Weapons crime attorney in Benton, MO. Facing charges of a weapons crime in Benton, MO? Don’t gamble with your future. A weapons crime conviction can impact your freedom, your career, and your reputation. You need a skilled and aggressive weapons crime attorney in Benton, MO who knows the system and how to protect your rights.
At Combs Waterkotte, we bring over 60 years of experience to every case we take on. Our criminal defense strategies have helped clients in Benton, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.
Call our trusted Benton, 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 Benton, MO and beyond—and we’re ready to fight for you.

Article Summary
Weapons charges in Benton, MO can carry life-changing consequences, but Combs Waterkotte is here to help. Our aggressive, results-driven weapons crime attorneys serve clients throughout the Benton, 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 Benton, 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 Benton, MO and their legal implications.
- Prepare for and reduce the risk of severe criminal penalties.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Benton, MO: What Counts as a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Weapon crimes in Benton, MO cover a wide range of offenses. At Combs Waterkotte, our weapons crime attorneys in Benton, MO have handled cases involving:
Unlawful Firearm Possession in the Benton, MO Area
Under Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, possessing a firearm becomes illegal if:
- You’re a convicted felon
- You are underage
- You belong to a group legally barred from owning firearms
- You are violating federal firearm restrictions
If this is your first offense, it may be charged as a Class C felony—but with prior offenses, it can rise to a Class B felony, carrying much harsher penalties. Don’t risk your future. A skilled Benton, MO criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case and build a strong defense from day one.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Benton, MO
These crimes are more common in Benton, MO than you might think—and incredibly serious. They often involve:
- Shooting a weapon in restricted zones or while intoxicated
- Pointing or displaying a gun in a threatening or dangerous way
- Carrying a concealed weapon without the appropriate permit
- Possession of firearms in prohibited places, as outlined in Missouri law
- Committing another offense—such as burglary, assault, or drug distribution—while armed
- Possessing illegal weapon modifications or accessories
The consequences in Benton, MO can be life-altering. Charges can range from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A felony with decades—or a lifetime—behind bars.
If you’re facing these serious charges in Benton, MO, your future is at stake. A Combs Waterkotte skilled Benton, 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.
Benton, MO Armed Criminal Action
This charge refers to using or displaying a weapon during the commission of a felony offense in Benton, MO. This is not a standalone crime but an enhancement that adds serious time to underlying charges like:
- Drug Trafficking
- Assault
- Robbery
- Burglary
Missouri’s sentencing is strict:
- First offense: 3-year minimum
- Second offense: At least 5 years
- Third offense: 10+ years
Possession of a Defaced Firearm in Benton, 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 Benton, MO. Law enforcement treats these cases harshly due to associations with criminal trafficking and stolen guns.
Unlawful Sale, Transfer, or Trafficking of Weapons in or Around Benton, MO
It’s unlawful to sell, loan, or transfer a weapon to someone who is prohibited from possessing one in Benton, MO. These violations often involve:
- Giving a firearm to a minor
- Giving a gun to someone with a criminal record
- Failing to check legal eligibility before a sale
Penalties vary, with charges ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. An experienced Benton, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you fight these accusations and protect your future.

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Charged With a Weapons Crime in Benton, MO? Take These Steps Now
No matter the circumstances or severity of your charges in Benton, MO, here’s what you should do:
- Stay calm and don’t speak with police or investigators before calling a lawyer.
- Contact our office immediately for a no-obligation case review.
- Let us review your case in Benton, MO, protect your rights, and start building your defense.
Time is critical in Benton, MO weapons cases. The sooner you involve our expert weapons crime attorney, the more options we’ll have to reduce or eliminate the charges against you.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Benton, MO: Why Hiring a Skilled Lawyer is Crucial
Being charged with a weapons offense in Benton, 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.
A trusted Benton, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte will:
- Step in right away to protect your legal rights
- Thorough Investigation of the Evidence
- Exposing any unlawful actions by law enforcement
- Negotiate skillfully for reduced penalties
- Representing you confidently in court, if necessary
At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t back down. We question every detail, build aggressive defense strategies, and fight relentlessly for the best outcome in Benton, MO.
Scott County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Scott County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Benton, MO: Possible Defenses That Could Make All the Difference
Our Benton, 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 — Police must follow strict rules when collecting evidence. If they found a weapon through an illegal search—no warrant, no probable cause, or a bad traffic stop—we’ll fight to have it excluded
- 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 — Depending on the facts in Benton, MO, we may raise a strong alibi, argue entrapment, expose mistaken identity, or challenge the prosecution’s evidence altogether.
When you hire a Combs Waterkotte Benton, MO weapons crime attorney, you aren’t just choosing the top-rated weapons crime defense team in Benton, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to knowledgeable weapons crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Benton, MO residents:
Charged With a Weapons Crime in Benton, MO?—Combs Waterkotte is on Your Side
Weapons charges can turn your life upside down—but you don’t have to face them alone. Our experienced Benton, 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 contact us online for a case review where you can get answers from a Benton, MO weapons crime attorney who cares.