Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyer Pleasant Hill, MO

Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyer, Pleasant Hill, 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 just because you have many freedoms to carry weapons, doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want with them.

Frequently, weapons criminal charges are felonies, which means you are facing potentially years in prison if convicted. On your own, without a leading Pleasant Hill weapon crimes defense lawyer, you could be labelled as a felon for life for just acting in self defense.

Secure your rights. Guard your freedom. Call Combs Waterkotte. Our team of expert weapon crimes defense attorneys, 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 in your weapons charge defense case.

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

What Do Weapon Laws Cover in Pleasant Hill, MO?

MO law sets rules for the usage, ownership, and transfer of guns 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 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 people are permitted to carry a firearm, as long as:

1. In the course of carrying the weapon, they don’t enter restricted areas, and
2. Nothing has happened to lead that person to lose their right to carry a weapon.

Firearms usage in the state allows for standard target shooting and for self-defense, but certain uses are illegal. These actions mostly consist of those that would threaten others’ safety, such as firing a gun near a school, bringing one to a polling place during an election, or using one while committing another crime.

One thing to note before we move on – so far, this page has mainly covered state regulations above, MO allows for individual municipalities to make their own more stringent laws related to weapons, so to make sure you’re not breaking any Pleasant Hill laws, be sure to read your local laws and ask a gun crime lawyer if you’re unclear on any regulations.

Typical Weapon Crimes Charges in MO

Even though “weapon crimes” can cover a wide variety of potential allegations and penalties, there are trends in Pleasant Hill, 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 Pleasant Hill, MO: There are also regulations for non-firearm self-defense items. Popular self-defense instruments, including pepper spray and stun guns, are legal to possess in MO without special permits.

Other weapons, like knives, blackjacks, and batons, are face additional restrictions because they are treated as dangerous weapons. Because of this, even though they are not firearms, they typically have the same restrictions, and also have limitations on where they can be carried.

However, as mentioned above in regards to guns, different localities can set more specific restrictions, so reach out to a Pleasant Hill weapons law expert if the statute is unclear regarding a specific self-defense tool.

MO Weapon Crimes Sentences:

If you’re up against allegations for weapons crimes in MO, you need to call an attorney right away. 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 Pleasant Hill weapon crimes defense lawyer?

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

When you’re hiring a Pleasant Hill, MO, weapon crimes defense lawyer, choosing the right one can make all the difference – you need a lawyer who will leave no stone unturned, 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 extensive experience defending cases just like yours, with a combined more than 60 years of legal experience 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 clients, peers, and professional associations.
• Resources: When you’re up against serious weapon crimes charges, you want a strong team of skillful individuals on your side.
• Approach: It’s important to work with a lawyer who puts you first. At Combs Waterkotte, our phones are ready for your call 24/7, and we keep you informed on any updates with your case.
• Ferocious Defense: If plea negotiations fall through, you don’t want an attorney without a plan. You want someone who knows how to persuade judges and juries. Our lawyers always prepare our cases as if we’re going to trial, which also helps us out in negotiations.

Common Weapon Crimes Defenses in Pleasant Hill, MO

Weapon crimes will generally progress through the legal system the same way as any other criminal charges. However, they are more likely to involve tactics like claiming self-defense, and defensive strategies frequently have less to do with if you “did it” and more on whether what the defendant did was “justified.”

In the following list, you can ready about some effective defense tactics Combs Waterkotte might use in your defense against Pleasant Hill, MO, weapon crimes allegations:

• Self-Defense: Depending on the circumstances, if you claim self-defence, related criminal accusations can be invalidated in many cases. In Missouri, you are allowed to take actions to defend yourself against imminent danger.
• Defense of Others: Related to self-defense, you can take action to protect another person from harm. Some weapon charges can be dropped if this is the case, just like with self-defense.
• Castle Doctrine: MO castle doctrine says that you are allowed to use force, including weapons, to protect yourself and others at your residence. You do not need to retreat before resorting to force, but the amount and type of force you use must be proportionate to the force of the perceived threat.
• Stand Your Ground: Stand your ground is related to castle doctrine. This 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: 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 in an effort to scare off someone threatening you, you fired a warning shot. You could be accused of an unlawful discharge, but your actions were well-intended to prevent a greater harm.
• Duress: When you unwillingly broke the law, because someone forced you 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 a person under the age of 18 is illegal without their parents’ permission. However, if you honestly thought the person was older, you would not have had intent.

Pleasant Hill, MO, Weapon Crimes Defense FAQs

Up Against Criminal Weapon Charges in Pleasant Hill, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Immediately

Weapon crimes in Pleasant Hill are serious business. If a prosecutor is trying to put you in prison for them, you have to have a leading weapon crimes defense lawyer to fight for your freedom. You need Combs Waterkotte.

With us, you’re choosing a firm that doesn’t settle for the second-best outcome. Our team is all about getting you good results, and that means not stopping until we get the best possible outcome for you. We have the practice and skills that defending these charges demands.

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