Gun Crime Lawyer Washington County, MO

Gun crime lawyer in Washington County, MO. Missouri’s relatively relaxed stance on firearms does not mean violations are taken lightly. Owning a firearm legally in Washington County, MO doesn’t exempt you from potential charges if the gun is used or possessed under prohibited circumstances. Understanding Missouri’s complex gun laws is vital for avoiding legal trouble.

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

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 Washington County, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.

Washington 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:

• 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 Zones: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
• Disqualified Individuals: Those with felonies, specific domestic violence convictions, or orders of protection are barred from gun ownership or possession.

Washington County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: A Guide to Missouri Gun Crimes

The skillful and experienced Combs Waterkotte legal team handles a variety of gun crimes in and around Washington County, MO, including:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common charges in Missouri, encompassing a variety of situations in Washington County, MO, including:

• 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 Washington County, MO without proper authorization.
• Possessing a firearm in Washington County, MO prohibited areas.
• Use of a weapon while committing a crime, such as robbery or assault in the Washington County, MO area.
• Modifying firearms or accessories illegally.

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 even life in prison.

Facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Washington County, MO can lead to serious penalties, including permanently losing your right to carry arms. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

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
• Underage Possession
• Possession by Certain Offenders
• Federal Restrictions

Unlawful possession of a firearm is a Class C felony, unless an individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior unlawful possession conviction in Washington County, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.

If you’re facing charges, a qualified Washington County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, scrutinize the evidence, and fight to protect your rights.

Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action in Washington County, MO involves using, displaying, or possessing 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, someone committing a burglary while armed could face both robbery and armed criminal action charges.

Armed criminal action in Washington County, 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:

• Analyze your case details for potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.
• Negotiate to mitigate or dismiss armed criminal action enhancements.
• Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Washington County, 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.

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 Washington 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

Possessing a firearm with defaced markings, such as removed or altered serial numbers, is a criminal offense. Authorities in Washington County, 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.

Washington County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri

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

• The crime involves 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.

Washington County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Challenging Gun Crime Charges in Missouri

The Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorneys in Washington County, MO, employ several effective strategies to counter gun crime charges. Common defenses include:

• Lack of Knowledge or Intent
  For a conviction in Washington County, 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.
• Unreasonable Search & Seizure
  Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in Washington 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 Washington County, MO were lawful and justified.

If you are facing gun crime charges in the Washington County, MO area and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal gun crime lawyer in Washington County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable gun crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Washington County and beyond:

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

Washington County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Why Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri?

A conviction for a gun crime in Washington County, MO can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Washington County, MO ensures your case is handled with expertise, compassion, and diligence. 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.
• Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of Washington County, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we create a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
• Negotiation Experise: Our lawyers are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to secure reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal when possible.
• Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: Should your case go to trial, your lawyer will advocate aggressively to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.

Facing a Gun Crime in Washington County, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in or around Washington 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. Take proactive steps to protect your future with the guidance of experienced legal professionals.

Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online to schedule a free case review with a Washington County, MO gun crime lawyer.