Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyer Odessa, MO

Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyer, Odessa, MO. It’s not uncommon for somebody in MO to carry a weapon on themselves, even as simple as a pocket knife – the state’s gun & weapon laws allow for more freedom for possession and usage. But something as simple as carrying your self-defense tool into the wrong location can still land you with felony charges.

A lot of weapon crime charges are felonies, and a conviction could put you behind bars for years. Without the help of a leading Odessa weapon crimes defense attorney, you could permanently throw your life off course for just carrying a weapon in the wrong place.

Secure your rights. Defend your freedom. Call Combs Waterkotte. Our team of leading weapon crimes defense lawyers, including a former prosecutor, has defended over 10,000 cases. We are committed to giving you the strongest defense possible and will fight to get you the best possible outcome against your criminal weapons charges.

Start your defence right away at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential consultation.

How Do Weapon Laws Work in Odessa, 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. For 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 you’ll still likely need to go through a background check when you purchase a firearm in MO.

In MO, lawful individuals 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 lost their right to carry a firearm.

In MO, you’re allowed to use your gun at the range and for self-defense, but some other activities are not allowed. These actions mostly are those that would endanger others, such as using the gun in a threatening manner, bringing one to a polling place during an election, or using one while committing another crime.

One important point – although we focused on state regulations above, MO allows for individual localities to enforce their own restrictions on weapon possession, so to ensure you’re compliant with regulations in Odessa, be sure to read your local laws and consult with a gun crime lawyer if any parts don’t make sense.

Common Weapon Crimes Charges in MO

While there are a variety of weapons charges you can face in Odessa, 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 Types of Weapon Laws in MO

Firearms aren’t the only regulated thing in Odessa, MO: There are also regulations for non-firearm self-defense items. Typical self-defense weapons, including pepper spray and stun guns, can legally be carried in MO without special permits.

Other tools, such as knives, blackjacks, and batons, are special in that they are treated as deadly weapons. With this classification, even though they are not firearms, they often face the same restrictions, and also have limitations on where they can be carried.

However, as mentioned above related to firearms, different localities can have different regulations, so don’t be afraid to ask a Odessa weapons law expert if you don’t know the rules a given self-defense implement.

MO Weapon Crimes Penalties:

When you’re up against weapon crimes allegations in MO, there’s no time to mess around. 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 Odessa weapon crimes defense lawyer?

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

When you’re deciding on a Odessa, MO, weapon crimes defense lawyer, their abilities and willingness to give your case their all matters – you need an attorney who will treat you like a person, not a case number, and will keep going until you get the justice you deserve.

When deciding on a defense attorney, keep in mind the following:

• Experience: The more practice your lawyer has in the courtroom, the better. Our firm has considerable experience defending against weapon crime charges, with a combined more than 60 years of legal experience and over 10,000 cases handled.
• Reputation: When people talk about your lawyer, you want to hear good things. Combs Waterkotte has a stellar reputation amongst former clients, other law firms, and professional societies.
• 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: When you hire a lawyer, you want someone who puts you first. At Combs Waterkotte, our phones are ready for your call 24/7, and we make sure you know what we’re working on with your case.
• Fearless Defense: If the case goes to trial, you don’t want someone only half-prepared. You want someone who’s ready to go to battle. Our lawyers always prepare our cases as if we’re going to trial, which also helps us out in negotiations.

Weapon Crimes Defenses We Use in Odessa, MO

Weapon crimes can be defended in similar ways to many other criminal allegations. However, there are some trends; for example, defendants often claim self-defense, and defensive strategies are often less about whether you “did it” and more on whether what the defendant did was “justified.”

Below, we’ve listed common defense tactics our team might use in your case against Odessa, MO, weapon crimes charges:

• Self-Defense: Weapons are frequently used in self-defense, and related criminal charges can be argued that they do not apply. In Missouri, you are allowed to take actions to protect yourself from imminent danger.
• Defense of Others: Just like with self-defense, you can protect another via the use of force, even a weapon. 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 protect yourself and other people in your home. You do not need to retreat before resorting to force, but the amount and type of force you use must be proportionate to the threat.
• Stand Your Ground: Stand your ground is built off of castle doctrine. The state of Missouri states 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: Necessity applies to situations where you were forced to do something illegal in order to stop something worse. 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 preventing a greater harm may legally justify your actions.
• Duress: If you weren’t a willing participant in a criminal action, but someone forced you to do so, you can use duress as a legal justification. 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 someone younger than 18 is not allowed without approval from their parent/guardian. But if you truly believed that the person was over 18, you would not have had intent to break the law.

Odessa, MO, Weapon Crimes Defense FAQs

Facing Weapon Crimes Charges in Odessa, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Today

Weapon crime charges in Odessa are not going to go away on their own. When you’re up against them, you need a leading weapon crimes defense attorney fight against the charges. 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 results-driven, and that means fighting to get the best possible outcome for you. We have the resources and expertice that you need in your corner.

Protect your rights by calling us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.