Criminal Consequences of a Weapons Conviction
Understanding the crime you’re being charged with:
The state of Missouri specifically outlines the laws regarding the acquisition, possession, and use of weapons, including the following:
- Carrying a concealed weapon
- Shooting a firearm in any public or private area in the presence of other people
- Shooting a firearm within 100 yards of a school, church, or courthouse
- Setting a spring gun
- Fraudulently purchasing a firearm
- Defacing any identifying marks on a firearm
- Exceptions include police officers, members of the United States Armed Forces and National Guard, and other legal officers – while on duty only.
Penalties for weapons violations can range anywhere from a Class A misdemeanor, resulting in up to one year in prison and/or up to $1,000 in fines, to a Class D felony, resulting in up to 5 years in prison and/or up to $5,000 in fines.
What You Should Do
Because Missouri law pertaining to weapons is among the most complicated and highly punishable criminal laws, it is important to check with your lawyer if you are considering carrying anything that may resemble a weapon.
Each case is unique, which means that the best way to protect your rights is to hire a well-versed and experienced criminal defense lawyer. Bill Byrnes has been practicing criminal law in St. Louis, St. Charles, Lincoln, Franklin and Warren in counties in Missouri for nearly fifteen years, which he can attribute to the number of jury trials on which we had won not guilty verdicts. We will fight for the freedom of our clients: We will listen to your account of the events and implement the ideal weapons defense strategy.
If you would like to learn more about weapons violations or if you have a case for your St. Charles attorney, contact us today at the Byrnes Law Firm.
