Weapons crime attorney in Putnam County, MO. Charged with a weapons crime in Putnam County, MO? Your rights and future are too important to risk. Whether you’re accused of unlawful possession, illegal discharge, or another weapon-related crime, you need a reliable weapons crime attorney in Putnam County, MO who knows the ins and outs of Missouri criminal courts and delivers results.
At Combs Waterkotte, we bring over 60 years of experience to every case we take on. Our criminal defense strategies have helped clients in Putnam County, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.
Call our trusted Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO and beyond—and we’re ready to fight for you.
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Article Summary
Weapons charges in Putnam County, MO can carry life-changing consequences, but Combs Waterkotte is here to help. Our aggressive, results-driven weapons crime attorneys serve clients throughout the Putnam County, MO area facing accusations involving guns, illegal possession, armed criminal action, or trafficking. We know how to push back against the prosecution and protect your rights. Read on to learn that when you work with us, we’ll help you:
- Secure strong legal representation in Putnam County, MO from the very beginning.
- Act fast to strengthen your defense from the start.
- Know your rights, no matter the charge.
- Understand the different types of weapons crimes in Putnam County, MO and their legal implications.
- Have a firm grasp of what’s at stake and how to minimize penalties.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Putnam County, MO: What Counts as a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Weapon crimes in Putnam County, MO cover a wide range of offenses. At Combs Waterkotte, our weapons crime attorneys in Putnam County, MO have handled cases involving:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in Putnam County, MO
According to Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, it is illegal to possess a gun in Putnam County, MO, if:
- You’ve been convicted of a felony
- You’re under the legal age
- You’re in a category of people prohibited from gun ownership
- You’re violating federal law regarding firearm possession
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 Putnam County, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in the Putnam County, MO Area
This is one of the most frequently charged weapons crimes in the Putnam County, MO area and can arise in a variety of situations, including:
- Firing a gun in restricted areas, especially while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Pointing or displaying a gun in a threatening or dangerous way
- Carrying a concealed weapon without legal authorization
- Possessing a firearm in areas where it is legally prohibited
- Using a weapon during the commission of another crime, like burglary, assault, or drug distribution
- Possessing firearms with illegal modifications or banned accessories
Depending on the details of your Putnam County, MO case, penalties range from a Class B misdemeanor, which carries up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 in fines, to a Class A felony, with potential sentences of 10-30 years or even life in prison.
If you’re facing these serious charges in Putnam County, MO, your future is at stake. A Combs Waterkotte skilled Putnam County, MO weapons crime attorney can help you build a strong defense and get the best possible outcome. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online today.
Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO, this charge enhances penalties tied to underlying felonies such as:
- Drug Trafficking
- Assault
- Robbery
- Burglary
Missouri law imposes strict mandatory minimum prison sentences for armed criminal action:
- 3 years for a first-time conviction
- 5 years for a second conviction
- 10 years or more for a third offense
Defaced Firearm Possession in or Around Putnam County, MO
If you’re caught with a firearm that has an altered or missing serial number, you may be charged with possessing a defaced firearm—a Class B misdemeanor in Putnam County, MO. Law enforcement treats these cases harshly due to associations with criminal trafficking and stolen guns.
Unlawful Weapon Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in or Around Putnam County, MO
It’s unlawful to sell, loan, or transfer a weapon to someone who is prohibited from possessing one in Putnam County, MO. These violations often involve:
- Selling or gifting firearms to minors
- Providing weapons to convicted felons
- Failing to confirm eligibility before a sale
Depending on the facts of your case, you can face a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony. Don’t face these charges alone—a Combs Waterkotte Putnam County, MO weapons crime attorney can step in and fight for you.
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Charged With a Weapons Crime in Putnam County, MO? Take These Steps Now
If you’re under investigation or already facing charges in Putnam County, MO, it’s important to act fast:
- Do not speak to the police without an attorney present.
- Contact our office immediately for a no-obligation case review.
- Allow our Putnam County, MO legal team to evaluate the charges, safeguard your rights, and start building a strong defense strategy.
Don’t wait—quick action can make all the difference. A knowledgeable Putnam County, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can begin helping you from day one.

Weapons Crime Attorney in Putnam County, MO: Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Right Away
Being charged with a weapons offense in Putnam 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 Putnam 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
- Challenging Unlawful Searches or Arrests
- Working to get charged reduced—or dropped altogether
- Representing you confidently in court, if necessary
We understand what’s at stake—and we’re here to fight for your second chance in Putnam County, MO.
Putnam County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Putnam County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Putnam County, MO: Possible Defenses
Our Putnam 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’s strong self-defense laws, including the Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine, may justify your actions if you used force to protect yourself or someone else from an immediate threat.
- Unlawful Search or Seizure — If police recovered the weapon without a warrant, probable cause, or during an illegal traffic stop, we may be able to get the evidence thrown out
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent — Maybe the weapon wasn’t yours, or you had no idea it was in your possession. We’ll work to show there was no criminal intent on your part.
- Other Defenses — Other valid defenses for your Putnam County, MO charges include alibi evidence showing that you were not in a location where you could be legally accused of having the weapon, entrapment, insufficient evidence, and mistaken identity.
When you hire a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in the Putnam County, MO area, you aren’t just hiring the leading weapons crime defense team in Putnam County, MO and beyond – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with experienced weapons crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Putnam County, MO residents:

Charged With a Weapons Crime in Putnam County, MO?—Let Combs Waterkotte Defend You
Weapons charges can turn your life upside down—but you don’t have to face them alone. Our experienced Putnam County, MO weapons crime attorneys are ready to take action on your behalf. Whether it’s negotiating the best possible resolution or defending you in court, we’ll stand by your side every step of the way.
Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to speak directly with an experienced Putnam County, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.

