Gun Laws in Columbia
Missouri is known to have some of the most permissive gun laws in the United States. Despite this, Columbia still has several gun laws that residents must follow. These laws are in place to protect the safety of citizens and to ensure the lawful use of firearms. In what may come as a surprise, research by Everystat.org has found that Missouri has the 6th highest rate of gun violence in the U.S., with the highest rate of gun homicides by African Americans in the country.
Sadly, on average, over 1,200 people are killed in gun-related homicides every year in Missouri, with an additional 2,500-plus injured. Given these concerning statistics, it is important to understand gun laws in Columbia. Fortunately, a skilled and knowledgeable firearm attorney could explain these regulations in detail during a private consultation. Call today.
Understanding Gun Laws
Firearm laws regulate the sale, possession, and use of guns. Aside from general laws related to background checks, open-carry, or concealed carry, there are still situations that can result in criminal conduct while possessing firearms.
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
The most common firearm charge in Columbia is the illegal possession of a gun by someone who has previously been convicted of a felony. It is also illegal to possess any type of firearm if you are deemed a fugitive, have been adjudicated mentally ill, have been convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence, or are unlawfully in the country.
Unlawful Use of Weapons
Another common weapons charge is what is known as Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Unlawful Use of a Weapon is defined as knowingly doing one of the following:
- Carrying a knife, a firearm, a blackjack or any other weapon readily capable of lethal use, upon their person, into any area where firearms are restricted
- Setting a spring gun
- Discharging or shooting a firearm into a dwelling house, a railroad train, boat, aircraft, motor vehicle, or any building or structure used for the assembling of people
- Exhibiting, in the presence of one or more persons, any weapon readily capable of lethal use in an angry or threatening manner
- Possessing a firearm or projectile weapon readily capable of lethal use on his or her person, while he or she is intoxicated, and handles or otherwise uses such firearm or projectile weapon in either a negligent or unlawful manner or discharges such firearm or projectile weapon unless acting in self-defense
- Discharging a firearm within one hundred yards of any occupied schoolhouse, courthouse, or church building
- Discharging or shooting a firearm at a mark, at any object, or at random, on, along, or across a public highway or into any outbuilding
- Carrying a firearm or any other weapon readily capable of lethal use into any church or place where people have assembled for worship, or into any election precinct on any election day, or into any building owned or occupied by any agency of the federal government, state government, or political subdivision thereof
- Discharging or shooting a gun at or from a motor vehicle, at any person, at any building or habitable structure
- Carrying firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, or any other weapon readily capable of lethal use into any school, onto any school bus, or onto the premises of any function or activity sponsored or sanctioned by school officials or the district school board
- Possessing a firearm while also knowingly in possession of a controlled substance that is sufficient for a felony violation
Unlawful use of weapons charges can vary from misdemeanor to felony charges with significant punishment as a result. If you were charged with a gun offense, a hardworking attorney in Columbia could review the circumstances of your arrest and determine if you violated the law.
How a Gun Crime Lawyer Can Help With Firearm Charges
Any type of gun-related charge, no matter how minor, can have a drastic impact on your life. Almost every gun crime, whether a misdemeanor or felony, carries significant fines and the potential for jail time. An experienced firearm crime lawyer in Columbia will quickly gather evidence to build a strong defense strategy, work to negotiate the best possible plea deal, and challenge any violation of your constitutional rights. To learn more about firearm laws, get in touch with our legal representatives today.
Contact an Attorney in Columbia to Discuss Gun Laws
If you have been charged with a gun crime in Columbia, it is important to secure experienced legal representation. The Law Office of Chris Miller has attained favorable outcomes for clients facing gun charges throughout the state.
Our attorneys understand how to navigate the intricacies of gun laws in Columbia and are committed to protecting our clients’ rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.