Unlawful Use of a Weapon Lawyer in St. Louis

Unlawful Use of a Weapon Lawyer in St. Louis, MO

Missouri law prohibits many uses of various weapons, even if you’re otherwise authorized to possess and carry them. Violating these prohibitions can result in a felony conviction and prison time.

Combs Waterkotte has represented countless clients facing criminal charges, including unlawful use of a weapon. Our veteran St. Louis criminal defense attorneys will formulate a tailored defense and work tirelessly to achieve a positive outcome in your case.

What Is an Unlawful Use of a Weapon Charge in St. Louis?

Unlawful use of a weapon charges make certain uses of a weapon illegal, even if you can legally buy, own, and use the weapon in question. These prohibitions are preventive in nature. For example, most people would agree that shooting at a house is dangerous, even if the shooter thinks the home is unoccupied.

The Unlawful Use of a Weapon Statute in Missouri

The Missouri Revised Statutes include several gun control laws. The state’s unlawful use of a weapon statute includes 11 subsections that outline the following weapons offenses:

Carrying a Concealed Weapon in a Restricted Location

This includes concealed firearms, knives, blackjacks, and other lethal weapons in restricted locations like courthouses, jails, government buildings, bars, airports, stadiums, hospitals, and more—including private property and religious institutions at the discretion of the owner or manager.

Setting a “Spring Gun” in St. Louis, MO

Illegal regardless of whether it’s aimed at trespassers or wildlife.

Shooting a Firearm Into a Building or Vehicle

Unlawful to fire into homes, vehicles, trains, boats, or aircraft—occupied or not.

Exhibiting a Lethal Weapon in St. Louis

Prohibits angry or threatening displays of weapons capable of lethal use.

Carrying a Lethal Projectile Weapon While Intoxicated

Unlawful if the weapon is handled negligently or discharged while intoxicated—except in cases of self-defense.

Discharging a Firearm Near Certain Occupied Buildings in St. Louis, MO

Includes schools, courthouses, or churches within 100 yards.

Shooting Along or Across a Public Highway

Illegal regardless of traffic presence.

Shooting Into an Outbuilding in St. Louis

Includes garages, sheds, and any non-attached buildings.

Carrying a Weapon in Certain Locations

Applies to concealed or unconcealed firearms in schools, churches, government buildings, and election precincts on election day.

Shooting a Firearm at Certain Targets in St. Louis, MO

Prohibited to shoot at people, vehicles, or habitable buildings; includes shooting from a vehicle.

Carrying a Firearm in a School Zone

Includes buses, schools, and school activities.

Possessing a Firearm and Controlled Substances in St. Louis

Illegal to simultaneously possess firearms and felony quantities of drugs like fentanyl or marijuana over 35 grams.

Related Weapons Control Statutes

Blair’s Law

Prohibits reckless gunfire within or into city limits following the tragic death of Blair Shanahan Lane in 2011.

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

Prohibits felons, fugitives, intoxicated individuals, and those declared mentally incompetent from firearm possession—including constructive possession.

Defenses Against Unlawful Use of a Weapon Charges in St. Louis

Potential legal defenses include:

Exception to the Statute

Includes peace officers, military personnel, licensed individuals, school protection officers, and students in certified school programs.

Self-Defense

Applies to several types of unlawful use charges—must show a reasonable belief that force was needed to defend yourself or another against unlawful force.

Possible Punishments for an Unlawful Use of a Weapon Conviction in Missouri