Missouri Concealed Weapon Charges

As of March 18, 2011, Missouri House members approved legislation to expand the concealed weapons laws. The measure seeks to lower the minimum age from 23 to 21 years for obtaining a permit to carry a concealed gun. In addition, it would also allow elected officials and legislative members to carry a concealed gun in the Missouri State Capitol if they have a valid permit. The measure now moves onto the Senate for its approval. A concealed weapons permit will be issued by the county sheriff to applicants who can pass a background check, are a Missouri resident and at least 23 years old.

Missouri Weapons Laws

Carrying a concealed weapon with or without a permit is prohibited in the following locations:

• Government buildings
• Polling places on Election Day
• Sheriff, police or highway patrol stations
• All correctional facilities
• Bars
• Casinos
• School and childcare facilities
• Amusement parks
• Churches and arenas
• Stadiums that can seat 5,000 or more
• Public hospitals
• Private property that has posted signs banning firearms
• Anyplace federal law prohibits weapons (including airports)
• Public buses

It is legal to openly carry a firearm for anyone over the age of 21.

Missouri Concealed Weapons Violations

Any person over the age of 21 may transport a concealed firearm in their vehicle. The Missouri concealed weapons violations are outlined below:

Missouri Plea Options

Criminal defendants in the state of Missouri have four options when entering a plea for criminal charges:

• Not guilty—By attesting their innocence, the court will set a preliminary trial date.
• Not guilty by reason of insanity—The defense must prove that a mental disease or defect excludes the defendant from responsibility.
• Guilty—The defendant forfeits their right to a trial and may be sentenced immediately.
• Alford plea—The defendant acknowledges the prosecution has enough evidence to obtain a conviction but does not specifically admit to the crime.

The prosecutor's office may wish to reach a plea agreement with the defendant in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser offense. This can be beneficial to both parties because the prosecutor doesn't have to undergo a lengthy trial and the defendant gets less time behind bars.

Consult a Missouri Criminal Defense Attorney

Many gun charges are often the result of an illegal search or seizure. Criminal defendants that have their Constitutional rights violated may be eligible to have the charges against them entirely dismissed. When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, they will take a look at the facts of the case and make a determination on how to proceed.