Weapons crime attorney in Lake St. Louis, MO. Have you been charged with a weapons crime in Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.
Call our trusted Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced Lake St. Louis, MO weapons crime attorneys aggressively defend clients facing gun charges, unlawful use of weapons, armed criminal action, and other firearm-related offenses throughout the Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO to protect your rights and future.
- Act fast to strengthen your defense from the start.
- Understand your legal rights and how to assert them.
- Fully understand the laws and charges you’re up against in Lake St. Louis, MO.
- Recognize the severity of penalties tied to weapons crimes.
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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 Lake St. Louis, MO: What is Considered a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our Lake St. Louis, MO weapons crime attorneys have handled the following types of cases and more:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Lake St. Louis, MO
These crimes are more common in Lake St. Louis, MO than you might think—and incredibly serious. They often involve:
- Shooting a weapon in restricted zones or while intoxicated
- Brandishing or displaying a firearm in a threatening or reckless manner
- Illegally carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
- Possessing a firearm in areas where it is legally prohibited
- Committing another offense—such as burglary, assault, or drug distribution—while armed
- Possessing illegal weapon modifications or accessories
Depending on the details of your Lake St. Louis, 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’ve been accused in Lake St. Louis, MO, don’t wait. Contact or call a trusted Combs Waterkotte Lake St. Louis, MO weapons crime attorney at (314) 900-HELP today to begin building your defense.
Lake St. Louis, MO Armed Criminal Action
This charge refers to using or displaying a weapon during the commission of a felony offense in Lake St. Louis, 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
Defaced Firearm Possession in or Around Lake St. Louis, MO
Owning a gun with a tampered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—can lead to serious trouble in Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO
It’s unlawful to sell, loan, or transfer a weapon to someone who is prohibited from possessing one in Lake St. Louis, MO. These violations often involve:
- Giving a firearm to a minor
- Providing weapons to convicted felons
- 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 Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO? Take These Steps Now
Regardless of how serious the accusations are, here’s what you need to do right away in Lake St. Louis, MO:
- Stay calm and don’t speak with police or investigators before calling a lawyer.
- Contact our office immediately for a no-obligation case review.
- Allow our Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can begin helping you from day one.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Lake St. Louis, MO: Why Hiring a Skilled Lawyer is Crucial
Weapons charges in Lake St. Louis, MO carry life-changing consequences—from steep fines and incarceration to losing your right to own a firearm. But the right defense attorney can help change the course of your case.
An experienced Lake St. Louis, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you by:
- Protecting your rights from the moment of your arrest
- Analyze the facts and challenge weak or flawed evidence
- Exposing any unlawful actions by law enforcement
- Negotiating for Reduced or Dismissed Charges
- Representing you confidently in court, if necessary
Our team is known for being fearless in the courtroom and strategic behind the scenes. We take every charge seriously and fight to protect your freedom in Lake St. Louis, MO.
St. Charles County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Charles County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Lake St. Louis, MO: Possible Defenses That Could Make All the Difference
Every case is different, but our Lake St. Louis, MO weapons crime defense team has decades of experience using the following defenses to get clients the best possible outcome:
- 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 Lake St. Louis, MO can work to prove your use of force was necessary given your reasonable fear of imminent 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 Intent or Knowledge — This defense is useful in proving that you were unaware you were in possession of a weapon, like if it was planted in your possession or if someone else left it in your vehicle or home. You had no intent to use the weapon unlawfully.
- Other Possible Defenses — You may also have a solid defense based on alibi, entrapment, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence. Every detail matters in Lake St. Louis, MO.
When you partner with a Combs Waterkotte Lake St. Louis, MO weapons crime attorney, you aren’t just hiring the leading weapons crime defense team in Lake St. Louis, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with knowledgeable weapons crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Lake St. Louis and beyond:
Don’t Face Weapons Charges in Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.
