Failure to Report a Shooting Lawyer in St. Louis, MO
Missouri has a statute that punishes people who shoot someone and fail to report it. This statute is analogous to the state’s hit-and-run law because it essentially prohibits shoot-and-run incidents. However, it can also ensnare those unaware of the law’s requirements.
Combs Waterkotte vigorously defends clients from charges of failure to report a shooting. We can devise a defense based on your side of the story to seek a fair resolution to your case.
Call a failure to report a shooting defense attorney at Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
Why Does Missouri Punish People for Failure to Report a Shooting?
Laws that require people to report shootings serve the following purposes:
- Securing prompt medical care for shooting victims
- Alerting law enforcement agencies so they can investigate the incident
- Ensuring that the shooter is present for police questioning
However, shooters may fail to contact the police or flee the scene for many reasons, including:
- Panic
- Fear of arrest for homicide, assault, or gun violations
- Concern about outstanding warrants
- Ignorance of the law’s requirements
Missouri does not accept ignorance of the law as a defense. Even if you stayed to help or called an ambulance, you could still be charged if you didn’t notify law enforcement yourself.
Missouri Statute Against Failure to Report a Shooting
Missouri law prohibits a person from failing to report a shooting if they:
- Possessed and discharged a firearm or projectile weapon
- Caused injury or death to another person
- Knew about the injury or death
- Failed to report it to law enforcement within a reasonable time
The statute doesn’t specify intent—only that the shooter failed to report. If another person reports the incident, that doesn’t relieve the shooter from responsibility.
Possible Defenses Against Charges of Failure to Report a Shooting in St. Louis, MO
Combs Waterkotte attorneys can craft a defense based on your unique situation. Valid defenses may include:
- No Knowledge of Injury: You didn’t realize anyone was hit—such as in an accidental shot in remote areas.
- Not the Shooter: Witnesses and bystanders aren’t legally obligated to report the shooting.
- Necessary Delay: You were helping the victim or lacked means to report it immediately (e.g., no cell service).
Note: Self-defense doesn’t excuse a failure to report. If you acted in self-defense, you still have a duty to report the incident.
Penalties for a Failure to Report a Shooting
- Charge:
- First offense – Class A misdemeanor
- Subsequent offense – Class E felony
- Penalty:
- Up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 fine
- Up to 4 years in prison and $10,000 fine
Additional Charges You Might Face After a Shooting in St. Louis
- Circumstance:
- Intentional killing
- Heat of passion killing
- Reckless discharge with fatality
- Negligent discharge with fatality
- Attempt to kill or seriously injure
- Reckless discharge with injury
- Charge:
- First or second-degree murder
- Voluntary manslaughter
- Involuntary manslaughter, first degree
- Involuntary manslaughter, second degree
- First-degree assault
- Second-degree assault
