Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyer Riverside, MO

Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyer, Riverside, MO. It’s not uncommon for somebody in MO to carry a weapon on themselves, even as simple as a pocket knife – Missouri takes the right to bear arms seriously. But you can still face serious criminal charges if you improperly use a weapon.

Frequently, weapons criminal charges are felonies, and a conviction could put you behind bars for years. If you don’t have a leading Riverside weapon crimes defense attorney, you could be looking at lifelong consequences for just protecting yourself and your family.

Save your life. Guard your freedom. Call Combs Waterkotte. Our team of Riverside’s leading criminal defense attorneys, including a former prosecutor, has defended over 10,000 cases. We do not compromise on the quality of your defense and will fight to get you the best possible outcome against your criminal weapons charges.

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

What Do Weapon Laws Cover in Riverside, MO?

MO law defines what you can and can’t do with 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 require a background check for individuals to purchase a gun, but federal law requires licensed dealers to perform one, meaning that if you want to buy a gun in MO, you should still be prepared for a background check.

In MO, most individuals are permitted to carry a gun, so long as:

1. They do not carry it into certain locations, including schools, government buildings, airports, churches, etc., and
2. Nothing has happened to lead that person to lose their right to carry a weapon.

MO allows its citizens the use of guns to shoot targets and for self-defense, but some other uses are against the law. These activities mostly are those that would endanger others, such as firing a gun near a school, bringing one to a polling place during an election, or firing it into a building.

One key thing to be aware of – so far, this page has mainly covered state laws above, MO allows for individual municipalities to set up their own laws regarding firearms and other weapons, so to ensure you’re compliant with regulations in Riverside, be sure to go through your local regulations and consult with 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 Riverside, 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

Other Types of Weapon Laws in MO

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

Knives, blackjacks, and batons, are face additional restrictions because they are categorized as dangerous weapons. This means that even though they are not guns, they typically face the same limitations, and also cannot be carried into restricted areas.

However, as mentioned above in regards to guns, different localities can have different regulations, so get in touch with a Riverside weapons law expert if the statute is unclear regarding a specific self-defense tool.

MO Weapon Crimes Punishments:

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 early:

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

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

When you’re hiring a Riverside, MO, weapon crimes defense attorney, their abilities and willingness to give your case their all matters – you need someone 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 Riverside defense attorney:

• Experience: The more practice your lawyer has in the courtroom, the better. Our lawyers has a wealth of experience defending weapon crimes cases, with a combined more than 60 years of legal experience 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 former clients, fellow attorneys, and professional bodies.
• Resources: Solo lawyers will try their best, but for serious weapon crimes charges, you want a strong team of skillful individuals at your back.
• Approach: It’s important to work with a lawyer who puts you first. At Combs Waterkotte, we treat your case as if it were our own, and we don’t leave you in the dark with your case.
• Staunch 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 lawyers always build our defenses as if we’re going to trial, giving us a strong negotiating position.

Weapon Crimes Defenses We Use in Riverside, MO

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

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

• Self-Defense: Depending on the circumstances, if you claim self-defence, related criminal accusations can be invalidated in many cases. 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 can be related to this in the same way that they can be related to self-defense.
• Castle Doctrine: MO castle doctrine states that you are allowed to use force, including weapons, to defend yourself and others who are in your dwelling. You do not need to retreat before resorting to force, but the amount and type of force used must be proportionate to the force of the perceived threat.
• Stand Your Ground: Stand your ground is built off of castle doctrine. The state of Missouri determines that you can use force and/or weapons to defend yourself, even outside of your home, as long as you are allowed permitted to be wherever you are.
• Necessity: Necessity applies to situations where you were forced to do something illegal in order to stop something worse. 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 someone forced you to do so, you can use duress as a legal justification. For example, if someone threatened your family and made you carry a weapon into a government building, you could claim duress as a defense.
• 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. But if you truly believed that the person was over 18, you would not have had intent to break the law.

Riverside, MO, Weapon Crimes Defense FAQs

Looking For a Weapon Crimes Defense Attorney in Riverside, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Now

Weapon crimes in Riverside are serious business. If the state is charging you with them, you have to have a leading weapon crimes defense attorney to protect your rights. You need Combs Waterkotte.

When you hire us, you’re choosing a firm that doesn’t settle for the second-best outcome. Our team is results-driven, and that means not stopping until we get the best possible outcome for you. We have the resources and expertice that are needed when you’re up against weapon crimes charges.

Start building your defense today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.