Missouri’s Gun Laws: Can a Felon Own a Firearm?

Gun rights are a major topic of concern for many Missouri residents, especially for those with a past felony conviction. Whether you’ve served your time or are currently facing criminal charges, understanding how Missouri gun laws treat firearm ownership after a felony is critical.

In short: If you are a convicted felon in Missouri, it is illegal for you to possess a firearm. This restriction can have serious consequences if violated. At KC Defense Counsel our expert Missouri criminal defense lawyers can help break down what the law says, potential penalties.

If you are facing gun charges in Missouri, hiring an experienced Kansas City criminal defense attorney is crucial to protecting your rights.

MISSOURI’S FELON-IN-POSSESSION GUN LAW

Missouri Revised Statutes 571.070 makes it a crime for any convicted felon to possess a firearm, ammunition, or even certain types of weapons like stun guns. The law applies regardless of the type of felony, even non-violent or older convictions can disqualify you from legally owning a gun.

Federal law also prohibits felons from possessing firearms under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1). This means a conviction in state court can trigger federal charges as well.

COMMON SCENARIOS THAT LEAD TO CHARGES

Felon-in-possession charges often arise in the following situations:

Traffic stops where a firearm is found in the vehicle.
Routine probation checks or parole visits.
Home searches during unrelated investigations.
Accidental discovery, such as a gun found during a domestic call.

Even if the weapon isn’t yours, or you didn’t know it was in the home, you can still be charged if prosecutors believe you had “constructive possession.”

What Is Constructive Possession?

In Missouri, you don’t need to physically hold a firearm to be charged. If the weapon is found in a place where you have control (like your vehicle, bedroom, or nightstand), you could be charged under the theory of “constructive possession.”

These cases are legally complex and require a skilled defense strategy.

PENALTIES FOR FELON IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM IN MISSOURI

This offense is a Class D felony in Missouri, punishable by:

1 to 7 years in prison

Fines up to $10,000
Probation or parole restrictions
Federal charges, in some cases, which carry longer sentences

Repeat offenses or firearms used during another crime (like drug distribution or domestic assault) can elevate the charge and penalties.

CAN A FELON EVER GET GUN RIGHTS BACK IN MISSOURI?

Restoration of gun rights is possible, but it’s very limited and not guaranteed. Options include:

A gubernatorial pardon (extremely rare)
Setting aside the felony (only available in select cases)
Federal relief, which has been suspended for years

Unfortunately, Missouri’s expungement laws do not restore gun rights unless the firearm restriction is explicitly removed, something that rarely happens.

YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED KANSAS CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER ON YOUR SIDE

If you’re a felon facing gun charges in Missouri, this is not a situation you should handle alone. Prosecutors are aggressive when it comes to firearm crimes, and the consequences can be life-changing.

A knowledgeable Missouri criminal defense attorney can:

Challenge unlawful searches or probable cause
Argue against constructive possession
Seek dismissals, diversions, or plea reductions
Represent you if federal charges are also on the table

NEED AN ATTORNEY IN KANSAS CITY? CALL KC DEFENSE COUNSEL

At KC Defense Counsel, we defend your rights, your freedom, and your future. If you’ve been charged with felon-in-possession or any firearm-related offense in Missouri, don’t wait.

Our affordable criminal defense attorneys in Kansas City have the skill and determination to fight your case from every angle.

Call today for a free case evaluation and take the first step toward protecting your rights.

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Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact us if your ticket is not on this list so our experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyers near me in Missouri can be of assistance.