Felony Armed Criminal Action Defense Lawyer in Kansas City

Missouri Armed Criminal Action Defense Attorney

FELONY ARMED CRIMINAL ACTION DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN MISSOURI

Facing an armed criminal action charge in Missouri is a serious and life-changing event. Missouri law imposes harsh penalties on those convicted of using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument to commit a felony, making it critical to have a skilled and experienced defense attorney on your side.

At KC Defense Counsel, our skilled Missouri criminal defense lawyers understand how overwhelming and stressful these charges can be. The consequences of a conviction can be severe, including mandatory prison sentences with no possibility of parole for a minimum period. If you or a loved one is facing armed criminal action charges in Kansas City, you need a defense lawyer who knows how to fight aggressively to protect your rights and your future.

WHAT IS ARMED CRIMINAL ACTION IN MISSOURI?

Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 571.015, armed criminal action occurs when a person commits a felony using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. The law applies to most felonies except for specific exceptions listed in Missouri statutes.

A deadly weapon can be anything that can cause serious injury or death, including firearms, knives, or even blunt objects used with violent intent. Meanwhile, a dangerous instrument is any object that, under the circumstances, poses a significant risk of harm when used in the commission of a felony.

WHAT QUALIFIES AS A DANGEROUS INSTRUMENT? In KC, Missouri

One important aspect of Missouri law is how courts determine what constitutes a dangerous instrument.

For example:
An automobile can be considered a dangerous instrument only if the driver intentionally uses it to harm someone.
Mere recklessness while driving is not enough to be charged with armed criminal action.
The accused must have had a culpable mental state, meaning they acted knowingly, recklessly, or with intent to cause harm.

Simply put, negligence alone does not qualify as armed criminal action. The prosecution must prove that the accused intended to use the weapon or instrument to commit a crime.

EXAMPLE OF ARMED CRIMINAL ACTION IN MISSOURI

A classic example of armed criminal action would be
A person enters a convenience store, points a loaded gun at the cashier, and demands money.
This individual could be charged with first-degree robbery, and, because a deadly weapon was used, they could also face armed criminal action charges.

PENALTIES FOR ARMED CRIMINAL ACTION IN KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

Missouri law treats armed criminal action as a separate and additional charge on top of the underlying felony. If convicted, the penalties increase significantly based on prior offenses:

First Offense
Minimum 3-year prison sentence.
This sentence is in addition to the penalty for the underlying felony.
No parole, probation, or early release until the full 3 years are served.

Second Offense
Minimum 5-year prison sentence.
No eligibility for parole, probation, or early release until after serving the full 5 years.

Third and Subsequent Offenses
Minimum 10-year prison sentence.
No parole, probation, or early release until the 10-year sentence is fully served.

ADDITIONAL CONSEQUENCES OF A MISSOURI CONVICTION

Aside from the mandatory prison sentence, a conviction for armed criminal action can permanently impact your life:
A felony conviction can limit job opportunities and make it difficult to find employment.
You could lose your right to own a firearm.
A criminal record can impact housing, loans, and other aspects of your life.

Given the severe consequences, it’s crucial to have an experienced Kansas City armed criminal action defense attorney who understands how to fight these charges and protect your rights.

HOW PROSECUTORS PROVE ARMED CRIMINAL ACTION

To convict someone of armed criminal action, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:
The defendant committed a felony.
The defendant used a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument in the commission of that felony.
The defendant knew they were carrying a weapon or dangerous instrument and intended to use it in the crime.

If the prosecution cannot prove all three elements, the charge should not stand. A strong defense strategy can challenge the evidence, question witness credibility, and expose weaknesses in the case against you.

EXPERIENCED MISSOURI CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Armed criminal action is not a charge to take lightly. A conviction means mandatory prison time with no possibility of probation or parole.

That’s why you need a seasoned Kansas City criminal defense attorney who can:
Examine every detail of your case to identify possible defenses.
Challenge the prosecution’s evidence and ensure your rights were not violated.
Negotiate plea deals, if appropriate, to reduce charges or sentencing.
Fight aggressively at trial if necessary to seek an acquittal.

At KC Defense Counsel, our team of Kansas City defense attorneys has extensive experience defending clients charged with serious crimes, including armed criminal action, robbery, and theft-related offenses. We know how Kansas City prosecutors build their cases, and we know how to fight back.

POSSIBLE DEFENSES AGAINST ARMED CRIMINAL ACTION CHARGES

Every case is unique, but some common defenses against armed criminal action charges include:

Lack of intent: If you did not intentionally use a weapon or dangerous instrument to commit a felony, the charge may not stand.

No underlying felony: Armed criminal action must be linked to a felony. If the felony charge is dismissed, the armed criminal action charge cannot stand alone.

Unlawful search and seizure: If police obtained evidence illegally, it might be excluded from the case.

Mistaken identity: If you were falsely accused or misidentified, a strong defense can expose flaws in the prosecution’s case.

CONTACT KC DEFENSE COUNSEL TODAY

If you or a loved one is facing armed criminal action charges in Kansas City, don’t wait to seek legal help. These charges come with severe, life-altering consequences, and having the right attorney on your side can make all the difference.

At KC Defense Counsel, we provide aggressive and dedicated legal representation for clients facing serious criminal charges. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights, your future, and your freedom.

Call us today for a free case evaluation. Our experienced and affordable Kansas City armed criminal action criminal defense lawyers are ready to hear your side of the story and develop a strong defense strategy.

Contact KC Defense Counsel today at (816) 287-3787 to schedule a free initial consultation. Don’t face these charges alone. Let KC Defense Counsel fight for you.

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