Gun Crime Lawyer St. Francois County, MO

Gun crime lawyer in St. Francois County, 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 St. Francois County, MO. Knowing these situations is essential for protecting your rights and your future.

Whether you’re facing gun crime charges in St. Francois County, 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.

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 St. Francois 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.

St. Francois County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws

While St. Francois County, 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:

• Use of a Firearm: Using a firearm for threats or criminal purposes can lead to significant penalties.
• Restricted Zones: Certain areas, such as schools, courthouses, and specific private properties, restrict gun possession without explicit authorization.
• Prohibited Persons: Those with felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, or active protective orders are legally prohibited from owning or carrying firearms.

St. Francois County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Gun Crimes in Missouri

The skillful and experienced Combs Waterkotte legal team handles a variety of gun crimes in St. Francois County, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

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

• Firing a weapon in restricted areas or under the influence of alcohol.
• Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
• Carrying concealed weapons in or around St. Francois County, MO without proper permission.
• Possessing a firearm in St. Francois County, MO prohibited areas.
• Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, like robbery or assault in the St. Francois County, MO area.
• 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 St. Francois 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 defines situations in which firearm possession is considered unlawful, 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 St. Francois County, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.

If you’re facing charges, an experienced St. Francois County, 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 St. Francois County, 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, someone committing a burglary while armed could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.

Armed criminal action in St. Francois 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.
• Implement a tailored defense strategy suited to your St. Francois County, MO case.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in St. Francois County, MO refers to the act of selling, leasing, loaning, 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 charges in St. Francois 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 St. Francois County, MO consider possession of a defaced firearm a serious matter due to its association with criminal activity, including stolen weapons. Under Missouri law, this offense is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.

St. Francois 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 St. Francois County, MO when:

• Firearms are involved in crimes crossing state lines.
• The firearm was used in a federal crime, such as drug trafficking, terrorism, or a violent offense crossing state lines.
• Cases include serious factors such as organized crime affiliations or large-scale arms trafficking.

St. Francois County, 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 St. Francois County, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges in Missouri:

• Lack of Knowledge or Intent
  For a conviction in St. Francois County, 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.
• Illegal Search & Seizure
  Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in St. Francois County, MO. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, this can form the basis for a strong defense.
• Self-Defense
  Missouri law supports using force in self-defense if you reasonably believe it was necessary to protect yourself from imminent harm. We’ll present evidence to show your actions in St. Francois County, MO were lawful and justified.

If you are facing gun crime charges in St. Francois County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring a top-rated gun crime lawyer in St. Francois County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable gun crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Francois County and beyond:

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

St. Francois County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri

A conviction for a gun crime in St. Francois County, MO can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in St. Francois County, 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.
• Tailored Legal Strategy: Using in-depth knowledge of St. Francois County, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we design a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
• Negotiation Experise: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
• Assertive Trial Representation: If trial is necessary for your St. Francois County, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.

Charged With a Gun Crime in St. Francois County, MO? Consult a Skilled Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte

If you’re facing gun crime charges in the St. Francois County, MO area, 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. 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 St. Francois County, MO gun crime lawyer.