Gun Crime Lawyer Putnam County, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Putnam County, 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 Putnam County, 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 Putnam County, MO – whether for unlawful possession, displaying a firearm, or using a gun during another offense – hiring a skilled gun crime lawyer in Putnam County is your first step toward protecting your freedom.

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

Putnam County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Breaking Down Missouri’s Gun Laws

Putnam 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:

• 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.
• Disqualified Individuals: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.

Putnam County, 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 Putnam County, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Unlawful use of a weapon refers to a range of offenses involving firearms in Putnam County, MO. These include:

• Discharging a firearm in certain areas, including firing a gun while intoxicated.
• Brandishing a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying a concealed weapon in Putnam County, MO without proper authorization.
• Possessing a firearm in Putnam County, MO prohibited areas.
• Use of a weapon while committing a crime, like robbery or assault in Putnam County, 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.

If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Putnam 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 the individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has prior unlawful possession charges in Putnam County, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.

If you’re facing charges, a qualified Putnam County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, scrutinize the evidence, and work to protect your future.

Armed Criminal Action

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

Armed criminal action in Putnam County, MO is classified as a separate felony with strict mandatory minimum sentences: 3 years for a first offense, 5 years for a second, and 10 years for a third. These penalties highlight the importance of having an experienced criminal defense attorney who can:

• Investigate the circumstances of your case.
• Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
• Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Putnam County, MO.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in Putnam County, MO refers to the act of selling, loaning, leasing, giving away, or otherwise providing firearms or other weapons to individuals who are prohibited from possessing them.

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 charges in Putnam County, 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

Possessing a firearm with defaced markings, such as removed or altered serial numbers, is a criminal offense. Authorities in Putnam County, MO consider possession of a defaced firearm a serious matter due to its association with criminal activity, including stolen weapons. This offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.

Putnam County, 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 Putnam County, MO when:

• The crime involves crossing state lines.
• A gun is involved in federal offenses like drug trafficking, terrorism, or interstate violence.
• Cases include serious factors such as organized crime affiliations or large-scale arms trafficking.

Putnam County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Challenging Gun Crime Charges in Missouri

Here are a few common defenses for gun crimes the Combs Waterkotte Putnam County, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges:

• Lack of Knowledge or Intent
  For many gun crimes in Putnam 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 unreasonable searches and seizures. If Putnam 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
  Putnam 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 are accused of a gun crime in the Putnam County, MO area and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal gun crime lawyer in Putnam County, 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 staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Putnam County, MO residents:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney

Putnam County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri

A conviction for a gun crime in Putnam County, MO can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Putnam County, MO ensures your case is handled with expertise, compassion, and diligence. Combs Waterkotte offers:

• Expert Case Analysis: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
• Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of Putnam County, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we create a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
• Personable Negotiation Skills: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
• Assertive Trial Representation: If your Putnam County, MO case proceeds to court, our experienced gun crime lawyers will fight vigorously to defend your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

Facing a Gun Crime in Putnam County, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re facing gun crime charges in Putnam 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. Take proactive steps to protect your future with the guidance of experienced legal professionals.

Contact Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP right away or connect with us online to schedule a free case review with a Putnam County, MO gun crime lawyer.