Gun crime lawyer in Warrenton, 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 Warrenton, MO. Knowing these situations is essential for protecting your rights and your future.
Whether you’re facing gun crime charges in Warrenton, 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 Warrenton, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.
Warrenton, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws
While Warrenton, 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:
- 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 felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.
Warrenton, 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 Warrenton, MO, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in Warrenton, MO, such as:
- Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
- Brandishing a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
- Carrying concealed weapons in Warrenton, MO without proper permission.
- Possessing a firearm in Warrenton, MO prohibited areas.
- Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, such as robbery or assault in the Warrenton, MO area.
- Making illegal alterations or attachments to firearms.
Potential 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.
Facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Warrenton, MO can lead to serious penalties, including permanently losing your right to carry arms. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help. Call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070 defines situations in which firearm possession is considered unlawful, including:
- Felon Possession
- Underage Possession
- 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 a prior unlawful possession conviction in Warrenton, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.
If you’re dealing with charges, an experienced Warrenton, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, scrutinize the evidence, and fight to protect your future.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action is a serious offense in Warrenton, 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 assault, burglary, robbery, or drug trafficking. 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 Warrenton, 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:
- Thoroughly examine the facts and evidence in your case.
- Negotiate for plea agreements to reduce or dismiss the charges.
- Implement a tailored defense strategy suited to your Warrenton, MO case.
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
The unlawful transfer of weapons in Warrenton, MO refers to the act of selling, loaning, leasing, giving away, or delivering firearms or other weapons to individuals who are prohibited from owning or 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 facing these allegations, securing an experienced Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer in Warrenton, 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 the manufacturer’s serial number, or any other identifying markings, have been intentionally altered, removed, or obliterated. Law enforcement in Warrenton, 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.
Warren County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Warren County and Missouri.
Warrenton, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: What Escalates a State Charge to a Federal Gun Crime?
Warrenton, MO gun crimes can sometimes escalate to federal offenses, bringing harsher penalties and stricter enforcement. Federal gun charges often come into play 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.
- There are aggravating factors, such as involvement with organized crime or large-scale trafficking.
Warrenton, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Fighting Gun Crime Charges in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte
When facing gun crime charges in Warrenton, 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
In many Warrenton, 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
The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If Warrenton, 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
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 Warrenton, MO were lawful and justified.
When you are accused of a gun crime in or around Warrenton, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting a leading gun crime lawyer in Warrenton, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable gun crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Warrenton, MO residents:
Warrenton, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Why Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri?
Facing a gun crime conviction in Warrenton, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Warrenton, MO ensures your case is handled with expertise, compassion, and diligence. Combs Waterkotte provides:
- Thorough Evidence Review: Your attorney will meticulously review all evidence, including witness statements and police reports, to identify all weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Tailored Legal Strategy: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Warrenton, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your situation.
- Personable Negotiation Skills: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
- Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: If trial is necessary for your Warrenton, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.
Facing a Gun Crime in Warrenton, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in the Warrenton, 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 connect with us online to schedule a free case review with a Warrenton, MO gun crime lawyer.