Gun Crime Lawyer Richmond, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Richmond, 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 Richmond, MO. Understanding these intricacies of Missouri’s gun laws can be key to protecting your rights and future.

Facing gun crime charges, such as illegal possession, improper brandishing, or gun use in the commission of a crime in Richmond, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Richmond, 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 Richmond, 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.

Richmond, 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:

• Unlawful Use: Brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner or using it in criminal activities can result in severe penalties.
• Prohibited Locations: Firearms are prohibited in schools, courthouses, and other designated zones unless authorized.
• Disqualified Individuals: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.

Richmond, 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 Richmond, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in Richmond, 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 or around Richmond, MO without proper authorization.
• Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
• Use of a weapon while committing a crime, such as robbery or assault in the Richmond, MO area.
• Modifying firearms or accessories illegally.

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 Richmond, 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 Firearm Restrictions

Unlawful possession of a firearm is classified as a Class C felony, unless an individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has prior unlawful possession charges in Richmond, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.

If you’re dealing with these charges, a qualified Richmond, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and work to protect your future.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action in Richmond, 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 in Richmond, 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:

• 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 Richmond, MO case.

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.

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 Richmond, 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 destroyed. Law enforcement in Richmond, 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. Under Missouri law, this offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.

Richmond, 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 Richmond, MO when:

• The crime involves crossing state lines.
• The firearm was used in a federal crime, such as drug trafficking, terrorism, or a violent offense crossing state lines.
• There are aggravating factors, such as involvement with organized crime or large-scale trafficking.

Richmond, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Fighting Gun Crime Charges in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte

The Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorneys in Richmond, MO, employ several effective strategies to counter gun crime charges. Common defenses include:

• Lack of Knowledge or Intent
  For many gun crimes in Richmond, 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.
• Unlawful Search & Seizure
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Richmond, 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
  Missouri law allows 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 are accused of a gun crime in the Richmond, MO area and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Richmond, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed gun crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Richmond and beyond:

• Weapons Crime Attorney
• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer

Richmond, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Combs Waterkotte Gun Crime Lawyer

A gun crime conviction in Richmond, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Richmond, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide:

• Thorough Evidence Review: Your attorney will analyze every aspect of your case, from police procedures to forensic evidence, to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of Richmond, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we create a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
• Strong Negotiation Capabilities: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
• Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: Should your case go to trial, your lawyer will advocate aggressively to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.

Gun Crime Charges in Richmond, MO? Let the Combs Waterkotte Experts Help You Defend Your Case Today

If you’re facing gun crime charges in or around Richmond, 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. Protect your rights, your future, and get the professional legal guidance you need during this challenging time.

Call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP right away or reach out online to schedule a free case review with a Richmond, MO gun crime lawyer.