review with a Neosho, MO gun crime lawyer.