Chapter 571 of the Missouri Revised Statutes covers the criminal charges involving weapons offenses, which include armed criminal action (ACA), unlawful use of weapons (UUW), unlawful possession of a firearm, and concealed carry violations.
A conviction for a weapons violation at the state or federal level almost always involves jail time, an expensive fine, and a permanent criminal record. Additionally, a weapons violation conviction may prevent you from owning firearms in the future. With a felony conviction on your record, it may be difficult to find a job, a place to rent, or to qualify for certain kinds of licenses. In some instances, you may be barred from working at government installations.
Missouri is a state that grants a great deal of freedom for its citizens to own and carry firearms in a variety of sizes and for a variety of reasons. A concealed carry endorsement may also be acquired by completing all of the statutory requirements.
However, Missouri also has substantial firearm restrictions for convicted felons, those convicted of violent misdemeanors or more than one DUI, fugitives, those with a dishonorable discharge from the armed services, habitually intoxicated or drugged persons, the mentally incompetent, or those adjudged to be a danger to themselves or others.
The conflicts created by the various rights and restrictions regarding the possession of firearms and weapons has resulted in the oftentimes uneven implementation and enforcement of Missouri weapons laws. A careful and thorough review and understanding of the applicable statutes is necessary for a proper defense of a weapons charge.
Furthermore, as weapons offenses run the gamut from misdemeanors to felonies (including Class A Felonies requiring minimum sentences of fifteen years), with the differences in the charges based on specific factual assertions, an early investigation of the alleged incident and a complete evaluation of relevant case law can make all the difference in an acceptable resolution to your matter.
If you have been arrested for a gun-related crime or charged with some other type of weapons charge in the state of Missouri, contact the attorneys at Holder, Susan, and Slusher at (573) 499-1700. We will set up a free consultation to discuss your case and the legal options available to you.
