One Mistake Can Mean Years Behind Bars

In Missouri, gun rights and criminal law collide in one of the toughest ways possible: being a felon in possession of a firearm. Even if you’ve served your time and turned your life around, getting caught with a gun — or even being accused of having one — can send you straight back to prison.

So what really happens if you’re caught with a firearm as a convicted felon in Missouri? Let’s break it down and talk about what you can do to protect your freedom.

WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY? MISSOURI’S FELON IN POSSESSION STATUTE

Under MoRS 571.070, it’s illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to knowingly possess a firearm.

That means:

You can’t own, carry, or even temporarily hold a gun.
You can’t borrow one for hunting or self-defense.
Even if the firearm belongs to someone else and is found in your car, home, or near you — you can still face charges if prosecutors believe you had access or control.

It doesn’t matter if your felony was violent or nonviolent. Missouri law treats possession by any felon the same way: as a serious crime.

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR FELON IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM IN MISSOURI?

If you’re convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, the punishment depends on your criminal history.

Class D Felony (Standard)

Up to 7 years in prison
Up to $10,000 in fines

Class C Felony (If You Have Prior Violent or Drug Convictions): If your prior felony was considered dangerous or involved drugs, the penalty can increase to a Class C felony, carrying:

3 to 10 years in prison
Fines up to $10,000

And because of Missouri’s “Armed Criminal Action” statute, you could face additional charges with mandatory minimum sentences if the gun was used during another alleged crime.

WHAT ABOUT FEDERAL CHARGES? THE PENALTIES CAN GET EVEN WORSE

In addition to Missouri law, felon-in-possession cases often attract federal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 922(g) — the federal firearm ban for convicted felons.

Federal penalties include:

Up to 10 years in federal prison
No parole in the federal system
Longer mandatory sentences for violent or repeat offenders

It’s not uncommon for Kansas City felon-in-possession cases to start in state court and then get adopted by federal prosecutors seeking harsher penalties.

COMMON SCENARIOS THAT CAN LEAD TO ARREST IN MISSOURI

You might think you’re safe if the gun isn’t “yours,” but law enforcement doesn’t see it that way. Common situations that lead to charges include:

A traffic stop where a gun is found under a seat or in the glovebox
Shared homes or vehicles where someone else keeps a firearm
Hunting trips or shooting ranges where a felon handles a gun briefly
Social media photos showing a weapon nearby

Even constructive possession — meaning you had access or control — is enough for prosecutors to file charges.

ARE THERE ANY POSSIBLE DEFENSES AGAINST FELON IN POSSESSION CHARGES?

While the law is strict, there are legitimate defenses a Kansas City criminal defense lawyer can use to protect your rights. Common strategies include:

Challenging the Search: Was the gun discovered during an illegal search or traffic stop? If so, the evidence can be suppressed.

Questioning Ownership: Can prosecutors prove you knew the gun was there or had control over it?

Residency Defenses: If you share a home or car, the gun might not have been yours — or even accessible to you.

Chain of Custody Issues: Was the weapon properly handled and logged as evidence?

In some cases, your attorney may also negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing if there are mitigating factors.

RESTORING YOUR GUN RIGHTS IN MISSOURI

Missouri does allow some individuals to petition for the restoration of gun rights after a felony conviction, but it’s a complex legal process.

You may be eligible if:

Your felony was nonviolent, and
You’ve successfully completed your sentence and probation, and
A significant amount of time has passed without new charges.

However, federal law may still prohibit you from owning a firearm — even if Missouri restores your rights. That’s why it’s critical to consult an attorney before attempting to purchase or possess a gun after a felony.

WHY YOU NEED TO HIRE A MISSOURI CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER IMMEDIATELY

If you’re caught with a firearm and have a felony record, you’re facing serious time and the prosecution will come at you hard. An experienced Kansas City criminal defense attorney can:

Investigate how the weapon was found and whether the search was lawful
File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced penalties or diversion
Build a strong defense to protect your freedom and your future

These cases move quickly, and the earlier your lawyer gets involved, the more options you’ll have.

Yes, Missouri takes gun possession by felons seriously. But being accused doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty — or that your life is over. With the right legal defense, you can fight back, protect your rights, and move forward.

CONTACT KC DEFENSE COUNSEL TODAY AND LET US DEFEND YOUR FUTURE

If you’ve been charged with felon in possession of a firearm in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, contact KC Defense Counsel right away. Our experienced team of Kansas City criminal defense lawyers has successfully defended clients facing serious firearm charges in both state and federal courts. We know how to challenge illegal searches, weaken the prosecution’s case, and protect your freedom.

When you’re facing criminal charges in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, you need a defense attorney who knows how to protect your rights from start to finish. At KC Defense Counsel, our criminal defense lawyers understand how prosecutors build their cases and how to take them apart. We’ve defended clients against charges ranging from DUI and assault to drug possession and white-collar crimes. We know Missouri courts, the judges, and the legal strategies that get results.

Don’t risk your freedom or your future with inexperienced representation. Contact KC Defense Counsel today.

Our affordable Kansas City criminal defense attorneys will review your case, explain your options, and build a plan to fight for your best possible outcome. When your reputation and liberty are at stake, KC Defense Counsel is the law firm you can trust.

Call KC Defense Counsel for a free, confidential case evaluation — because your future deserves a defense.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland, Drexel, Fairview, Ferrelview, Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview, Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill, Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy, Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

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

Contact our experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyers near me in Missouri and let us help begin building your defense. Let us help.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult qualified counsel regarding your unique situation.