Gun Crime Lawyer Ste. Genevieve, MO

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

Whether you’re facing gun crime charges in Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.

Ste. Genevieve, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Breaking Down Missouri’s 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:

• 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.
• Restricted Areas: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
• Prohibited Persons: Those with felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, or active protective orders are legally prohibited from owning or carrying firearms.

Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

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

• Discharging a firearm in certain areas, including firing a gun while intoxicated.
• Displaying a firearm in a menacing or threatening way.
• Carrying concealed weapons in or around Ste. Genevieve, MO without proper authorization.
• Possessing a firearm in Ste. Genevieve, MO prohibited areas.
• Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, such as robbery or assault in Ste. Genevieve, MO.
• Illegal modifications or accessories.

Potential legal consequences range in severity from a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,000, to a Class A felony, which carries a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 30 years or life in prison.

If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Ste. Genevieve, 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 outlines the circumstances under which possession of a firearm becomes 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.

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

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action is a significant charge in Ste. Genevieve, MO involving the use, display, or possession of 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 example, an individual charged with robbery while armed with a gun could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.

Missouri law treats armed criminal action as a separate felony with mandatory sentencing requirements – 3 years for a first offense, 5 years for a second, and 10 years for a third. These stringent penalties require the expertise of an experienced Ste. Genevieve, MO defense lawyer who can:

• Investigate the circumstances of your case.
• Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Ste. Genevieve, MO armed criminal action charge.
• Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Ste. Genevieve, MO.

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 allegations, securing an experienced Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO is essential to pursue the best outcome for your case. Contact us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Possession of a Defaced Firearm

A defaced firearm is one where identifying markings, like the serial number, 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO. Under Missouri law, this offense is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.

Ste. Genevieve, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Facing Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri

Ste. Genevieve, 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.
• The firearm was used in a federal crime, such as drug trafficking, terrorism, or a violent offense crossing state lines.
• Aggravating circumstances, such as ties to organized crime or large-scale firearm distribution or smuggling, are present.

Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges:

• Lack of Intent or Awareness
  In many Ste. Genevieve, MO gun crimes, the prosecution must demonstrate that you knowingly committed the offense. Our expert legal team may argue that you were unaware of the firearm’s presence or that there was no deliberate intent to violate the law.
• Illegal Search & Seizure
  Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in Ste. Genevieve, MO. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, this can form the basis for a strong defense.
• Self-Defense
  Ste. Genevieve, 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 facing gun crime charges in or around Ste. Genevieve, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO residents:

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

Ste. Genevieve, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Combs Waterkotte Gun Crime Lawyer

A gun crime conviction in Ste. Genevieve, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, 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 arguments.
• Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of Ste. Genevieve, 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.
• Skilled Courtroom Representation: If trial is necessary for your Ste. Genevieve, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.

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

If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in the Ste. Genevieve, MO area, 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. Take proactive steps to protect your future with the guidance of experienced legal professionals.

Contact Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for a free case review with a Ste. Genevieve, MO gun crime lawyer.