Gun crime lawyer in Perry County, MO. Missouri’s relatively relaxed stance on firearms does not mean violations are taken lightly. Owning a firearm legally in Perry County, 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.
Facing gun crime charges, such as illegal possession, improper brandishing, or gun use in the commission of a crime in Perry County, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Perry County, MO.
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 Perry County, 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.
Perry County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri 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:
- Improper Use: 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.
- Restricted Individuals: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.

Perry 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 and around Perry County, MO, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in Perry County, MO, such as:
- Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
- Brandishing a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
- Carrying concealed weapons in Perry County, MO without proper authorization.
- Possession in prohibited areas in Perry County, MO.
- Use of a weapon while committing a crime, such as robbery or assault in Perry County, MO.
- Illegal modifications or accessories.
Potential 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 even life in prison.
Facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Perry County, MO can lead to serious penalties, including permanently losing your right to carry arms. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help. Call now 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:
- Felon Possession
- 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 unlawful possession conviction in Perry County, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.
If you’re dealing with charges, an experienced Perry County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and work to protect your rights.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action is a serious offense in Perry County, MO involving the use, display, or possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony. This charge is not independent but serves as an enhancement to the underlying felony, such as robbery, assault, drug trafficking, and burglary. 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 Perry County, MO defense lawyer who can:
- Analyze your case details for potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.
- Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Perry County, MO armed criminal action charge.
- Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Perry 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.
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 allegations, securing an experienced Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer in Perry 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 obliterated. Law enforcement in Perry County, 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.
Perry County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Perry County and Missouri.
Perry County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri
Federal firearm charges throughout the Perry County, MO area carry grave consequences, often resulting in substantial penalties, including mandatory prison sentences and hefty fines. Federal charges typically arise in Perry County, MO gun crimes when:
- The crime spans across state borders.
- 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.
Perry County, 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 Perry County, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges:
- Lack of Intent or Awareness
For many gun crimes in Perry 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. - Illegal Search & Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Perry County, 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
Perry County, 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’re accused of a gun crime in or around Perry County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal gun crime lawyer in Perry County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed gun crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Perry County, MO residents:

Perry County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Why Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri?
Facing a gun crime conviction in Perry County, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Perry County, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. Combs Waterkotte provides:
- 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 Perry County, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we create a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
- Personable Negotiation Skills: Our lawyers are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to secure reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal when possible.
- Assertive Trial Representation: If your Perry 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 Perry County, MO? Consult a Skilled Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte
If you’re facing gun crime charges in or around Perry County, 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 Perry County, MO gun crime lawyer.