Experienced Defense In Armed Criminal Action
At Boehmer Law, our criminal defense lawyers have extensive experience handling numerous armed criminal action cases. Our priority is advocating for your defense. Schedule a free consultation visit to review your case details and explore how we can vigorously represent you.
Understanding Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action involves the use of any weapon while committing a crime. This charge is exceptionally severe, with a minimum three-year sentence and no probation if found guilty. It’s crucial to recognize the broad definition of this offense, granting the state extensive discretion in its application.
Legal Implications
Many find themselves subject to this charge due to impulsive or reckless actions involving objects that could be deemed weapons. For instance, a heated moment on a playground, where a young individual uses a baseball bat in anger, may result in an armed criminal action charge, even if the injury is minimal. Moreover, this charge commonly stems from crimes involving guns or knives, like attempted robberies.
Navigating State Discretion
The decision to file armed criminal action charges lies within the state’s discretion. This discretion extends to defining what constitutes a deadly weapon in each scenario. Having a seasoned attorney, well-versed in handling such cases, is crucial. A skilled attorney can persuade the prosecutor, judge or jury regarding the actual use of a deadly weapon.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is natural to have concerns if you are facing armed criminal action charges in Missouri. Our attorneys can speak to any specific inquiries, while the following questions and answers can offer clarity in the meantime.
What are the potential penalties for Armed Criminal Action in Missouri?
If you are convicted for armed criminal action, mandatory minimum sentences apply. For instance, there is a three-year mandatory sentence for a first offense, and you would not be eligible for parole or a conditional release. For a second offense, the minimum sentence increases to five years, and rises to up to 10 years for subsequent offenses.
The above are mandatory minimums, so there are potentially higher maximum sentences. The maximum for a first offense is 15 years, while the maximum for a second offense is 30 years. In some cases, multiple sentences can run consecutively, such as a charge for armed criminal action and a related charge like robbery.
Can an Armed Criminal Action charge be reduced or dismissed?
Yes, there are some cases in which this can be done and is often the primary goal when accepting a plea deal. It involves agreeing to plead guilty to a specific charge, such as robbery, in exchange for having an armed criminal action charge dropped or dismissed, potentially reducing the penalties.
Of course, charges can also be dropped if there are issues with evidence, such as if it is not clear that a firearm or weapon was ever even involved.
How does Armed Criminal Action differ from other weapons charges?
The biggest difference is that the use of a firearm is not necessarily the primary offense. Armed criminal action charges can arise when committing a different felony and being armed at the same time.
For instance, someone who steals from a convenience store and takes money from the till could face robbery charges. However, if they indicate they have a firearm and instruct the employee to hand over the money, they could face armed criminal action charges due to the involvement of a weapon.
Experienced Representation
With over two decades of experience, our criminal defense attorneys have effectively handled numerous armed criminal action cases. We’re dedicated to ensuring your defense stands strong.
Talk To An Attorney Today
If you’re facing charges related to armed criminal action, our seasoned attorneys are here to fiercely defend your rights. Contact us today to secure knowledgeable legal representation that fights for your defense. Call 636-549-8300 or contact us online to make an appointment for a free consultation in our St. Charles office.