Gun crime lawyer in New Madrid County, MO. While Missouri gun laws are relatively permissive, the state still imposes strict penalties for violations. It is crucial to know that even if you have legally obtained a firearm, there are specific circumstances where its use or even possession may be a crime in New Madrid County, MO. Understanding these intricacies of Missouri’s gun laws can be key to protecting your rights and future.
Facing gun crime charges, such as illegal possession, improper brandishing, or gun use in the commission of a crime in New Madrid County, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in New Madrid County, MO.
Don’t wait – call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation. Work with an expert criminal defense attorney who has the expertise to help in New Madrid County, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.
New Madrid County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws
New Madrid County, MO law respects the right to bear arms, supporting open carry and issuing concealed carry permits under certain guidelines. However, the state enforces several restrictions:
- Unlawful Use: Using a firearm for threats or criminal purposes can lead to significant penalties.
- Restricted Areas: Carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, and certain private properties is prohibited without express permission.
- Prohibited Persons: Those with felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, or active protective orders are legally prohibited from owning or carrying firearms.
New Madrid County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: A Guide to Missouri Gun Crimes
The skillful and experienced Combs Waterkotte legal team handles a variety of gun crimes in and around New Madrid County, MO, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in New Madrid County, MO, such as:
- Discharging a firearm in certain areas, including firing a gun while intoxicated.
- Brandishing a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
- Carrying a concealed weapon in New Madrid County, MO without proper permission.
- Possession in prohibited areas in New Madrid County, MO.
- Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, like robbery or assault in New Madrid County, MO.
- Making illegal alterations or attachments to firearms.
Penalties for unlawful use of a weapon vary, from a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines, to a Class A felony, which can carry a prison sentence of 10 to life.
If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in New Madrid County, MO, it’s essential to have a knowledgeable and experienced attorney by your side. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help you understand the charges against you, your options, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070 outlines the circumstances under which possession of a firearm becomes unlawful, including:
- Felon Possession
- Possession by Minors
- Possession by Certain Offenders
- Federal Restrictions
Unlawful possession of a firearm is a Class C felony, unless an individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has a prior New Madrid County, MO unlawful possession of a firearm in which case it’s a Class B felony.
If you’re dealing with these charges, an experienced New Madrid County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to protect your rights.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action in New Madrid County, MO involves using, displaying, or possessing a weapon during the commission of a felony. Armed criminal action is not a standalone charge, but an enhancement to a felony, such as assault, burglary, robbery, or drug trafficking. For example, committing assault with a weapon could lead to both assault and armed criminal action charges.
Armed criminal action is treated as a separate felony offense in New Madrid County, MO, with mandatory minimum sentence requirements, including 3 years for a first offense, 5 years for a second offense, and 10 years for a third offense. These complex charges and sentences make it crucial to have a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side who can:
- Analyze your case details for potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.
- Negotiate to mitigate or dismiss armed criminal action enhancements.
- Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in New Madrid County, MO.
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
The unlawful transfer of weapons in New Madrid County, MO refers to the act of selling, leasing, loaning, giving away, or delivering firearms or other weapons to individuals who are legally prohibited from possessing them.
This offense can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. If you’re charged with this crime, an experienced Combs Waterkotte New Madrid County, MO gun crime lawyer can assess your case, protect your legal rights, and fight for a favorable result. Call (314) 900-HELP right now or reach out online.
Possession of a Defaced Firearm
Possessing a firearm with defaced markings, such as removed or altered serial numbers, is a criminal offense. Authorities in New Madrid County, MO consider possession of a defaced firearm a serious matter due to its association with criminal activity, including stolen weapons. Under Missouri law, this offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.
New Madrid County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in New Madrid County and Missouri.
New Madrid County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri
New Madrid County, MO gun crimes can sometimes escalate to federal offenses, bringing harsher penalties and stricter enforcement. Federal gun charges often come into play when:
- The crime spans across state borders.
- The firearm was used in a federal crime, such as drug trafficking, terrorism, or a violent offense crossing state lines.
- There are aggravating factors, such as involvement with organized crime or large-scale trafficking.
New Madrid County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Challenging Gun Crime Charges in Missouri
The Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorneys in New Madrid County, MO, employ several effective strategies to counter gun crime charges. Common defenses include:
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent
In many New Madrid County, MO gun crimes, the prosecution must demonstrate that you knowingly committed the offense. Our expert legal team may argue that you were unaware of the firearm’s presence or that there was no deliberate intent to violate the law. - Unreasonable Search & Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If New Madrid County, MO law enforcement violated your rights when obtaining evidence, discovering a gun through an unlawful stop or frisk or search of your vehicle or residence. - Self-Defense
New Madrid County, MO laws allow the use of force, including deadly force, in self-defense if you reasonably believed you were in imminent danger of harm or death and the use of force was necessary to prevent that harm.
When you are facing gun crime charges in New Madrid County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal gun crime lawyer in New Madrid County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed gun crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for New Madrid County, MO residents:
New Madrid County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri
A conviction for a gun crime in New Madrid County, MO can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in New Madrid County, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide:
- Thorough Evidence Review: Your attorney will analyze every aspect of your case, from police procedures to forensic evidence, to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of New Madrid County, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we design a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
- Strong Negotiation Capabilities: Our lawyers are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to secure reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal when possible.
- Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: If trial is necessary for your New Madrid County, MO case, we will vigorously represent you to protect your freedom and strive for a favorable outcome.
Gun Crime Charges in New Madrid County, MO? Let the Combs Waterkotte Experts Help You Defend Your Case Today
If you’re facing gun crime charges in the New Madrid County, MO area, don’t delay securing expert legal representation. Acting quickly can significantly improve your ability to build a compelling defense and get the best possible outcome. Protect your rights, your future, and get the professional legal guidance you need during this challenging time.
Contact Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP right away or reach out online to schedule a free case review with a New Madrid County, MO gun crime lawyer.