571.015. Armed criminal action, offense of — penalty
Extra prison time if you use a weapon while committing a felony
If someone commits a felony while using or helping with a deadly weapon or dangerous item, they face extra prison time on top of their sentence for the original crime.
1. If a person commits a felony using or with the help of a dangerous weapon, they are also guilty of armed criminal action. This adds 3–15 years in prison (or 5–15 years if they had a gun illegally). This time is in addition to and must be served after the sentence for the main crime. They can’t get parole or probation for the first 3 years.
2. A second conviction for armed criminal action adds 5–30 years (or at least 15 years if illegally carrying a gun). This sentence is in addition to and served after the sentence for the main felony. No parole or probation for the first 5 years.
3. A third or later conviction adds at least 10 years (or 15 if they had a gun illegally). This time is also on top of and after the main felony sentence. No parole or probation for the first 10 years.
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