Armed Criminal Action Defense Lawyer in St. Louis

Armed Criminal Action Lawyer in St. Louis, MO

Prosecutors can charge defendants with armed criminal action whenever they allege a felony committed with a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon. A conviction could significantly extend your sentence and delay your parole.

Combs Waterkotte has over five decades of experience combating these charges. Our armed criminal action attorneys stand beside you throughout the legal process, fighting for a fair outcome.

What Is Armed Criminal Action in Missouri?

Armed criminal action is an unusual charge because it requires prosecutors to prove the commission of a felony as an element. You can only commit armed criminal action if you commit a felony while armed with a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon.

This statute allows prosecutors to seek enhanced penalties when weapons are involved in felony offenses. For example, armed carjackers may face both vehicle hijacking and armed criminal action charges, unlike unarmed offenders.

Unlike weapons enhancements in other states, Missouri’s armed criminal action law allows both the primary felony and the weapon-based charge to be contested at trial.

Charges Involving Armed Action in Missouri

Missouri law includes several weapon-related charges that can be filed alongside other crimes. These weapons offenses include:

Armed Criminal Action

This charge applies when a person commits a felony using a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon. The definitions include:

• Dangerous Instruments: Firearms, blunt weapons, knives, motor vehicles, poison
• Deadly Weapons: Firearms (loaded/unloaded), switchblades, daggers, billy clubs, blackjacks, metal knuckles

The weapon doesn’t need to be used—its presence or aid in the felony suffices. However, prosecutors must prove its relevance to the act.

Unlawful Use of Weapons

Charges include:

• Carrying a concealed weapon in restricted areas
• Firing guns into buildings or public spaces
• Displaying weapons threateningly
• Possessing firearms while intoxicated or using them negligently

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

This includes possession by felons, fugitives, drug/alcohol addicts, or mentally incompetent individuals. Often charged alongside other offenses.

Possession of a Defaced Firearm

This charge applies when serial numbers on a firearm are removed or altered—often discovered during broader criminal investigations.

Defenses Against Armed Criminal Action in St. Louis, MO

Common strategies include:

• No Underlying Felony: Disproving the felony undermines the armed criminal action charge.
• No Weapon or Instrument: Demonstrating that the item in question wasn’t dangerous or deadly.
• Mistaken Identity: Showing that the defendant wasn’t the one possessing or using the weapon during the felony.

Possible Punishments for Armed Criminal Action

Why It Matters Who You Hire to Defend an Armed Criminal Action Case

Sentences for armed criminal action are consecutive and come with mandatory parole delays. Even if you’re eligible for early release on the base charge, you must complete the minimum armed criminal action term first. Strategic legal representation is critical.