Gun crime lawyer in Taney 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 Taney County, MO. Knowing these situations is essential for protecting your rights and your future.
If you’re charged with a gun crime in Taney County, MO – whether for unlawful possession, displaying a firearm, or using a gun during another offense – hiring a skilled gun crime lawyer in Taney County is your first step toward protecting your freedom.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or connect online for a free, confidential consultation. Discuss your case with a skilled criminal defense attorney who understands the complexities of Taney County, MO law. With over 40 years of experience and a proven track record of successfully handling 10,000+ cases in Missouri, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is here to help.
Taney County, 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: Using a firearm for threats or criminal purposes can lead to significant penalties.
- Prohibited Locations: 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.
Taney 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 Taney County, MO, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Unlawful use of a weapon refers to a range of offenses involving firearms in Taney 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 a concealed weapon in or around Taney County, MO without proper permission.
- Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
- Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, like robbery or assault in Taney County, 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.
Facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Taney County, MO can lead to serious penalties, including a permanent loss of your firearm rights. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070 outlines the circumstances under which possession of a firearm becomes unlawful, including:
- Felon Possession
- 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 a prior Taney County, MO unlawful possession of a firearm in which case it’s a Class B felony.
If you’re facing these charges, an experienced Taney County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to protect your rights.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action is a significant charge in Taney County, MO involving the use, display, or possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony. Armed criminal action is not a standalone charge, but an enhancement to a 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 is treated as a separate felony offense in Taney County, 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:
- Investigate the circumstances of your case.
- Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
- Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Taney County, MO.
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
The unlawful transfer of weapons in Taney County, MO refers to the act of selling, leasing, loaning, giving away, or delivering firearms or other weapons to individuals who are legally 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 allegations, securing an experienced Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer in Taney County, 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. Law enforcement in Taney County, 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.
Taney County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Taney County and Missouri.
Taney 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 Taney County, 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.
- Cases include serious factors such as organized crime affiliations or large-scale arms trafficking.
Taney County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Defending Against Gun Crimes in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte
When facing gun crime charges in Taney County, MO, the experienced attorneys at Combs Waterkotte rely on well-established defense strategies to protect your rights. Some of the most effective approaches include:
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent
For many gun crimes in Taney County, 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
Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in Taney 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 Taney County, MO were lawful and justified.
When you’re facing gun crime charges in the Taney County, MO area and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Taney County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable gun crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Taney County and beyond:
Taney County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Combs Waterkotte Gun Crime Lawyer
A gun crime conviction in Taney County, MO can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Taney County, MO ensures your case receives professional attention and a strategic approach. Combs Waterkotte offers:
- Comprehensive Case Analysis: 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 Taney County, 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: 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 Taney County, MO? Let the Combs Waterkotte Experts Help You Defend Your Case Today
If you’re facing gun crime charges in or around Taney County, MO, 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 right now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for a free case review with a Taney County, MO gun crime lawyer.