Weapons crime attorney in Washington, MO. Charged with a weapons crime in Washington, 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 Washington, 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 Washington, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.
Call our trusted Washington, 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 Washington, MO and beyond—and we’re ready to fight for you.
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Article Summary
Weapons charges in Washington, MO can carry life-changing consequences, but Combs Waterkotte is here to help. Our aggressive, results-driven weapons crime attorneys serve clients throughout the Washington, 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:
- Take immediate steps in Washington, MO to protect your rights and future.
- Understand the importance of acting quickly after being charged.
- Know your rights, no matter the charge.
- Fully understand the laws and charges you’re up against in Washington, MO.
- Recognize the severity of penalties tied to weapons crimes.
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Protect Your Life
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Protect Your Life
A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
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Know Your Next Steps
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Know Your Next Steps
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 Washington, MO: What Counts as a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our experienced Washington, MO weapons crime attorneys have seen it all—from minor infractions to serious felony gun cases. We have handled the following types of cases and more:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Washington, MO Area
According to Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, it is illegal to possess a gun in Washington, 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 Washington, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Washington, MO
Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the Washington, MO area, and it can occur under a wide range of circumstances, including:
- Shooting a weapon in restricted zones or while intoxicated
- Brandishing or displaying a firearm in a threatening or reckless manner
- Carrying a concealed weapon without the appropriate 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
The consequences in Washington, 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’ve been accused in Washington, MO, don’t wait. Contact or call a trusted Combs Waterkotte Washington, MO weapons crime attorney at (314) 900-HELP today to begin building your defense.
Washington, 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 Washington, MO, this charge enhances penalties tied to underlying felonies such as:
- 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 Washington, MO
Owning a gun with a tampered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—can lead to serious trouble in Washington, MO. It’s a Class B misdemeanor, but the implications are long-term: it can permanently affect your gun rights and your record.
Illegal Firearm Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in Washington, MO
In Washington, 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:
- Giving a firearm to a minor
- Transferring a weapon to a felon
- Selling a firearm without verifying eligibility
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 Washington, MO weapons crime attorney can step in and fight for you.
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Combs Waterkotte has over 60 years of experience and over 10,000 cases handled. This ebook helps guide you through the criminal defense process and how an experienced, skilled defense attorney can keep your freedoms intact.
Charged With a Weapons Crime in Washington, MO? Take These Steps Now
If you’re under investigation or already facing charges in Washington, MO, it’s important to act fast:
- Do not speak to the police without an attorney present.
- Reach out to our office as soon as possible for a free consultation.
- Let us review your case in Washington, MO, protect your rights, and start building your defense.
Don’t wait—quick action can make all the difference. A knowledgeable Washington, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can begin helping you from day one.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Washington, MO: Why Hiring a Skilled Lawyer is Crucial
Weapons charges in Washington, 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.
Here’s how an experienced Washington, MO weapons crime attorney helps protect you:
- Step in right away to protect your legal rights
- Investigating the prosecution’s claims and gathering critical evidence
- Exposing any unlawful actions by law enforcement
- Working to get charged reduced—or dropped altogether
- Defend you in court with a strong, personalized strategy
At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t back down. We question every detail, build aggressive defense strategies, and fight relentlessly for the best outcome in Washington, MO.
Franklin County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Franklin County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Washington, MO: Possible Legal Defenses
At Combs Waterkotte, no two cases are alike—but our Washington, MO weapons crime defense team has successfully used a wide range of defenses to protect clients’ rights and freedom:
- Self-Defense or Defense of Others — Missouri laws like Stand Your Ground statute and Castle Doctrine protect your right to defend yourself. If you acted out of fear for your life or safety, we’ll work to prove it.
- Illegal 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 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 Washington, MO, we may raise a strong alibi, argue entrapment, expose mistaken identity, or challenge the prosecution’s evidence altogether.
When you choose a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in the Washington, MO area, you’re not just choosing the ideal weapons crime defense team in Washington, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to knowledgeable weapons crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Washington, MO residents:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Charged With a Weapons Crime in Washington, MO?—Combs Waterkotte is on Your Side
When you’re up against a weapons charge in Washington, 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 connect with a trusted Washington, MO weapons crime attorney who’s ready to fight for you.
