Gun crime lawyer in Randolph County, MO. Missouri gun laws, while relatively lenient, still carry severe penalties for violations. Even with a legally obtained firearm, specific circumstances can lead to criminal charges in Randolph County, MO. Knowing these situations is essential for protecting your rights and your future.
Whether you’re facing gun crime charges in Randolph County, MO or elsewhere in Missouri related to illegal possession, brandishing, or using a firearm in the commission of another crime, you need to have a skilled gun crime lawyer by your side.
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 Randolph County, MO. The Combs Waterkotte has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.
Randolph County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Missouri Gun Laws
Missouri recognizes the constitutional right to bear arms, allowing open carry and granting concealed carry permits under specific conditions. However, the state imposes restrictions in several areas:
- Unlawful Use: Brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner or using it in criminal activities can result in severe penalties.
- Prohibited Locations: Certain areas, such as schools, courthouses, and specific private properties, restrict gun possession without explicit authorization.
- Prohibited Persons: Those with felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, or active protective orders are legally prohibited from owning or carrying firearms.

Randolph 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 and around Randolph County, MO, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Unlawful use of a weapon refers to a range of offenses involving firearms in Randolph County, MO. These include:
- Discharging a firearm in restricted areas or while intoxicated.
- Brandishing a gun in a threatening or alarming manner.
- Carrying concealed weapons in Randolph County, MO without proper authorization.
- Possessing firearms in places where they are prohibited.
- Using a weapon during the commission of a crime, such as robbery or assault in Randolph County, MO.
- Illegal modifications or accessories.
Potential 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.
If you’re facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Randolph County, MO, it’s essential to have a knowledgeable and experienced attorney by your side. A skilled Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer can help you understand the charges against you, your options, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070 details the conditions under which possession of a firearm is prohibited, including:
- Possession by a Felon
- Underage Possession
- Possession by Certain Offenders
- Federal 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 a prior unlawful possession conviction in Randolph County, MO, in which case it becomes a Class B felony.
If you’re dealing with these charges, a qualified Randolph County, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, challenge the evidence, and work to protect your future.
Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action is a serious offense in Randolph County, MO involving the use, display, or possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony. This charge is not independent but serves as an enhancement to the underlying felony, such as robbery, drug trafficking, assault, or burglary. For instance, committing assault with a weapon could lead to both assault and armed criminal action charges.
Armed criminal action is treated as a separate felony offense in Randolph County, MO, with mandatory minimum sentence requirements, including 3 years for a first offense, 5 years for a second offense, and 10 years for a third offense. These complex charges and sentences make it crucial to have a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side who can:
- Investigate the circumstances of your case.
- Negotiate plea deals to reduce or eliminate the Randolph County, MO armed criminal action charge.
- Create a customized defense strategy to challenge the charges effectively in Randolph County, MO.
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons
Under Missouri law, the unlawful transfer of weapons occurs when firearms or other weapons are sold, leased, or given to individuals prohibited from owning or possessing them due to legal restrictions.
This offense can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. If you’re facing these allegations, securing an experienced Combs Waterkotte gun crime lawyer in Randolph County, MO is essential to pursue the best outcome for your case. Contact us today at (314) 900-HELP 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. The offense of possession of a defaced firearm is taken seriously, as these weapons are often linked to crimes in Randolph County, MO. This offense is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.
Randolph County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Randolph County and Missouri.
Randolph County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Facing 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 Randolph County, MO when:
- Firearms are involved in crimes crossing state lines.
- A gun is involved in federal offenses like drug trafficking, terrorism, or interstate violence.
- Aggravating circumstances, such as ties to organized crime or large-scale firearm distribution or smuggling, are present.
Randolph County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Defending Against Gun Crimes in Missouri With Combs Waterkotte
When facing gun crime charges in Randolph County, MO, the experienced attorneys at Combs Waterkotte rely on well-established defense strategies to protect your rights. Some of the most effective approaches include:
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent
For a conviction in Randolph County, MO, prosecutors must prove you acted knowingly. We might argue that you were unaware of the firearm’s presence or lacked intent to commit a crime. - Unlawful Search & Seizure
Improper conduct by law enforcement, such as illegal searches or seizures, can result in evidence being inadmissible in Randolph County, MO. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, this can form the basis for a strong defense. - Self-Defense
Missouri law supports using force in self-defense if you reasonably believe it was necessary to protect yourself from imminent harm. We’ll present evidence to show your actions in Randolph County, MO were lawful and justified.
When you are facing gun crime charges in Randolph County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal gun crime lawyer in Randolph County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed gun crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Randolph County and beyond:

Randolph County, MO Gun Crime Lawyer: Why Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Missouri?
A conviction for a gun crime in Randolph County, MO can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record. Hiring an experienced gun crime lawyer in Randolph County, MO is essential for a well-prepared and effective defense. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide:
- Thorough Evidence Review: Our attorneys carefully examine evidence, police records, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
- Customized Defense Planning: Using in-depth knowledge of Randolph County, MO, state, and federal gun laws, we create a defense strategy specifically suited to your case.
- Personable Negotiation Skills: Skilled negotiation can often result in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or alternative sentencing like probation.
- Dedicated Courtroom Advocacy: 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 Randolph County, MO? Call an Expert Gun Crime Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing gun crime charges in or around Randolph County, MO, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you consult a knowledgeable gun crime lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong defense and securing the best possible outcome. 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 Randolph County, MO gun crime lawyer.