Branson, MO weapon crime defense lawyer|Weapon crime defense lawyer Branson, MO}. Weapon and gun laws are aggressively enforced throughout the Branson, MO area, and prosecutors often pursue these cases with the assumption that a weapon automatically equals danger or criminal intent. That assumption is wrong—and it’s exactly where an experienced Branson, MO weapon crime defense lawyer can make the difference.
At Combs Waterkotte, we represent individuals throughout Branson and across Missouri who are facing serious weapons and firearms allegations. Whether your case involves possession claims, firearm accusations tied to another offense, concealed weapon issues, or a high-stakes felony weapons charge, our defense team moves fast to protect your rights, challenge illegal searches, and fight for dismissal or reduction.
Your future shouldn’t hinge on assumptions. Contact a trusted Branson, MO weapon crime defense lawyer at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. With over 60 years of combined experience and more than 10,000 successful cases, Combs Waterkotte is prepared to stand between you and a life-altering conviction.
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Weapon Charges in Branson, MO Are High-Risk Cases
Weapon offenses in the Branson, MO area are frequently charged alongside other allegations rather than on their own. Prosecutors often add gun charges to cases involving controlled substances, violent crime accusations, domestic disputes, traffic-related stops, or broader investigations. These add-on charges dramatically increase exposure—even when the underlying incident started as something minor. Relying on general gun-rights assumptions or waiting to see how the case “plays out” is risky. Once a weapon charge is filed, prosecutors treat the case as high priority. Early intervention by a seasoned Branson, MO weapon crime defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte allows critical evidence to be challenged before the damage is done.
A conviction can result in:
- Incarceration in jail or state prison
- Permanent loss of firearm rights
- A felony record
- Enhanced penalties in future cases
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
- Career and professional licensing damage
Legal Videos
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Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.
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Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …
Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri
Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answer the most commonly asked questions about …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …
Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
Weapon & Firearm Charges We Defend in and Around Branson, MO
Combs Waterkotte provides aggressive defense for clients in and around Branson, MO who are charged under Missouri or federal firearm laws. Our experience includes defending cases involving:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon (UUW)
As defined by RSMo. § 571.030, these cases can include alleged concealed carry violations, brandishing or threatening conduct, firing a weapon inside Branson limits or from a vehicle, or possessing a firearm while under the influence.
Illegal or Prohibited Firearm Possession
Pursuant to RSMo. § 571.070, prosecutors may file charges based on claimed prohibited status, such as a prior felony conviction or an active order of protection in the Branson, MO region.
Armed Criminal Action (ACA)
RSMo. § 571.015: Allegations asserting that a firearm was used, displayed, or possessed in connection with the commission or attempted commission of another felony offense.
Unlawful Firearm Transfer & Weapons Trafficking
RSMo. § 571.060: Accusations involving the sale, loan, or delivery of a firearm in violation of Missouri or federal law, including transfers to prohibited persons.
Ghost Guns & Tampered Serial Numbers
RSMo. § 571.050: Charges related to the possession, manufacture, or transfer of unserialized firearms or weapons with removed, defaced, or tampered serial numbers.
School Grounds & Statutorily Restricted Areas
Allegations involving firearm possession on school property or in locations specifically prohibited by statute or posted notice within the Branson, MO area.
Local & Municipal Weapons Violations
Municipal weapons charges filed under local ordinances throughout Branson, MO and nearby jurisdictions.
Firearm Enhancements & Offender Status Allegations
Sentence enhancements and status-based allegations, including persistent offender or dangerous offender designations tied to firearm involvement in drug or violent felony prosecutions.
Federal Weapon Crimes in Branson, MO
When federal agencies step into a Branson, MO firearm investigation, cases are often indicted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, dramatically increasing the risk of long-term prison exposure. Common federal charges include 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) for alleged prohibited possession and 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) for firearms allegedly tied to drug or violent offenses—charges that frequently carry mandatory minimum sentences.
These cases demand immediate, calculated action. Federal firearm prosecutions often run alongside state charges, creating complex jurisdictional and sentencing issues. Our Branson, MO weapon crimes defense team has extensive experience litigating federal gun cases, attacking unconstitutional searches, contesting custodial statements, and shaping defense strategy under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines from day one.
Why Combs Waterkotte is the Right Choice for Weapon Charge Defense in Branson, MO
Gun and weapon offenses are treated aggressively in Branson, MO-area courts. Prosecutors often assume intent, danger, or guilt the moment a firearm is involved. That assumption can lead to harsh charging decisions and extreme sentencing exposure. Combs Waterkotte exists to push back against that mindset—with precision, preparation, and proven defense strategy.
A Defense Built Around You
At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t run a volume practice. We focus on people. From day one, our weapon crime defense attorneys take the time to understand your circumstances, assess your real risks, and identify the fastest path to protecting your freedom. You’ll work directly with your defense team, receive straight answers, and stay informed at every stage—because your case deserves full attention, not guesswork.
Prepared to Litigate, Ready to Win
Prosecutors know which firms are willing to litigate and which ones aren’t. We prepare every Branson, MO-area weapons case as if it’s going to trial—because that’s how leverage is created. Our firm aggressively challenges illegal stops, unlawful searches, unconstitutional seizures, and weak enhancement allegations. If the state can’t prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, we force the issue. And if trial is the right move, we are fully prepared to take your case before a judge or jury.
Deep Resources That Strengthen Your Defense
Firearm cases often hinge on technical details most firms overlook. We dig deeper—using a wide network of resources including investigators, forensic experts, former law enforcement consultants, and advanced evidence review to challenge the prosecution’s narrative. Combs Waterkotte invests the time and resources necessary to dismantle weak cases and put you in the strongest possible position.
Decades of Courtroom Experience at the State and Federal Level
Our defense team brings decades of experience handling weapon and firearm cases across Branson, MO, surrounding courts, and federal jurisdictions. We understand how prosecutors build these cases, how judges evaluate firearm allegations, and how federal gun laws can reshape sentencing exposure. That perspective gives our clients a decisive advantage from the very beginning.
Immediate, Strategic Action
Time is critical in weapons cases. Evidence can disappear, narratives can harden, and early mistakes can become permanent. Our team moves quickly to secure video evidence, scrutinize probable cause, challenge unlawful searches, and file motions that can weaken or end the case before it gains traction. Speed and preparation are not optional—they are essential.
Straight Answers. Unwavering Defense.
We won’t sell false hope or sugarcoat reality. What we offer is transparency, urgency, and an aggressive defense tailored to your situation. From negotiation to trial, Combs Waterkotte is committed to protecting your freedom and standing with you through every phase of the case.
Arrested with a firearm in the Branson, MO area? When you choose a Combs Waterkotte weapon crime defense lawyer in or around Branson, MO, you aren’t only selecting the ideal weapon crime defense lawyer in Branson and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to an esteemed weapon crime defense attorney, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Branson and beyond:
How Weapon Charges Escalate to Felonies in Branson, MO
Not every weapons arrest starts as a felony—but many end there. Once prosecutors pursue felony-level charges, the penalties become severe, including long prison sentences and permanent loss of firearm privileges. In the Branson, MO area, weapons cases are most often elevated when the state alleges:
- A prior felony or disqualifying conviction
- A firearm was connected to another alleged offense
- The accused was legally barred from possession
- Possession of restricted or altered firearms
- The incident involved minors or restricted locations
Defense Strategies We Use in Branson, MO Weapons Cases
Many Missouri gun cases are driven by presumption rather than proof. At Combs Waterkotte, our Branson, MO weapons defense attorneys challenge those assumptions head-on, developing defenses grounded in evidence, procedure, and constitutional law:
- No Knowing Control or Possession
The state must prove you knowingly possessed or used a firearm illegally. If the weapon did not belong to you, was hidden from view, or you lacked awareness or control, we challenge the prosecution’s ability to meet its burden. - Self-Defense Under Missouri Law
Missouri recognizes the lawful use of force, including deadly force, in self-defense when a person reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent imminent harm or death. When applicable, we assert self-defense and stand-your-ground protections to challenge unlawful use of weapon allegations. - Unlawful Police Conduct
Many gun charges arise from illegal stops or searches in Branson, MO. If officers violated your constitutional rights by searching your vehicle, person, or property without proper legal justification, we move to have the firearm—and the entire case—thrown out.
Taney County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Taney County and Missouri.
Prosecutor Experience. Defense Built to Apply Pressure in Branson, MO.
Combs Waterkotte brings a critical advantage to Branson, MO weapon crime defense: we understand how prosecutors think. We know which cases they push, which evidence they rely on, and where their cases are weakest.
That perspective enables us to:
- Recognize weak or inflated charges early
- Push back against stacked charges
- Challenge firearm enhancements
- Negotiate from a position of strength
- Take cases to trial when necessary
Prosecutors treat cases differently when they know the defense is prepared, experienced, and unafraid to litigate.
If You’re Under Investigation for a Weapon Charge in Branson, MO
If you’ve been arrested, questioned, or investigated for a weapon offense in the Branson, MO area:
- 1. Do not make statements to police
- 2. Do not give consent to any search
- 3. Do not assume possession alone tells the whole story
- 4. Speak with an experienced Branson, MO weapon crime defense lawyer right away
Early intervention creates leverage. Delay gives the prosecution momentum.
Speak With a Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer in Branson, MO Right Away
A firearm charge doesn’t determine who you are—but hesitation can determine how the case ends. Weapon offenses carry real, immediate risk, and waiting only gives the prosecution time to tighten its grip.
If you’re facing a firearm or weapon charge in Branson, MO, call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a case evaluation with an experienced Branson, MO weapon crime defense lawyer. The sooner we act, the stronger your defense becomes.
