Gun crime lawyer in Webster 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 Webster County, MO. Knowing these situations is essential for protecting your rights and your future.
Whether you’re facing gun crime charges in Webster County, 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 Webster County, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.
Webster County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: An Overview of 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: Brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner or using it in criminal activities can result in severe penalties.
- Restricted Areas: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
- Restricted Individuals: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.
Webster County, 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 Webster County, MO, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in Webster County, MO, such as:
- Firing a weapon in restricted areas or under the influence of alcohol.
- Displaying a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
- Carrying concealed weapons in Webster County, MO without proper permission.
- Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
- Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, like robbery or assault in the Webster County, MO area.
- Modifying firearms or accessories illegally.
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 Webster County, MO can lead to serious penalties, including a permanent loss of your firearm rights. 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 outlines the circumstances under which possession of a firearm becomes unlawful, including:
- Felon Possession
- Underage Possession
- Possession by Certain Offenders
- Federal Firearm 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 Webster County, MO unlawful possession of a firearm in which case it’s a Class B felony.
If you’re dealing with charges, a qualified Webster County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case, scrutinize the evidence, and fight to protect your future.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action is a serious offense in Webster County, 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 assault, burglary, robbery, or drug trafficking. For instance, someone committing a burglary while armed 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 Webster County, MO defense lawyer 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 Webster County, MO case.
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 Webster 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. The offense of possession of a defaced firearm is taken seriously, as these weapons are often linked to crimes in Webster County, MO. Under Missouri law, this offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.
Webster County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Webster County and Missouri.
Webster County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Facing Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri
Federal firearm charges throughout the Webster County, MO area carry grave consequences, often resulting in substantial penalties, including mandatory prison sentences and hefty fines. Federal charges typically arise in Webster 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.
- Cases include serious factors such as organized crime affiliations or large-scale arms trafficking.
Webster County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Challenging Gun Crime Charges in Missouri
The Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorneys in Webster County, MO, employ several effective strategies to counter gun crime charges. Common defenses include:
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent
For many gun crimes in Webster 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
The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Webster County, 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
Webster County, 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.
If you’re accused of a gun crime in or around Webster County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal gun crime lawyer in Webster County, 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 legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Webster County and beyond:
- Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
- Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
- Weapons Crime Attorney
- DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
Webster County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri
Facing a gun crime conviction in Webster County, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Webster County, MO ensures your case receives professional attention and a strategic approach. Combs Waterkotte offers:
- Thorough Evidence Review: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Customized Defense Planning: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Webster County, 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: 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 Webster County, MO? Let the Combs Waterkotte Experts Help You Defend Your Case Today
If you’re dealing with gun crime allegations in the Webster County, MO area, 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.
Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online to schedule a free case review with a Webster County, MO gun crime lawyer.