Gun crime lawyer in Town and Country, 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 Town and Country, 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 Town and Country, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Town and Country, MO.
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 Town and Country, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.
Town and Country, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Breaking Down Missouri’s Gun Laws
While Town and Country, 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:
- Improper Use: Displaying a firearm in a threatening way or using it during the commission of a crime can result in serious legal consequences.
- Restricted Zones: Firearms are prohibited in schools, courthouses, and other designated zones unless authorized.
- Prohibited Persons: Those with felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, or active protective orders are legally prohibited from owning or carrying firearms.
Town and Country, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Gun Crimes in Missouri
The skillful and experienced Combs Waterkotte legal team handles a variety of gun crimes in and around Town and Country, MO, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Unlawful use of a weapon refers to a range of offenses involving firearms in Town and Country, 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 Town and Country, MO without proper authorization.
- Possessing a firearm in Town and Country, MO prohibited areas.
- Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, such as robbery or assault in Town and Country, MO.
- Illegal modifications or accessories.
Possible penalties 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 Town and Country, 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:
- Felon Possession
- Possession by Minors
- Possession by Certain Offenders
- Federal 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 unlawful possession conviction in Town and Country, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.
If you’re facing charges, an experienced Town and Country, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, challenge the evidence, and work to protect your future.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action is a significant charge in Town and Country, 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 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 Town and Country, 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:
- Thoroughly examine the facts and evidence in your case.
- Negotiate to mitigate or dismiss armed criminal action enhancements.
- Develop a strong defense strategy tailored precisely to your situation in Town and Country, MO.
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
The unlawful transfer of weapons in Town and Country, 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 Town and Country, 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
Possessing a firearm with defaced markings, such as removed or altered serial numbers, is a criminal offense. Authorities in Town and Country, 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 classified as a Class B misdemeanor.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Town and Country, 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 Town and Country, MO when:
- Firearms are involved in crimes crossing state lines.
- A gun is involved in federal offenses like drug trafficking, terrorism, or interstate violence.
- There are aggravating factors, such as involvement with organized crime or large-scale trafficking.
Town and Country, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Fighting Gun Crime Charges in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte
When facing gun crime charges in Town and Country, 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 a conviction in Town and Country, 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. - Unlawful Search & Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If Town and Country, MO law enforcement violated your rights when obtaining evidence, discovering a gun through an unlawful stop or frisk or search of your vehicle or residence. - Self-Defense
Town and Country, 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 or around Town and Country, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal gun crime lawyer in Town and Country, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable gun crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Town and Country, MO residents:
Town and Country, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Combs Waterkotte Gun Crime Lawyer
Facing a gun crime conviction in Town and Country, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Town and Country, MO ensures your case receives professional attention and a strategic approach. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide:
- Thorough Evidence Review: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
- Personalized Legal Strategy: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Town and Country, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your situation.
- Negotiation Experise: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
- Skilled Courtroom Representation: If trial is necessary for your Town and Country, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.
Charged With a Gun Crime in Town and Country, MO? Consult a Skilled Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte
If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in the Town and Country, MO area, 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 right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case review with a Town and Country, MO gun crime lawyer.