When you are charged with felony possession or use (or transport, or repair, or manufacture, or sale) of a weapon in St Louis, it usually involves a specific type of weapon (and only under certain circumstances):
A CONCEALED DEADLY WEAPON: This usually involves a situation in which you are in possession of a deadly weapon that is in some way concealed (such as knife or a blackjack).
FIRING OR DISCHARGING A WEAPON: But such charges can also be brought for discharging or firing a weapon inside a home, car, boat, aircraft, or any other structure in which people are present. In addition, charges may be brought if you were to discharge or fire a weapon within 100 yards of an occupied school, church, or courthouse.
ANGRILY EXHIBITING A WEAPON: Or you can be charged if you were to show your weapon in such an angry fashion so as to frighten others.
But just because the state charges you with such a crime, it does not mean that it can prove that you are guilty of it. There are a number of exceptions that would prevent this kind of charge to stick. For example, if you fired the weapon in the performance of official duties as a member of the Armed Services, National Guard, or a law enforcement agencies or penal institution. Or if you were firing the weapon in relation to a lawful commercial or industrial enterprise. Mo Stat. 571.020
Pleading Guilty Is Not Your Best Option!!Depending on the facts of your particular case, the state could charge you with either a Class C Felony (which comes with up to seven (7) years of jail time and a $5,000 fine) or Class A Misdemeanor (which can carry up to one (1) year of jail and a $1,000 fine). This is not a potential sentence you want to handle by yourself. Our staff and attorneys are prepared to help guide you through the process, describe all of your options, and answer all of your questions!!
The affordable St. Louis criminal defense attorneys at The Bankruptcy Company have been taking care of criminal charges in Missouri for over ten (10) years. We specialize in making sure that your record stays clean, and so that you can move forward with life. And we want to do it all at an affordable price. The upfront fees for a low level felony charge start at $750. But the initial consultation to discuss your legal issues is free of charge. So contact us today to learn more!!
We have two main locations: in the Central West End of St. Louis, at 1 North Taylor (on the corner of Taylor and Laclede), 63108; and in the Twin Cities of Festus / Crystal City, at 1000 Truman Blvd (Highway 61/67), 63019.