Gun crime lawyer in Callaway County, MO. While Missouri gun laws are relatively permissive, the state still imposes strict penalties for violations. It is crucial to know that even if you have legally obtained a firearm, there are specific circumstances where its use or even possession may be a crime in Callaway County, MO. Understanding these intricacies of Missouri’s gun laws can be key to protecting your rights and future.
Facing gun crime charges, such as illegal possession, improper brandishing, or gun use in the commission of a crime in Callaway County, MO? An experienced gun crime lawyer can help protect your rights and provide a strong defense in Callaway County, MO.
Don’t wait – call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation. Work with an expert criminal defense attorney who has the expertise to help in Callaway County, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.
Callaway County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: An Overview of Missouri Gun Laws
While Callaway County, MO upholds the constitutional right to bear arms, allowing open carry and issuing concealed carry permits under defined conditions, there are important restrictions to be aware of:
- Unlawful Use: Displaying a firearm in a threatening way or using it during the commission of a crime can result in serious legal consequences.
- Prohibited Locations: Firearms are prohibited in schools, courthouses, and other designated zones unless authorized.
- Disqualified Individuals: Convicted felons, individuals with certain domestic violence convictions, and those under orders of protection may not own or possess firearms.

Callaway County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: A Guide to Missouri Gun Crimes
The skillful and experienced Combs Waterkotte legal team handles a variety of gun crimes in Callaway County, MO, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Missouri laws on unlawful use of a weapon cover several situations in Callaway County, MO, such as:
- Discharging a firearm in certain areas, including firing a gun while intoxicated.
- Displaying a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
- Carrying concealed weapons in Callaway County, MO without proper permission.
- Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
- Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, such as robbery or assault in the Callaway County, MO area.
- Illegal modifications or accessories.
Possible legal consequences range in severity from a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,000, to a Class A felony, which carries a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 30 years or life in prison.
Facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Callaway County, MO can lead to serious penalties, including permanently losing your right to carry arms. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070 details the conditions under which possession of a firearm is prohibited, including:
- Felon Possession
- Underage Possession
- Possession by Certain Offenders
- Federal Firearm Restrictions
In Missouri, unlawful firearm possession is typically classified as a Class C felony, unless the individual has been convicted of a dangerous felony or has prior unlawful possession charges in Callaway County, MO or beyond, which elevate the offense to a Class B felony.
If you’re facing these charges, a qualified Callaway County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, scrutinize the evidence, and fight to protect your freedom.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action in Callaway County, MO involves using, displaying, or possessing a weapon during the commission of a felony. Armed criminal action is not a standalone charge, but an enhancement to a felony, such as assault, burglary, robbery, or drug trafficking. For example, committing assault with a weapon could lead to both assault and armed criminal action charges.
Missouri law treats armed criminal action as a separate felony with mandatory sentencing requirements – 3 years for a first offense, 5 years for a second, and 10 years for a third. These stringent penalties require the expertise of an experienced Callaway County, MO defense lawyer who can:
- Thoroughly examine the facts and evidence in your case.
- Negotiate to mitigate or dismiss armed criminal action enhancements.
- Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Callaway County, MO.
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
The unlawful transfer of weapons in Callaway County, MO refers to the act of selling, leasing, loaning, giving away, or otherwise providing firearms or other weapons to individuals who are legally prohibited from possessing them.
Depending on the situation, charges for an unlawful transfer of weapons can be a Class A misdemeanor or escalate to a Class E felony. If you’re charged with this crime, an experienced Combs Waterkotte Callaway County, MO gun crime lawyer can assess your case, protect your legal rights, and fight for a favorable result. Call (314) 900-HELP right now or reach out online.
Possession of a Defaced Firearm
A defaced firearm is one where the manufacturer’s serial number, or any other identifying markings, have been intentionally altered, removed, or obliterated. Law enforcement in Callaway County, MO treats the offense of possession of a defaced firearm seriously because they are often linked to criminal activity, like stolen guns used in other crimes. This offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.
Callaway County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Callaway County and Missouri.
Callaway County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Understanding Federal Gun Crimes in Missouri
In Missouri, certain gun crimes can escalate from state to federal charges. Penalties for federal gun crimes are severe and can include mandatory minimum sentences, fines over $250,000, and no-parole terms. Federal gun crimes often arise in Callaway County, MO when:
- The crime involves crossing state lines.
- The firearm was used in a federal crime, such as drug trafficking, terrorism, or a violent offense crossing state lines.
- Cases include serious factors such as organized crime affiliations or large-scale arms trafficking.
Callaway County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Fighting Gun Crime Charges in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte
Here are a few common defenses for gun crimes the Combs Waterkotte Callaway County, MO criminal defense lawyers use against charges:
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent
For many gun crimes in Callaway County, MO, the prosecution must prove that you knowingly committed the offense. Our defense attorneys might argue that you were unaware of the gun’s presence or that you didn’t knowingly violate the law. - Illegal Search & Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If Callaway County, MO law enforcement violated your rights when obtaining evidence, discovering a gun through an unlawful stop or frisk or search of your vehicle or residence. - Self-Defense
Missouri law allows the use of force, including deadly force, in self-defense if you reasonably believed you were in imminent danger of harm or death and the use of force was necessary to prevent that harm.
When you are accused of a gun crime in Callaway County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing a top-rated gun crime lawyer in Callaway County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed gun crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Callaway County and beyond:

Callaway County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Reasons to Hire a Combs Waterkotte Gun Crime Lawyer
Facing a gun crime conviction in Callaway County, MO can be life-altering, leading to imprisonment, financial burdens, and a tarnished reputation. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Callaway County, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. Combs Waterkotte provides:
- Comprehensive Case Analysis: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
- Personalized Legal Strategy: Our knowledgeable lawyers understand Callaway County, MO, Missouri, and federal gun laws, and can craft a defense tailored to your situation.
- Strong Negotiation Capabilities: In many cases, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges, probation, or alternative sentencing options.
- Assertive Trial Representation: Should your case go to trial, your lawyer will advocate aggressively to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.
Facing a Gun Crime in Callaway County, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing gun crime charges in Callaway County, MO, time is of the essence. The earlier you consult with a skilled gun crime lawyer, the greater your chances of building a solid defense strategy and minimizing the impact of the charges. Protect your rights, your future, and get the professional legal guidance you need during this challenging time.
Call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP right away or connect with us online for a free case review with a Callaway County, MO gun crime lawyer.