What does "illegal possession of a firearm" imply under Missouri law?

Under Missouri law, "illegal possession of a firearm" primarily refers to circumstances where an individual owns a firearm without the necessary permits or is classified as a prohibited person under state or federal law. Prohibited persons can include individuals with felony convictions, those who have been involuntarily committed to mental health facilities, or individuals subject to restraining orders related to domestic violence.

The law places a significant emphasis on the individual's legal status concerning ownership and possession of firearms. This means that merely owning a firearm is not inherently illegal; rather, it becomes illegal when the ownership is in violation of existing legal restrictions, such as the absence of required permits or if the individual falls into a prohibited category.

In contrast, possessing a firearm while legally carrying a permit, using it in sanctioned environments such as for sporting purposes, or within designated areas like parks, does not constitute illegal possession, as long as all relevant laws and regulations are followed.