Weapons crime attorney in McDonald County, MO. Have you been charged with a weapons crime in McDonald County, MO? Don’t leave your freedom to chance. When you’re accused of a gun or weapons offense, your rights, your reputation, and your future are all on the line. You need a trusted, experienced weapons crime attorney in McDonald County, MO who knows how to fight for you—and win.
At Combs Waterkotte, we bring over 60 years of experience to every case we take on. Our criminal defense strategies have helped clients in McDonald County, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.
Call our trusted McDonald County, MO weapons crime attorney as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We’ve successfully handled over 10,000 cases in McDonald County, MO and beyond—and we’re ready to fight for you.
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Article Summary
If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime in McDonald County, MO, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced McDonald County, MO weapons crime attorneys aggressively defend clients facing gun charges, unlawful use of weapons, armed criminal action, and other firearm-related offenses throughout the McDonald County, MO area. We build powerful defenses, challenge unlawful searches, and fight for reduced charges, dismissals, or acquittals. Whether you’re dealing with accusations of possession, use, or trafficking of firearms, read on to see how Combs Waterkotte provides the experience and skill you need to:
- Take immediate steps in McDonald County, MO to protect your rights and future.
- Understand the importance of acting quickly after being charged.
- Know your rights, no matter the charge.
- Navigate the complexities of McDonald County, MO weapons laws.
- Have a firm grasp of what’s at stake and how to minimize penalties.
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A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
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Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
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Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
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Weapons Crime Attorney in McDonald County, MO: What is Considered a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our McDonald County, MO weapons crime attorneys have handled the following types of cases and more:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the McDonald County, MO Area
According to Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, firearm possession becomes unlawful under specific circumstances, including:
- Being a convicted felon
- Being underage
- Belonging to a category of individuals prohibited from owning firearms
- Violating federal firearm possession restrictions
This charge is often a Class C felony, but it can be boosted to a Class B felony for individuals with prior convictions. Being charged with unlawful possession is serious—speak with a trusted McDonald County, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in McDonald County, MO
This is one of the most frequently charged weapons crimes in the McDonald County, MO area and can arise in a variety of situations, including:
- Discharging a firearm in a restricted area or while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Brandishing or displaying a firearm in a threatening or reckless manner
- Carrying a concealed weapon without legal authorization
- Possessing a firearm in areas where it is legally prohibited
- Committing other crimes like burglary, assault, or drug distribution while armed
- Possessing illegal weapon modifications or accessories
Penalties for an unlawful use of a weapon conviction vary significantly, from a Class B misdemeanor—up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine—to a Class A felony, which can carry 10-30 years or even life in prison.
Don’t roll the dice with your freedom. Call Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to speak with a weapons crime attorney in McDonald County, MO who can help get you the best possible outcome.
McDonald County, MO Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action occurs when a weapon is used or visibly displayed during the commission of a felony offense. While not a separate crime on its own in McDonald County, MO, this charge enhances penalties tied to underlying felonies such as:
- Drug Trafficking
- Assault
- Robbery
- Burglary
Penalties include mandatory minimum sentences throughout Missouri:
- 3 years for a first offense
- 5 years for a second
- 10 years or more for a third
Defaced Firearm Possession in McDonald County, MO
Owning a gun with a tampered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—can lead to serious trouble in McDonald County, MO. It’s a Class B misdemeanor, but the implications are long-term: it can permanently affect your gun rights and your record.
Unlawful Sale, Transfer, or Trafficking of Weapons in the McDonald County, MO Area
It’s unlawful to sell, loan, or transfer a weapon to someone who is prohibited from possessing one in McDonald County, MO. These violations often involve:
- Giving a firearm to a minor
- Transferring a weapon to a felon
- Selling a firearm without verifying eligibility
Depending on the circumstances, the offense may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony. A knowledgeable McDonald County, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can help you avoid the worst-case scenario.
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Charged With a Weapons Crime in McDonald County, MO? Here’s Your Next Move
Regardless of how serious the accusations are, here’s what you need to do right away in McDonald County, MO:
- Don’t answer any questions from law enforcement without legal representation.
- Reach out to our office as soon as possible for a free consultation.
- Let us review your case in McDonald County, MO, protect your rights, and start building your defense.
Don’t wait—quick action can make all the difference. A knowledgeable McDonald County, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can begin helping you from day one.
Weapons Crime Attorney in McDonald County, MO: Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Right Away
Being charged with a weapons offense in McDonald County, MO can jeopardize your freedom, finances, and future. But with the help of an experienced defense attorney, you may be able to avoid the worst-case scenario.
An experienced McDonald County, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you by:
- Protecting your rights from the moment of your arrest
- Thorough Investigation of the Evidence
- Exposing any unlawful actions by law enforcement
- Negotiating for Reduced or Dismissed Charges
- Taking Your Case to Trial if Needed
We understand what’s at stake—and we’re here to fight for your second chance in McDonald County, MO.
McDonald County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in McDonald County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in McDonald County, MO: Possible Defenses That Could Make All the Difference
Our McDonald County, MO weapons crime defense team has decades of experience successfully fighting gun and weapons charges. Here some of the powerful defenses we may use in your case:
- Self-Defense or Defense of Others — Missouri has “Stand Your Ground” and “Castle Doctrine” laws, allowing you to use force—including deadly force—to protect yourself and others. Our weapons crime attorney in McDonald County, MO can work to prove your use of force was necessary given your reasonable fear of imminent threat.
- Illegal Search or Seizure — We can utilize this defense if the weapon was found during a search that violated your Fourth Amendment rights in McDonald County, MO, such as:
- No warrant
- No probable cause
- An unlawful traffic stop
- Lack of Intent or Knowledge — If you didn’t knowingly possess the weapon or were unaware of its presence—such as someone else placing it in your car—you may have a valid defense.
- Other Defenses — Depending on the facts in McDonald County, MO, we may raise a strong alibi, argue entrapment, expose mistaken identity, or challenge the prosecution’s evidence altogether.
If you partner with a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in the McDonald County, MO area, you’re not just selecting the ideal weapons crime defense team in and around McDonald County, MO – you’re safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with knowledgeable weapons crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in McDonald County and beyond:
Charged With a Weapons Crime in McDonald County, MO?—Let Combs Waterkotte Fight for You
When you’re up against a weapons charge in McDonald County, MO, you need experienced legal support from the start. At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys don’t wait—they act. From negotiating a strategic plea deal to taking your case to trial, we fight to protect everything you stand to lose—your rights, freedom, and future.
Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to speak directly with an experienced McDonald County, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.
