Gun Charges Attorney Freeman, MO

Freeman, MO gun charges attorney you can trust. Charged with a gun offense in Freeman, MO? You need fast, informed defense from a team that tries serious cases and knows how prosecutors handle weapons cases in and around Freeman. Combs Waterkotte defends clients against Missouri and federal firearm allegations ranging from unlawful use of a weapon to felon-in-possession and armed criminal action. We move quickly to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and position your case for dismissal, reduction, or acquittal.

Don’t wait to get the defense you deserve. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact our office online today to speak with a skilled gun charges lawyer in Freeman, MO. Our legal team brings more than 60 years of combined experience and a record of over 10,000 successful cases defending clients across Missouri.

Summary of This Page

This article details how Combs Waterkotte defends clients facing firearm charges throughout Freeman, MO and across Missouri. It explores the most common gun offenses—including unlawful weapon use, prohibited possession, and armed criminal action—and explains where state law limits the right to carry. The content highlights the firm’s focus on challenging unconstitutional searches, analyzing the prosecution’s evidence, and defending Second Amendment rights. With decades of courtroom experience and a history of achieving dismissals and reduced charges, Combs Waterkotte stands out as a trusted advocate for those accused of serious gun crimes in state or federal court.

Common Firearm Offenses We Handle in Freeman, MO

Combs Waterkotte’s defense team has successfully represented clients facing a wide range of state and federal gun charges in Missouri. Our attorneys regularly defend against allegations such as:

• Unlawful Use of a Weapon (UUW) — Allegations of carrying a weapon where prohibited, displaying it in a threatening way, firing from a vehicle or within city limits, or possessing a firearm while intoxicated.
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm — Charges against individuals barred from possession due to prior convictions, restraining orders, or probation conditions.
• Armed Criminal Action (ACA) — Charges that accuse you of using or carrying a firearm during another felony offense.
• Illegal Firearm Transfer or Trafficking — Selling, lending, or delivering a weapon to a prohibited person or in violation of Missouri law.
• Defaced or “Ghost” Guns — Possessing or transferring firearms that lack serial numbers or have been illegally modified.
• School Zone or Restricted Area Violations — Carrying firearms on school property or in areas posted as weapon-free zones.
• Municipal Weapons Violations — Local weapons violations in Freeman, MO and neighboring municipalities.
• Sentence Enhancements — Allegations of “dangerous offender” status or firearm-related enhancements tied to violent or drug felonies.

Federal Gun Charges in Freeman, MO

Freeman, MO cases can be indicted in the Western District of Missouri when federal agencies (ATF, FBI, DEA) get involved. Common statutes include 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (prohibited person in possession) and 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking or violent crime). Federal cases carry guideline exposure and mandatory minimums. Our gun charges defense team has decades of experience handling federal cases in the Freeman, MO area, including parallel state/federal risk, plea posture under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, and pretrial motions aimed at suppressing the gun or statements.

Where is it Illegal to Carry a Gun in the Freeman, MO Area?

Missouri has some of the most lenient gun laws in the U.S., and recognizes permitless (constitutional) carry for adults who can legally possess a firearm. But, that does not mean “anything goes.” According to Missouri Revised Statute §571.107, firearms may not be carried in certain restricted areas, including:

• Police stations, sheriff’s offices, or highway patrol facilities (unless authorized by the officer in charge)
• Within 25 feet of a polling location on election day
• Any jail, prison, or correctional institution
• Courthouses and offices used for court business
• Meetings of government bodies
• Establishments licensed to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises
• Airports beyond security checkpoints
• Schools, colleges, and universities
• Buildings or areas used for child care
• Publicly accessible riverboat casinos
• Secured or gated amusement park areas
• Private properties or businesses that post “no firearms” signage
• Sports arenas or stadiums with seating for 5,000 or more
• Hospitals

Understanding Missouri’s Caste Doctrine and Your Right to Self-Defense in Freeman, MO

Missouri’s Castle Doctrine, often called the “stand your ground” law, protects individuals who use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves, their homes, or their vehicles against imminent threats. Under RSMo. §563.031, residents have the legal right to protect themselves when faced with an unlawful intrusion or violent attack, without the obligation to retreat.

When Deadly Force is Justified in Freeman, MO

Under Missouri law, the use of deadly force is allowed only in specific and clearly defined situations. A person may lawfully use such force when they reasonably believe it is necessary to:

• Prevent death, serious physical injury, or the commission of a forcible felony against themselves or another individual.
• Defend against someone who unlawfully enters, remains, or attempts to enter their home, residence, or vehicle.
• Prevent an unlawful intrusion on private property you own, rent, or have lawful authority to occupy.

This means that if an intruder breaks into your Freeman, MO-area home, enters your car while you are inside, or attempts to forcibly enter your private property, you are not required to back down before using force to defend yourself.

Missouri’s Castle Doctrine also establishes a no duty to retreat standard, meaning individuals may stand their ground when they are in:

• A dwelling, residence, or vehicle they lawfully occupy
• Private property they own or lease
• Any place where you have a legal right to be

In other words, if you are not breaking the law or trespassing in or around Freeman, MO law recognizes your right to stand your ground.

However, even with the protections of Missouri’s Castle Doctrine, self-defense cases in Freeman, MO can be complex and heavily examined by prosecutors. They often question whether your belief in danger was “reasonable” or if the threat was truly immediate. At Combs Waterkotte, our Freeman, MO criminal defense attorneys carefully investigate every detail—analyzing forensic reports, witness accounts, and video evidence to prove your actions were justified under Missouri law. Our team has a proven record of defending clients throughout Freeman and across Missouri in serious cases involving firearms, self-defense, and Castle Doctrine protections.

Understanding Penalties & Collateral Consequences for Gun Charges in Freeman, MO

Every gun charges case in Freeman, MO is different. Punishment and exposure vary by charge, facts, and criminal history, but firearm cases often carry:

• Jail or prison sentences, including mandatory minimums for armed criminal action or federal firearm violations.
• Permanent felony records that limit employment, housing, licensing, and firearm ownership rights.
• Probation terms with strict conditions, searches, and treatment requirements.
• Immigration problems for non-citizens, as firearm convictions can be classified as crimes of violence.
• Stacked charges (DWI, drugs, domestic violence, resisting arrest in Freeman, MO) that can stack penalties.

At Combs Waterkotte, we fight to minimize or eliminate these penalties. Our attorneys often secure charge reductions, suppress illegally obtained evidence, and negotiate SIS/SES dispositions or diversion agreements to keep clients working and out of custody.

Gun Charges Attorney in Freeman, MO: Building a Strong Defense

An effective gun defense begins with holding law enforcement accountable. Many firearm arrests in Freeman, MO involve questionable searches or vehicle stops that violate your constitutional rights. At Combs Waterkotte, we dissect every detail—bodycam footage, officer statements, and reports—to determine if the police acted lawfully. When they don’t, we file motions to suppress the firearm and any evidence tied to it, forcing the prosecution’s case to unravel.

Successful defenses to Freeman, MO gun charges often include:

• Illegal search and seizure challenges: We question whether police had valid grounds to stop or search you and expose violations in consent, scope, or procedure.
• Proving lack of criminal intent: “Angry or threatening” display is a fact-heavy question. A neutral or defensive display can defeat UUW.
• Constructive possession: In shared spaces, the State must prove you knew about and controlled the firearm—an often-missed legal hurdle we use to your advantage.
• Location-based defenses: Missouri’s posted property and restricted carry laws are specific. Improper signage or unclear boundaries can invalidate charges.
• Prohibited-person status clarification: We verify convictions, release dates, and protection orders to challenge incorrect or outdated information.
• Intoxication nexus: Simply being near a firearm while drinking isn’t enough. The State must prove the weapon was handled dangerously, not just present.
• Chain of custody / forensic issues: We analyze the chain of custody, fingerprints, serial numbers, and ballistics to expose testing flaws or mishandling.
• Federal venue and jurisdiction: For federal firearm counts, we examine interstate elements and sentencing enhancements line by line to limit exposure.

Facing Freeman, MO gun charges? When you select a Combs Waterkotte Freeman, MO gun charges attorney, you aren’t only selecting the ideal gun charges lawyer in and around Freeman, MO – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to an experienced gun charges attorney, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Freeman and beyond:

• DWI Lawyer With Payment Plan
• Assault Defense Lawyer
• Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

How Our Freeman, MO Gun Charges Lawyers Build Your Defense

Our team of skilled and relentless Freeman, MO gun charges attorneys has the know-how to get you the best possible outcome. Here’s what we do that other Freeman, MO-area firms do not:

1. Immediate Damage Control

The first hours after a gun arrest are critical. Our gun charges defense team in Freeman, MO immediately contacts prosecutors, reviews bond conditions, and files motions to preserve key evidence such as bodycam and dashcam footage, Ring or surveillance video, CAD logs, and dispatch recordings. Acting quickly ensures that crucial proof of unlawful police conduct or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s story is not lost or overwritten.

2. Search & Seizure Audit

We conduct a detailed review of every aspect of your arrest, from the initial traffic stop to the moment the firearm was seized, to uncover constitutional violations. When the police overstep their authority, we fight to have that evidence suppressed. Without the gun in evidence, most firearm prosecutions crumble.

3. Challenging Possession & Intent

To convict, the prosecution must prove every legal element beyond a reasonable doubt. Our defense team dissects the evidence to challenge possession, control, and intent, revealing critical gaps in the prosecution’s theory. In multi-person or vehicle cases, we use evidence mapping and forensic analysis to show that the weapon cannot legally be tied to you.

4. Building Context and Humanizing the Freeman Case

A strong defense is about more than legal arguments—it’s about telling your story. We present your background, work history, family role, and community service to demonstrate your character and responsibility. These details, backed by documentation and character letters, influence how judges and prosecutors view your case and can significantly impact the outcome.

5. Litigation Strength & Negotiation Power

At Combs Waterkotte, our reputation for being trial-ready gives us a distinct advantage in negotiations. Prosecutors know we prepare every case with the expectation that it could go before a jury, and that confidence changes how they approach us. This leverage often results in reduced charges, better plea options, or complete dismissals. And if trial becomes necessary, we present a focused, compelling defense that earns the respect of judges and juries alike.

6. Outcome Protection

Even when conviction avoidance isn’t possible, we fight for outcomes that protect your future. Our Freeman, MO gun charges attorney pursues SIS or SES dispositions, diversion programs, and other non-conviction resolutions whenever the facts allow. We also take proactive steps to safeguard your eligibility for expungement, so one mistake doesn’t define your record for life.

What Missouri Law Says About Firearms

Common pitfalls our gun charges attorney in Freeman, MO sees include:

• Vehicle Carry Laws: How you store or transport a firearm can affect whether you’re in compliance with Missouri’s carry statutes.
• Intoxication: Having or using a firearm while under the influence in Freeman, MO can quickly escalate to an unlawful use of a weapon (UUW) charge.
• Prohibited Possession in Freeman, MO: Prior felony convictions, restraining orders, or probation conditions can make firearm ownership illegal under state and federal law.
• Improper Display: Exhibiting a firearm in an “angry or threatening” way can turn a misunderstanding into a criminal case overnight.

The bottom line: The legality of any gun charge depends heavily on the surrounding facts—where the incident occurred, how the firearm was carried, and your legal status at the time. At Combs Waterkotte, we focus on those details to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and push back against exaggerated or baseless accusations.

Why Choose Combs Waterkotte for Your Freeman, MO Gun Charges Defense

When you’re facing a serious firearm charge, you need a defense team with the experience, reputation, and skill to protect your future. The gun charges attorneys at Combs Waterkotte bring proven trial experience, strategic insight, and an unwavering commitment to defending your rights in and around Freeman, MO.

• Client-Centered Representation: We take the time to understand your goals and concerns, building a defense strategy tailored to your situation. You’ll always know what’s happening and how we’re protecting you every step of the way in the Freeman, MO area.
• Trial-Ready Preparation in Freeman, MO: Our Freeman, MO attorneys prepare every case as though it’s going to trial, giving us leverage in negotiations and a powerful advantage in the courtroom. When Combs Waterkotte is involved, prosecutors know we’re serious.
• Extensive Legal Resources: Our firm partners with leading investigators, forensic analysts, and firearm experts to dismantle weak evidence and expose procedural flaws. We use science, strategy, and skill to challenge every detail of the State’s case.
• Proven Results Across Missouri: With over seven decades of combined experience, our defense team has earned a reputation for winning complex firearm cases in both state and federal court. We’ve helped clients in Freeman and across Missouri avoid convictions and protect their futures.

Take Action Now — Speak with a Freeman, MO Gun Crime Attorney at Combs Waterkotte

When you’re accused of a firearm offense in Freeman, MO, every moment counts. The earlier you have experienced defense on your side, the stronger your case will be. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online now for a free consultation. Our attorneys will move fast to protect your rights, your record, and your freedom.