Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyer Clinton, MO

Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyer, Clinton, MO. MO is known as a pro-second amendment state – Missouri takes the right to bear arms seriously. But just because you have many freedoms to carry weapons, doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want with them.

A lot of weapon crime charges are felonies, some of which could send you to prison for decades, or even the rest of your life. On your own, without a leading Clinton weapon crimes defense attorney, you could permanently throw your life off course for just protecting yourself and your family.

Protect your life. Defend your freedom. Hire Combs Waterkotte. Our team of leading criminal defense lawyers, including a former prosecutor, has defended over 10,000 cases. We are dedicated to our clients and will fight to get you the best possible outcome against your criminal weapons charges.

Get in contact today at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation.

How Do Weapon Laws Work in Clinton, MO?

MO law defines what you can and can’t do with guns and other deadly weapons. State laws overlap with federal laws to create a web of regulations. Here’s an interesting example: MO does not address background checks in the sale or transfer of firearms, but federal law requires licensed dealers to perform one, meaning that most MO gun transfers still require a background check.

In MO, the majority of citizens are permitted to carry a gun, so long as:

1. In the course of carrying the weapon, they don’t enter restricted areas, and
2. They have not had their right to bear arms taken away.

Firearms usage in the state allows for standard target shooting and for self-defense, but certain activities are against the law. These actions mostly consist of those that would threaten others’ safety, such as threatening someone with a firearm, firing one over a highway, or firing it into a building.

One important point – while we’ve talked mostly about state regulations above, MO allows for individual localities to enforce their own more stringent laws on weapon possession, so to make sure you’re following Clinton laws, be sure to check your local laws and ask a gun crime lawyer if there’s any part you’re having trouble understanding.

Common Weapon Crimes Charges in MO

Even though “weapon crimes” can cover a wide variety of potential allegations and penalties, there are trends in Clinton, MO. Here are some of the most common types of cases that we’ve helped defend at Combs Waterkotte:

• Unlawful Use of a Weapon
• Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, Transport, and Repair of Certain Weapons
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon Without a Permit
• Possession of an Illegal Weapon
• Possession of a Firearm While Intoxicated
• Illegal Discharge of a Firearm
• Federal Felon in Possession of a Firearm
• Federal Weapons/Firearm Offenses
• Other Gun Charges
• Other Weapons Offenses

Non-Firearm Weapon Laws in MO

It’s also important in MO to be aware of laws for non-firearm self-defense items. Typical self-defense devices, namely pepper spray and stun guns, can legally be carried in MO without special permits.

Other weapons, like knives, blackjacks, and batons, are face additional restrictions because they are categorized as dangerous weapons. Because of this, even though they are not guns, they often have the same regulations, and also cannot be carried into restricted areas.

However, as mentioned above related to guns, different localities can have more specific regulations, so reach out to a Clinton weapons law expert if you don’t know the rules a particular self-defense item.

MO Weapon Crimes Sentences:

The penalties for alleged weapon crimes in MO are steep. Here’s what you could be facing if you don’t hire a weapon crimes defense attorney right away:

When you look at the potential fallout of a conviction, why would you not hire a Clinton weapon crimes defense lawyer?

What to Look For in a Clinton, MO, Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyer

When you need a Clinton, MO, weapon crimes defense attorney, choosing the right one can make all the difference – you need an attorney who will treat you like a person, not a case number, and won’t stop until you get the justice you deserve.

Below, we’ve listed the important qualifications you should watch out for when hiring a Clinton defense attorney:

• Experience: The more practice your lawyer has in the courtroom, the better. Our firm has substantial experience defending weapon crimes cases, with multiple former prosecutors and over 10,000 cases handled.
• Reputation: You want to work with someone who is known for success. Combs Waterkotte has a stellar reputation amongst previous clients, other law firms, and professional organizations.
• Resources: When you’re up against serious weapon crimes charges, you want a strong team of experienced individuals at your back.
• Approach: When you hire a lawyer, you want someone who puts clients first. At Combs Waterkotte, our phones are ready for your call 24/7, and we keep you informed on any updates with your case.
• Fearless Defense: If your case isn’t diverted and you end up in trial, you don’t want someone only half-prepared. You want someone who’s been in this situation before. Our attorneys always build our defenses as if we’re going to trial, and prosecutors know that – giving us more leverage in plea negotiations.

Common Weapon Crimes Defenses in Clinton, MO

Weapon crimes can be defended in similar ways to many other criminal allegations. However, these types of cases often hinge on legal defenses like self-defense, and cases can focus less on if you “did it” and more on whether what the defendant did was “justified.”

Below, we’ve listed common defense strategies our team might use in your case against Clinton, MO, weapon crimes allegations:

• Self-Defense: If you fired a gun in self-defense, related criminal accusations can may not actually be applicable to you. In Missouri, you are allowed to take actions to protect yourself from imminent danger.
• Defense of Others: Related to self-defense, you are allowed to use force to defend another person. Some weapon charges can be dropped if this is the case, just like with self-defense.
• Castle Doctrine: MO castle doctrine states that you are legally allowed to use force, including weapons, to protect yourself and other people in your home. While you do not have a duty to retreat, the degree of force you use needs to be proportionate to the force of the perceived threat.
• Stand Your Ground: An extension of the castle doctrine, the stand your ground law in Missouri determines that you if you are permitted to be in a given location, you have the right to defend yourself (even with weapons and force) without needing to retreat first.
• Necessity: The defense of necessity acknowledges that you committed the illegal act, but provides an excuse as to why you shouldn’t be punished. Perhaps you knew someone at risk of self harm, and to protect them, gave their weapons to someone who legally wasn’t allowed to possess them. This is technically against the law, but your actions were well-intended to prevent a greater harm.
• Duress: If you did not want to commit a crime, but you were forced to do so, you can claim duress as a defense. An example of this might be if you removed the serial numbers of a firearm, defacing it, but only did so because someone threatened you.
• Lack of Intent: If you didn’t mean to break the law, depending on what exactly it was, a lack of intent can protect you from punishment. For example, giving a blackjack to an underaged person without permission is illegal. If you honestly thought this person had parental permission, though, you could be exempt due to a lack of intent.

Clinton, MO, Weapon Crimes Defense FAQs

Facing Weapon Crimes Charges in Clinton, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte As Soon As Possible

Weapon crime charges in Clinton are not going to go away on their own. And if you’re being charged with committing them, you need a leading weapon crimes defense attorney to fight for your freedom. You need Combs Waterkotte.

When we take the case, you’re getting a team that is dedicated to fighting for your rights. Our team is entirely focused on finding good results for your case, and that means doing whatever we can to get the best possible outcome for you. We have the practice and skills that it takes to fight weapon crime charges.

Speak with a representative right away at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.