Weapons Crime Attorney St. Joseph, MO

Weapons crime attorney in St. Joseph, MO. Charged with a weapons crime in St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO who knows the ins and outs of Missouri criminal courts and delivers results.

At Combs Waterkotte, we bring over 50 years of experience to every case we take on. Our criminal defense strategies have helped clients in St. Joseph, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.

Call our trusted St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO and beyond—and we’re ready to fight for you.

Article Summary

If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime in St. Joseph, MO, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced St. Joseph, MO weapons crime attorneys aggressively defend clients facing gun charges, unlawful use of weapons, armed criminal action, and other firearm-related offenses throughout the St. Joseph, 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 the first step in protecting your freedom by contacting the right attorney in St. Joseph, MO.
• Move quickly to avoid costly mistakes after an arrest.
• Know your rights, no matter the charge.
• Navigate the complexities of St. Joseph, MO weapons laws.
• Prepare for and reduce the risk of severe criminal penalties.

Weapons Crime Attorney in St. Joseph, MO: What is Considered a Weapons Crime in Missouri?

Weapon crimes in St. Joseph, MO cover a wide range of offenses. At Combs Waterkotte, our weapons crime attorneys in St. Joseph, MO have handled cases involving:

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon in St. Joseph, MO

These crimes are more common in St. Joseph, MO than you might think—and incredibly serious. They often involve:

• 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
• Illegally carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
• Bringing a firearm into prohibited locations
• Using a weapon during the commission of another crime, like burglary, assault, or drug distribution
• Using or owning weapons with illegal alterations or attachments

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.

If you’ve been accused in St. Joseph, MO, don’t wait. Contact or call a trusted Combs Waterkotte St. Joseph, MO weapons crime attorney at (314) 900-HELP today to begin building your defense.

St. Joseph, MO Armed Criminal Action

This charge refers to using or displaying a weapon during the commission of a felony offense in St. Joseph, MO. This is not a standalone crime but an enhancement that adds serious time to underlying charges like:

• 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 St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO

In St. Joseph, MO and anywhere else in Missouri, it is illegal to sell, lease, give, or otherwise transfer firearms to individuals who are legally barred from owning them. Common scenarios include:

• Transferring weapons to minors
• 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 St. Joseph, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you fight these accusations and protect your future.

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Arrested for a Weapons Crime in St. Joseph, MO? Take These Steps Now

No matter the circumstances or severity of your charges in St. Joseph, MO, here’s what you should do:

1. Stay calm and don’t speak with police or investigators before calling a lawyer.
2. Reach out to our office as soon as possible for a free consultation.
3. We’ll carefully review your situation in St. Joseph, MO, defend your rights, and get to work building a personalized defense.

In weapons cases, every second counts. The earlier you contact an experienced St. Joseph, MO weapons crime attorney, the better your chances of protecting your future.

Weapons Crime Attorney in St. Joseph, MO: Here’s Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Immediately

Weapons charges in St. Joseph, MO can result in heavy fines, jail or prison time, loss of firearm rights, and a permanent criminal record. But with the right legal representation, your story doesn’t have to end there.

An experienced St. Joseph, 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
• 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 St. Joseph, MO.

Weapons Crime Attorney in St. Joseph, MO: Possible Defenses That Could Make All the Difference

Every case is different, but our St. Joseph, 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’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.
• Illegal Search or Seizure — We can utilize this defense if the weapon was found during a search that violated your Fourth Amendment rights in St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO, we may raise a strong alibi, argue entrapment, expose mistaken identity, or challenge the prosecution’s evidence altogether.

If you hire a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in or around St. Joseph, MO, you aren’t just selecting the leading weapons crime defense team in St. Joseph, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to knowledgeable weapons crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for St. Joseph, MO residents:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys

Charged With a Weapons Crime in St. Joseph, MO?—Let Combs Waterkotte Fight for You

Weapons charges can turn your life upside down—but you don’t have to face them alone. Our experienced St. Joseph, 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 to connect with a trusted St. Joseph, MO weapons crime attorney who’s ready to fight for you.