Gun Charge Lawyer in Columbia, MO

Missouri has some of the least restrictive gun laws in the nation, making a weapons charge that much more serious. A gun possession conviction comes with lengthy jail sentences, fines, and collateral repercussions. These collateral consequences can hinder employment, housing, and professional opportunities in the future. Given what is on the line, you understandably want to take every measure to avoid a conviction.

With your freedom at stake, you want to hire a firm that is renowned for its dedication, which is what you will find at Landon Miller Law. Our founding attorney has experience working for both the prosecution and defendants, allowing him to be fully aware of the government’s strategies. If you or a loved one has recently been accused of unlawful gun possession or use, our Columbia, MO, gun charges lawyer would like to speak with you.

Gun Charges in Missouri

As of 2017, Missouri is an open carry state, allowing individuals 19 years of age and older to possess a firearm without a permit (18 years old for military members and those honorably discharged). Additionally, individuals do not need to obtain a concealed weapons permit if they are carrying a hidden gun on their person.

Even with relatively relaxed laws, there are restrictions on where you can have a gun and its permitted use. Missouri state laws that apply to weapons and firearm use include:

Missouri Revised Statutes §571.070

A person will be found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm if they:

• Have been convicted of a felony in Missouri or have committed a crime in another state that is considered a felony in Missouri
• Fled from another state to avoid prosecution under the law (known as being a “fugitive from justice”), are habitually drunk or drugged, or are mentally incapacitated

A class C felony, a guilty finding carries three to ten years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.

Missouri Revised Statutes §571.030

A person will be found guilty of unlawful discharge of a gun if any of the following occur:

• Discharging or shooting a firearm into a house, train, boat, aircraft, or motor vehicle
• Discharging a firearm within 100 yards of a schoolhouse, courthouse, or church
• Shooting a firearm from a motor vehicle, aiming at another motor vehicle or person
• Shooting a firearm at a mark or any sign along a public highway

Your punishment will depend on the circumstances behind the incident. Under Missouri gun law, shooting at a dwelling house, train, boat, or aircraft, or setting a spring gun, is a class E felony. It is the least serious of the state felony charges, with a maximum of four years in prison and a fine of $10,000. However, discharging a gun near a schoolhouse, courthouse, or church in most cases is a class B misdemeanor. A class B misdemeanor is the second-highest misdemeanor charge, carrying a potential $1,000 fine and six months in jail. The prosecution may attempt to elevate your charge based on circumstantial evidence, which is what our legal team is here to prevent.

Defending Gun Charges

Having a gun conviction on your record is far more serious than serving time; it can prevent you from living the life you deserve. Given that employers routinely run background checks on job candidates, ex-convicts are less likely to find well-paying employment. Even with the “ban the box” law in place, job discrimination still takes place frequently.

The bias does not end there, with former convicts being denied professional licensure based on their offense. These barriers, combined with an individual’s inability to find suitable housing, are the reason that up to one-third of former convicts reoffend within three years of their release.

At Landon Miller Law, we are adamant about helping you avoid prosecution under the law. Our criminal defense attorney prides himself in taking aggressive measures right at the start of each case. The sooner our firm can get your case dismissed or the charges against you dropped, the sooner you can return to your life.

Reach Out to Our Columbia, MO, Gun Charges Lawyer Today

A gun charge can leave you perplexed and fearful of what to expect. Understanding the charges brought against you and the criminal process is key to feeling in control of your circumstances. At Landon Miller Law, our Columbia, MO, gun charges attorney will answer any of your questions and keep you informed every step of the way. We take a personal interest in each case, knowing that your freedom and reputation lie in the balance. To discuss your case with our attorney, contact us online or by phone at (573) 658-1919.