Possession of an Illegal Weapon Lawyer in St. Louis

Possession of an Illegal Weapon Lawyer in St. Louis, MO

Some weapons are simply illegal to possess in Missouri. Your qualifications for handling these weapons don’t matter—anyone who possesses them without satisfying one of the statutory exceptions is susceptible to gun charges.

Combs Waterkotte has extensive experience representing people facing charges of possession of an illegal weapon. We can customize a legal strategy to your specific situation to push for a fair outcome.

How Can Missouri Ban the Possession of an Illegal Weapon?

The Second Amendment protects your right to bear arms, but courts have allowed limits when it comes to military-grade or dangerous weapons. While handguns or hunting rifles are generally protected, items like machine guns or explosives are not.

Legal restrictions apply regardless of your experience or profession. Missouri law, in alignment with federal principles, sets boundaries on weapon ownership to protect public safety.

Missouri Statutes Against the Possession of an Illegal Weapon

Missouri statutes list several illegal weapons and set out criminal charges for possessing, manufacturing, transporting, or selling them. These include:

• Explosive weapons
• Gas guns and explosive ammunition
• Metal knuckles and switchblades
• Machine guns and short-barreled rifles or shotguns
• Firearm silencers

Definitions and technical distinctions are drawn from both state and federal law. Prosecutors must prove that you knowingly possessed these weapons, meaning you were aware of their existence and nature.

Defaced Firearms and Prohibited Possession

In Missouri, you can also be charged for possessing a defaced firearm, one that has had its serial number altered or removed. Whether you or someone else defaced it, the possession itself is a crime.

Additionally, Missouri law prohibits certain individuals from possessing any firearm or explosive weapon, including:

• Convicted felons
• Fugitives from justice
• Habitually intoxicated individuals
• Those adjudged mentally incompetent

Federal law expands these categories to include undocumented immigrants and those with certain domestic violence convictions.

Possible Defenses Against Possession of an Illegal Weapon Charges in St. Louis, MO

The skilled Combs Waterkotte weapon charges defense team could possibly pull from experience using the following proven defense strategies:

• Statutory Exception: We may show you fall under exceptions granted to law enforcement, military personnel, or workers in commercial industries.
• Lack of Possession: We can argue you didn’t possess or control the weapon — especially in cases of shared spaces or locked safes.
• Lack of Intent: Prosecutors must show you knowingly possessed the weapon; if someone else left it in your vehicle or property without your knowledge, you may have a valid defense.
• Unlawful Search: If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during a search, we can seek to exclude the weapon as evidence.

Possible Penalties for Possession of an Illegal Weapon