Gun Crime Lawyer St. Joseph, MO

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

If you’re charged with a gun crime in St. Joseph, MO – whether for unlawful possession, displaying a firearm, or using a gun during another offense – hiring a skilled gun crime lawyer in St. Joseph is your first step toward protecting your freedom.

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. Joseph, 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. Joseph, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws

St. Joseph, 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:

• Use of a Firearm: Displaying a firearm in a threatening way or using it during the commission of a crime can result in serious legal consequences.
• Prohibited Locations: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
• Restricted Individuals: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.

St. Joseph, 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. Joseph, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in St. Joseph, MO, such as:

• Firing a weapon in restricted areas or under the influence of alcohol.
• Brandishing a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
• Carrying a concealed weapon in St. Joseph, MO without proper authorization.
• Possession in prohibited areas in St. Joseph, MO.
• Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, like robbery or assault in St. Joseph, MO.
• 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.

If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in St. Joseph, 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 the individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior St. Joseph, MO unlawful possession of a firearm in which case it’s a Class B felony.

If you’re dealing with these charges, an experienced St. Joseph, 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. Joseph, MO involves using, displaying, or possessing 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 instance, an individual charged with robbery while armed with a gun could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.

Armed criminal action in St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO.

Unlawful Transfer of Weapons

The unlawful transfer of weapons in St. Joseph, MO refers to the act of selling, loaning, leasing, giving away, or delivering firearms or other weapons to individuals who are legally prohibited from possessing them.

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 charged with this crime, an experienced Combs Waterkotte St. Joseph, MO gun crime lawyer can assess your case, protect your legal rights, and fight for a favorable result. Call (314) 900-HELP right now or reach out 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. Joseph, 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.

St. Joseph, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri

Federal firearm charges throughout the St. Joseph, MO area carry grave consequences, often resulting in substantial penalties, including mandatory prison sentences and hefty fines. Federal charges typically arise in St. Joseph, MO gun crimes when:

• The crime spans across state borders.
• 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. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges:

• Lack of Intent or Awareness
  For a conviction in St. Joseph, 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
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If St. Joseph, 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
  St. Joseph, 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 the St. Joseph, MO area and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal gun crime lawyer in St. Joseph, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed gun crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Joseph and beyond:

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

St. Joseph, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Why Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri?

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

• 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: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand St. Joseph, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your situation.
• Strong Negotiation Capabilities: Our lawyers are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to secure reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal when possible.
• Assertive Trial Representation: If trial is necessary for your St. Joseph, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.

Facing a Gun Crime in St. Joseph, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re facing gun crime charges in or around St. Joseph, 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 reach out online to schedule a free case review with a St. Joseph, MO gun crime lawyer.