St. Louis federal weapons charge lawyer

A St. Louis federal criminal defense lawyer with JCS Law fights federal gun charges by taking a bold and aggressive stance in your corner. We have experience in federal criminal defense. We also understand the serious nature of dealing with federal agents and the U.S. Attorney’s office. Federal cases are run on a completely different set of rules, and having an aggressive St. Louis federal weapons charge lawyer in your corner who knows federal court is a must.

If you are being investigated or have been charged with a federal gun crime, call us today at (314) 561-9690 for a free consultation.

We fight all kinds of federal weapons charges

Federal weapons charges cover a broad spectrum of possible cases being brought against individuals in the Missouri and Illinois areas. They can include unlawful possession, distribution, sale, or use of firearms, handguns, and other weapons. These can stem from someone accused of using a gun in the commission of a crime or someone with prior felony convictions being in possession of a gun.

Some common federal weapons charges include the following.

Unlawful possession of a weapon

This charge involves possession of any illegal firearm or ammunition that is federally outlawed. It is most often used against those who have lost their right to own a weapon due to conviction on other offenses, such as domestic violence.

Firearms trafficking

Trafficking involves moving guns from where they are legal to where they are illegal, usually across state lines. Private sales or theft constitute the bulk of these charges, which are not the same as illegally importing or exporting weapons.

Unlawful import and export of weapons

Unlawful import or export pertains to the movement of weapons in and out of the country. Specifically, it is illegal for someone who is not a licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector to transport firearms into or out of a state.

This does not include weapons you receive by inheritance, although it can be used against someone who gives or sells another person a firearm without proper licensing.

Violent crimes involving the use or discharge of a firearm

Federal offenses that involve using or firing a weapon are usually filed as violent crimes. The use of a gun during the crime will increase any penalties. They can be elevated again if the charge involves rape or murder.

Fraud in obtaining a permit to possess or purchase a firearm

Providing false or misleading information on a background check for the purchase of a weapon is a federal offense. You may also face this charge if you obtained a weapon illegally or used a fake weapons permit.

Felon in possession of a firearm

Federal weapons charges are much more severe if you already have a felony conviction on your record. The common elements of this charge include proving you knowingly possessed the weapon, you have a previous felony conviction, and that you transported the weapon across state lines.

What should you do if you’ve been charged with a federal weapons charge in St. Louis?

One of the most devastating consequences of facing a federal weapons charge is that you’re likely to face state-level charges, too. Yes, it’s possible to be tried for the same offense in two different kinds of court and be sentenced to state and federal penalties.

Once you have been charged, you must do whatever you can to avoid giving the authorities anything they might use against you. Contacting an St. Louis federal weapons charge lawyer immediately allows you to begin protecting your rights. You can also get a better idea of the consequences you could face. Speak only with your lawyer about your case and tell them everything they need to know. This helps them build the strongest case possible for your benefit.

Prosecutors will want to boost their conviction rate and make an example of you. They are all too happy to pile on charges relating to weapons to give you higher fees and a longer sentence in federal prison. Your best chance at avoiding this situation is to contact an experienced and tenacious St. Louis federal weapons charge lawyer from JCS Law.

Where is it illegal to carry a gun in St. Louis? What about Missouri?

Both the state of Missouri and the city of St. Louis have specific statutes governing the carrying of a weapon in public. For St. Louis and throughout Missouri in general, individuals must apply for, receive, and carry a conceal-and-carry permit, which they must produce when requested by law enforcement.

However, Missouri gun laws are complicated and may be affected by county and city laws. For example, you could be legally carrying a weapon in one location but be at risk of breaking the law simply by traveling somewhere else. If you face a weapons charge because you were unaware of the local statutes, you will need an experienced St. Louis federal weapons charge lawyer to examine your case.

At JCS Law, our St. Louis federal weapons charge attorney can determine whether the accusations are unfair and potentially protect you from escalated federal charges.

What is the difference between open and concealed carry?

Open carry of weapons is allowed in Missouri for those over the age of 18. Cities may have additional ordinances that limit this choice, and some businesses may prohibit open carry as well as concealed carry. Concealed carry is allowed both statewide and specifically in St. Louis once you apply for and obtain a conceal-and-carry permit.

A permit is not required for open carry in Missouri. However, it can be a smart move to obtain one in the event you need to cover your weapon unexpectedly. For example, carrying a pistol on a back belt holster without a jacket is open carry. However, as soon as you put on a coat, you risk being accused of concealed carry without a permit. This seems outrageous to some, but it is the type of argument the prosecution may bring to enhance your charges.

You could also face additional charges if you display or threaten someone with your firearm or take it into establishments that clearly indicate they do not allow any weapons.

What are the penalties and consequences of a federal weapons charge in St. Louis?

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) is the agency that brings most federal weapons charges. In St. Louis, MO, you could face arrest by local, state, or county law enforcement, who probably will involve the ATF for additional support. Depending on the circumstances, conviction on federal weapons charges could lead to up to ten years in federal prison or fifteen years if you have a previous criminal record.

Committing any other crime while possessing a weapon could result in incarceration for five years to life imprisonment. State penalties can include up to $5000 in fines and between one and seven years behind bars for a weapons charge alone.

How a St. Louis federal weapons charge lawyer can help

Federal crimes carry extremely serious penalties, especially those involving the use or possession of a weapon, which is considered an aggravating circumstance. Federal prosecutors are laser-focused on obtaining convictions. You risk your future and freedom if you attempt to defend yourself.  Instead, turn to a skilled St. Louis federal criminal defense lawyer who specializes in weapons charges and how they impact other federal crimes.

Your St. Louis federal weapons charge lawyer will inform you of likely scenarios you could face and help you prepare for court. They will answer all your questions and keep you updated on how your case is proceeding, including pre-trial motions they file on your behalf. When you have a truly powerful lawyer on your side, you can rest easy knowing they are taking every action possible to secure the most favorable result.

JCS Law has defended thousands of clients against unfair accusations and lopsided plea deals that only benefit the government. We investigate, analyze, and build your case to present a customized strategy to avoid a conviction and reduce or eliminate your punishment.

What is the cost of hiring a St. Louis federal weapons charge lawyer?

Federal criminal defense cases require many weeks and months of effort to evaluate the case, investigate the circumstances, collect supporting evidence, and prepare for trial. Multiple staff members and attorneys will spend time building the strongest possible case for your situation.

This can add up to thousands in attorney fees, but it is important to consider it an investment in protecting your freedom and rights afterward.

You can meet with a St. Louis federal weapons charge lawyer for free, with no obligation to educate yourself about how to proceed. Whether you hire us or not, we will give you our best assessment of your options and allow you to make a decision.

Prepare your defense with a qualified St. Louis federal weapons charge lawyer today

A weapons charge on its own is sobering enough, but when it is combined with other federal offenses, you could be facing tremendous penalties that threaten your freedom and your future. Beating these charges takes a fierce legal defender who will not back down and commits fully to the success of your case.

When you are ready to put your case in the hands of a top-tier St. Louis federal weapons charge lawyer from JCS Law, contact us through our online form or by calling (314) 561-9690 for a free consultation today.