Gun crime lawyer in Raytown, 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 Raytown, MO. Knowing these situations is essential for protecting your rights and your future.
Whether you’re facing gun crime charges in Raytown, MO or elsewhere in Missouri related to illegal possession, brandishing, or using a firearm in the commission of another crime, you need to have a skilled gun crime lawyer by your side.
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 Raytown, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.
Raytown, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws
While Raytown, 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:
- Unlawful Use: Brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner or using it in criminal activities can result in severe penalties.
- Restricted Areas: Firearms are prohibited in schools, courthouses, and other designated zones unless authorized.
- Prohibited Persons: Those with felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, or active protective orders are legally prohibited from owning or carrying firearms.

Raytown, 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 Raytown, 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 Raytown, MO, including:
- Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
- Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
- Carrying a concealed weapon in or around Raytown, MO without proper authorization.
- Possessing a firearm in Raytown, MO prohibited areas.
- Use of a weapon while committing a crime, such as robbery or assault in the Raytown, 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 Raytown, MO can lead to serious penalties, including a permanent loss of your firearm rights. 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 defines situations in which firearm possession is considered 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 an individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior Raytown, MO unlawful possession of a firearm in which case it’s a Class B felony.
If you’re dealing with charges, an experienced Raytown, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, scrutinize the evidence, and work to protect your rights.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action in Raytown, MO involves using, displaying, or possessing 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 instance, committing assault with a weapon could lead to both assault and armed criminal action charges.
Armed criminal action is treated as a separate felony offense in Raytown, 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:
- Analyze your case details for potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.
- Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
- Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Raytown, MO.
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
The unlawful transfer of weapons in Raytown, MO involves selling, loaning, leasing, giving away, or delivering firearms or other weapons to individuals who are legally 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 Raytown, 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. The offense of possession of a defaced firearm is taken seriously, as these weapons are often linked to crimes in Raytown, MO. This offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.
Jackson County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jackson County and Missouri.
Raytown, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: What Escalates a State Charge to a Federal Gun Crime?
Raytown, MO gun crimes can sometimes escalate to federal offenses, bringing harsher penalties and stricter enforcement. Federal gun charges often come into play 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.
Raytown, 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 Raytown, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges:
- Lack of Intent or Awareness
For a conviction in Raytown, 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 unreasonable searches and seizures. If Raytown, 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
Raytown, 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 Raytown, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal gun crime lawyer in Raytown, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our experienced gun crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Raytown, MO residents:

Raytown, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Combs Waterkotte Gun Crime Lawyer
A conviction for a gun crime in Raytown, MO can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Raytown, MO ensures your case is handled with expertise, compassion, and diligence. Combs Waterkotte offers:
- Thorough Evidence Review: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
- Personalized Legal Strategy: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Raytown, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your situation.
- Personable Negotiation Skills: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
- Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: If your Raytown, 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 Raytown, MO? Consult a Skilled Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte
If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in Raytown, 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. Protect your rights, your future, and get the professional legal guidance you need during this challenging time.
Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for a free case review with a Raytown, MO gun crime lawyer.