ARMED CRIMINAL ACTION
ARMED CRIMINAL ACTION
OVERVIEW
If the State of Missouri charged you with armed criminal action, you’re facing one of the most aggressive enhancements in the criminal code. Prosecutors use this charge to stack mandatory prison time on top of another felony, such as robbery, assault, or drug distribution. In Kansas City, courts take this charge seriously—and so should you.
As experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyers, we know how prosecutors apply this law, how to challenge it, and how to fight for your freedom. You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to protect your rights and build your defense from day one.
WHAT IS ARMED CRIMINAL ACTION IN MISSOURI?
Under Missouri law (RSMo § 571.015), a person commits armed criminal action when they commit or attempt to commit a felony while using, possessing, or threatening the use of a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon.
In simple terms: if you’re accused of using a gun or other weapon while committing a felony—like burglary, robbery, or assault—the prosecutor can add this extra charge. Armed criminal action doesn’t replace the original felony charge; it adds more prison time on top of it.
This law applies to:
Loaded or unloaded firearms
Knives and blunt objects
Any object used or threatened as a weapon during a felony
PENALTIES
Armed criminal action carries mandatory prison time, and the court can’t grant probation, parole, or early release on this charge.
First Offense: 3 years to life in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 3 years served.
Second Offense: 5 years to life, with at least 5 years served.
Third or Subsequent Offense: 10 years to life, with a 10-year minimum.
Even worse, the law requires that the prison time for armed criminal action run consecutively to the sentence for the underlying felony. So if you’re convicted of robbery (10 years) and armed criminal action (3 years), you must serve 13 years total—not at the same time.
HOW PROSECUTORS USE ARMED CRIMINAL ACTION
Prosecutors in Jackson County and across Missouri frequently use armed criminal action charges to gain leverage. They know that adding mandatory prison time puts pressure on defendants to accept plea deals—even when the underlying case is weak.
You need a criminal defense attorney who understands this tactic and knows how to push back. Our Kansas City team fights to get these charges reduced, dismissed, or thrown out before they ever reach trial.
DEFENSES AGAINST POSSESSION CHARGES
Our Kansas City criminal defense lawyers build strong strategies tailored to the facts of each case. Some of the most effective defenses include:
Challenging the underlying felony – No felony means no armed criminal action.
Attacking the legality of the search or traffic stop
Establishing self-defense under Missouri’s Stand Your Ground law
We work to dismantle the prosecution’s case from every angle—starting with the weapon, the search, and the felony they’re trying to enhance.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Facing an armed criminal action charge can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. At The Hartley Law Firm, we bring experience, strategy, and results-driven advocacy to every case we handle. No matter the charge, we’re here to fight for you!
Here’s what we do for you:
1. Thorough Case Evaluation
We’ll start by reviewing the details of your arrest, the underlying felony involved, the conduct alleged, and how law enforcement conducted the search or seizure. Our team looks for any legal flaws, rights violations, or procedural mistakes that could lead to a dismissal or suppression of evidence.
2. Build a Tailored Defense Strategy
No two cases are the same. We develop a defense strategy based on the specific facts of your case—whether that means challenging the underlying felony, disputing use or aid of a weapon, or arguing unlawful police conduct.
3. Negotiate on Your Behalf
In many cases, we can negotiate reduced charges. Our relationships with local prosecutors and our knowledge of Missouri’s legal system give us a strong negotiating position on your behalf.
4. Relentlessly Fight for You in Court
If your case goes to trial, we’re ready to defend you in court. We have the trial experience and legal skill necessary to challenge the evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and advocate for a not guilty verdict.
5. Protect Your Rights and Your Freedoms
A conviction can affect your job, housing, education, and even your right to vote or own a firearm. Our goal is to help you avoid a criminal record or minimize the long-term impact of these charges on your life.
WHY YOU NEED A KANSAS CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY NOW
Because armed criminal action carries mandatory prison time, you don’t have the luxury of waiting. Prosecutors will file quickly, and once the charge sticks, your options shrink.
Our team takes immediate action to:
Demand discovery and review police conduct
File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
Negotiate for dismissal or reduction of ACA charges
Prepare your case for trial from day one
We’ve defended clients throughout Kansas City and across Missouri. We know how to fight for your freedom when the stakes couldn’t be higher.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I get probation for armed criminal action?
No. Missouri law requires mandatory prison time if you’re convicted. Judges can’t give probation or parole for this charge.
Can I face this charge if the gun wasn’t mine?
Yes. If prosecutors think you had access or control over the weapon—even if it belonged to someone else—they may still file ACA charges.
Does this apply to clubs or knives?
It can. Missouri law defines “deadly weapon” broadly. We’ve seen ACA charges filed over blunt objects, knives, and many other unexpected “weapons.”
ATTENTION: Nothing in this article is meant to be construed as legal advice and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. The choice of an attorney is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements.