Gun Crime Lawyer in St. Louis

Facing a Gun Charge & Unsure What Comes Next?

Being arrested or charged with a gun offense can change your life in an instant. You may be worrying about prison, a permanent felony record, and losing your right to own or carry firearms. In this situation, you need a gun crimes lawyer in St. Louis who understands what is at stake for you and your family.

At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, we focus on criminal defense in Missouri and regularly represent people accused of firearm and weapons offenses in the St. Louis area. We know how quickly a case can move from an arrest to formal charges, and we work to step in early, explain your options, and protect your rights at every stage.

Our attorneys, Mark Hammer and Nicole Chiravollatti, bring more than 60 years of combined criminal defense experience to each case. We offer personal, one-on-one attention and clear communication so you are not left guessing about what is happening with your future.

Contact us today at (314) 334-3807 to schedule a free consultation.

Missouri Gun Laws

Missouri has relatively permissive gun laws compared to many states, but that does not mean firearm offenses are treated lightly. In fact, certain gun-related allegations carry severe criminal penalties, especially when combined with other offenses.

Missouri law allows many adults to own and carry firearms without a permit under constitutional carry laws. However, there are still strict regulations governing who can possess a firearm, where firearms may be carried, and how they may be used.

Key aspects of Missouri gun laws include:

• Unlawful possession: Certain individuals, such as convicted felons, are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
• Concealed carry restrictions: While permits are not required for most adults, carrying a firearm in restricted locations (schools, courthouses, federal buildings) can still lead to charges.
• Use of a firearm during a crime: Using or displaying a gun during the commission of another crime often results in enhanced penalties.
• Illegal sale or transfer of firearms: Selling or transferring a gun to a prohibited person can lead to serious charges.

Missouri firearm offenses may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances. Our St. Louis gun crime lawyer can explain how the law applies to your situation and what penalties you may be facing.

Common Types of Firearm Offenses

Gun crime charges can arise in many different situations. Some of the most common firearm-related offenses we defend against include:

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

This charge can involve firing a weapon recklessly, exhibiting a firearm in a threatening manner, or discharging a gun into a building or vehicle. These offenses are often charged as felonies.

Felon in Possession of a Firearm

Missouri law prohibits individuals with certain felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition. Violations can lead to significant prison sentences.

Carrying a Firearm in a Prohibited Area

Even lawful gun owners may face charges for carrying a firearm into restricted locations such as schools, government buildings, or private property where firearms are prohibited.

Armed Criminal Action

When a firearm is used, displayed, or readily available during the commission of another crime, prosecutors may add an armed criminal action charge, which carries mandatory prison time if convicted.

Illegal Firearm Sales or Transfers

Selling a gun without proper authorization or transferring a firearm to a prohibited person can result in serious state or federal charges.

Brandishing or Threatening with a Firearm

Allegations involving threats or intimidation with a gun often arise during disputes and can escalate quickly into felony charges.

Gun Offense FAQs

Is Missouri an open carry state?

Yes, Missouri allows open carry of firearms, but local restrictions and prohibited locations still apply. Open carry does not protect against all gun charges.

Can I be charged if the gun was not mine?

Yes. Missouri law focuses on possession, not ownership. You may face charges if prosecutors believe you had control or access to the firearm.

What happens if a gun is found during a traffic stop?

Gun-related charges may result depending on where the firearm was located, whether it was accessible, and whether you were legally allowed to possess it.

Are gun charges always felonies?

No. Some firearm offenses are misdemeanors, but many—especially those involving prior convictions or other crimes—are charged as felonies.

Should I talk to police about a gun charge?

It is generally best to speak with our St. Louis gun crime lawyer before answering questions. Anything you say can be used against you.

Why Choose Our Gun Defense Team

When you are facing a serious gun allegation, who stands beside you in court matters. Our attorneys at The Hammer Law Firm, LLC have devoted their careers to criminal law in Missouri courts, including cases in the City of St. Louis Circuit Court and the St. Louis County Circuit Court. With over six decades of combined experience, we have handled a wide range of felony and misdemeanor charges that involve firearms.

Both Mark Hammer and Nicole Chiravollatti previously served as prosecutors. This background means we understand how the state investigates, charges, and tries gun cases. We have seen how police and prosecutors approach issues such as possession, unlawful use of a weapon, and alleged use of a firearm during another crime, and we use this insight to anticipate strategies and identify weaknesses in the evidence.

Our work extends beyond the courtroom. Mark Hammer serves as a Lead Panel Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri’s Criminal Justice Act Program, which involves representing individuals facing serious federal criminal charges, including firearm offenses. Both Mark and Nicole are adjunct professors at Saint Louis University School of Law. These roles reflect our commitment to the criminal justice system and to teaching and mentoring future lawyers, which in turn helps keep us engaged with evolving law and practice.

Clients who come to us for help with gun charges work directly with our attorneys, not a revolving door of staff members. We take time to explain the process, answer questions, and prepare you for hearings. When you hire a gun charges defense lawyer in St. Louis, you are not only hiring legal knowledge. You are also choosing how supported and informed you will feel as your case moves forward.

To discuss your gun charge confidentially, call (314) 334-3807.