Kansas City, MO

Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyer, Kansas City, MO. If you live in MO, you’ve probably known or been around someone who either concealed or open carried a weapon – Missouri takes the right to bear arms seriously. But even when you act in self-defense, you’re facing a mountain of scrutiny and have to show your innocence.

Many weapons 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 Kansas City weapon crimes defense attorney, you could be labelled as a felon for life for just forgetting to check your pockets.

Save your life. Guard your freedom. Contact Combs Waterkotte. Our team of leading weapons crime 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.

Contact us right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation.

What Do Weapon Laws Cover in Kansas City, MO?

MO law covers topics like purchase, possession, and use of firearms and other deadly weapons. But that’s not all you have to worry about in MO: There are still federal laws that affect the availability and use of self-defense tools. Here’s an interesting example: MO does not require a background check for individuals to purchase a gun, but federal law requires licensed dealers to conduct one, meaning that if you want to buy a gun in MO, you should still be prepared for a background check.

In MO, the majority of people are permitted to carry a self-defense weapon, so long as:

1. They do not bring it into schools, government offices, places of worship, or other restricted areas; and
2. Nothing has happened to lead that person to lose their right to carry a weapon.

In MO, you’re allowed to use your gun at the range and for self-defense, but certain actions are illegal. These actions mostly consist of those that would threaten others’ safety, such as using the gun in a threatening manner, bringing one to a polling place during an election, or firing it into a building.

One key thing to be aware of – while we’ve talked mostly about state restrictions above, MO allows for individual localities to set up their own restrictions regarding firearms and other weapons, so to make sure you’re not breaking any Kansas City laws, be sure to go through your local laws and ask a gun crime lawyer if any parts don’t make sense.

Common Weapon Crimes Charges in MO

Even though “weapon crimes” can cover a wide variety of potential allegations and penalties, there are trends in Kansas City, MO. Here are some of our specialty areas that we’ve fought cases for in MO:

• 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

Other Weapon Laws in MO

It’s also important in MO to be aware of laws for non-firearm self-defense items. Common self-defense items, such as pepper spray and stun guns, can be possessed in MO without special permits.

Knives, blackjacks, and batons, are are more stringently regulated because they are designated as dangerous weapons. This means that even though they are not firearms, they generally have the same regulations, and also have limitations on where they can be carried.

However, as mentioned above related to guns, different localities can set more specific restrictions, so reach out to a Kansas City weapons law expert if you don’t know the rules a given self-defense device.

MO Weapon Crimes Penalties:

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 Kansas City weapon crimes defense lawyer?

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

When you’re hiring a Kansas City, MO, weapon crimes defense lawyer, their abilities and willingness to give your case their all matters – you need an attorney who will leave no stone unturned, and won’t rest until you get the justice you deserve.

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

• Experience: More experienced lawyers have seen more, and will be able to handle more. Our lawyers has a wealth of experience defending against weapon crime charges, with multiple former prosecutors and over 10,000 cases handled.
• Reputation: If you ask someone about their experience with your defense attorney, you’ll want to hear a glowing review. Combs Waterkotte has a prestigious reputation amongst former clients, fellow attorneys, and professional associations.
• Resources: Solo lawyers will try their best, but for serious weapon crimes charges, you want a strong team of elite individuals at your back.
• Approach: You want an attorney who puts you first. At Combs Waterkotte, we treat your case as if it were our own, and we keep you informed on any updates with your case.
• Staunch Defense: If your case isn’t diverted and you end up in trial, you don’t want an attorney without a plan. You want someone who’s ready to go to battle. Our lawyers always build our defenses as if we’re going to trial, which also helps us out in negotiations.

Common Weapon Crimes Defenses in Kansas City, MO

Weapon crimes will generally progress through the legal system the same way as any other criminal charges. That said, these types of cases often hinge on legal defenses like self-defense, and cases are often less about if you “did it” and more on whether the action was “justified.”

Below, we’ve listed common defense strategies Combs Waterkotte might use in your defense against Kansas City, MO, weapon crimes allegations:

• Self-Defense: Weapons are frequently used in self-defense, and related criminal charges can be argued that they do not apply. In Missouri, you have the right to defend yourself against imminent danger.
• Defense of Others: Related to self-defense, you are allowed to use force to defend another person. Some weapon charges are invalidated if you were protecting another, as they would be with self-defence.
• Castle Doctrine: MO castle doctrine states that you are allowed to use force, including weapons, to defend yourself and those in your home. While you do not have a duty to retreat, the amount and type of force you use needs to be proportionate to the threat.
• Stand Your Ground: Stand your ground is related to castle doctrine. This law in Missouri dictates that you have no requirement to retreat before using force (including weapons) to defend yourself, as long as you were permitted to be in that location in the first place.
• Necessity: If you find yourself in a tight spot, where something bad is going to happen, and the only way you can stop it is by breaking a law, you can claim necessity. Perhaps you stole a weapon that you knew was going to be misused. You could be charged with theft, but your actions were well-intended to prevent a greater harm.
• Duress: If you did not want to commit a crime, but another person forced to do so, duress could be a valid excuse. 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: Some weapon crimes require intent to be guilty. 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.

Kansas City, MO, Weapon Crimes Defense FAQs

Need a Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyer in Kansas City, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Immediately

Weapon crime charges in Kansas City are serious business. And if you’re being charged with committing them, you need a leading weapon crimes defense lawyer fight against the charges. You need Combs Waterkotte.

With us, you’re getting a team that is dedicated to fighting for your rights. Our team is results-driven, and that means doing whatever we can to get the best possible outcome for you. We have the experience and expertice that you need in your corner.

Protect your rights by calling us right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.