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Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyer Concordia, MO

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Last Updated: February 20, 2026

Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyer, Concordia, MO. MO is known as a pro-second amendment state – Missouri takes the right to bear arms seriously. But you can still face serious criminal charges if you improperly use a weapon.

Frequently, weapon crime charges are felonies, which means you are facing potentially years in prison if convicted. On your own, without a leading Concordia weapon crimes defense lawyer, you could be labelled as a felon for life for just carrying a weapon in the wrong place.

Secure your rights. Preserve your freedom. Call Combs Waterkotte. Our team of Concordia’s leading weapon crimes defense attorneys, including a former prosecutor, has a track record of positive outcomes for our clients. We do not compromise on the quality of your defense and will fight to get you the best possible outcome in your weapons charge defense case.

Get in touch right away at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential consultation.

Cases Handled

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Weapon Crime Defense Attorney | Concordia, MO, Weapon Crime Defense


What Do Weapon Laws Cover in Concordia, MO?

MO law sets rules for the usage, ownership, and transfer of guns and other deadly weapons. But that’s not all you have to worry about in MO: There are still federal laws that affect the availability and use of self-defense tools. One way they are different is this: MO does not address background checks in the sale or transfer of firearms, but federal law requires licensed dealers to perform one, meaning that if you want to buy a gun in MO, you should still be prepared for a background check.

In MO, lawful citizens are permitted to carry a self-defense weapon, provided that:

  1. They do not bring it into schools, government offices, places of worship, or other restricted areas; and
  2. They have not had their right to bear arms taken away.

Firearms usage in the state allows for standard target shooting and for self-defense, but several other actions are illegal. These actions mostly are ones that would put others’ wellbeing at risk, such as using the gun in a threatening manner, firing one over a highway, or using one while committing another crime.

One key thing to be aware of – although we focused on state regulations above, MO allows for individual municipalities to set up their own laws on weapon possession, so to ensure you’re compliant with regulations in Concordia, be sure to check your local regulations and ask a gun crime lawyer if there’s any part you’re having trouble understanding.

Frequent Weapon Crimes Charges in MO

Concordia, MO weapon crime charges cover a wide range of alleged crimes, but some charges are more common than others. Here are some of the most common types of cases that we’ve helped defend at Combs Waterkotte:

Other Types of Weapon Laws in MO

Firearms aren’t the only regulated thing in Concordia, MO: There are also regulations for non-firearm self-defense items. Common self-defense weapons, namely pepper spray and stun guns, are legal to possess in MO without special permits.

Other weapons, like knives, blackjacks, and batons, are special in that they are designated as deadly weapons. This means that even though they are not firearms, they typically are subject to the same limitations, and also cannot be carried into restricted areas.

Once again, though, as mentioned above related to firearms, different localities can have different restrictions, so reach out to a Concordia weapons law expert if you’re unsure about a particular self-defense device.

MO Weapon Crimes Punishments:

When you’re up against weapon crimes allegations in MO, there’s no time to mess around. Here’s what you could be facing if you don’t hire a weapon crimes defense attorney before it’s too late:

Alleged Crime Violation Sentence
Defacing a Firearm Class A Misdemeanor Up to 1 year in jail and a $2,000 fine
Unlawful Transfer of Weapons Up to a Class E Felony Up to 4 years in prison
Fraudulent Firearm Purchase Class E Felony Up to 4 years in prison
Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm Up to a Class D Felony Up to 7 years in prison
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm Up to a Class B Felony 10-20 years in prison
Unlawful Use of a Weapon Up to a Class A Felony Up to 10-30 years or life imprisonment
Armed Criminal Action Unclassified Felony Adds at least 3 years onto a prison sentence, which cannot be avoided with probation or parole

When you look at the potential fallout of a conviction, why would you not hire a Concordia weapon crimes defense lawyer?



What to Look For in a Concordia, MO, Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyer

Cases Handled

Over 10,000

Jail Days Saved

Over 1 Million

Google Reviews

400+ Perfect

Legal Experience

Over 60 Years

When you need a Concordia, MO, weapon crimes defense attorney, choosing the right one can make all the difference – you need a lawyer who will fight relentlessly for your rights, and will keep going until you get the justice you deserve.

Below, we’ve listed the important qualifications you should watch out for when hiring a Concordia defense attorney:

  • Experience: The more practice your lawyer has in the courtroom, the better. Our lawyers has substantial experience defending cases just like yours, with multiple former prosecutors and over 10,000 cases handled.
  • Reputation: If you ask someone about their experience with your defense attorney, you’ll want to hear a glowing review. Combs Waterkotte has a distinguished reputation amongst previous clients, fellow lawyers, and professional societies.
  • Resources: Some cases can be handled by just one attorney. But for serious weapon crimes charges, you want a strong team of experienced individuals on your side.
  • Approach: It’s important to work with a lawyer who puts clients first. At Combs Waterkotte, our phones are ready for your call 24/7, and we make sure you know what we’re working on with your case.
  • Ferocious Defense: If plea negotiations fall through, you don’t want an attorney without a plan. You want someone who’s been in this situation before. Our lawyers always prepare our defenses as if we’re going to trial, and prosecutors know that – giving us more leverage in plea negotiations.

Weapon Crimes Defenses We Use in Concordia, MO

Weapon crimes are, on a fundamental level, just like most other criminal allegations: You are charged, negotiate, and if necessary, go to trial. However, there are some trends; for example, defendants often claim self-defense, and defenses frequently have less to do with if you “did it” and more on whether the action was “justified.”

Below, we’ve listed common defense strategies we might use in your case against Concordia, MO, weapon crimes allegations:

  • Self-Defense: Depending on the circumstances, if you claim self-defence, related criminal charges can may not actually be applicable to you. In Missouri, it’s legal to defend yourself against imminent danger.
  • Defense of Others: Just like with self-defense, you are allowed to use force to defend another person. Some weapon charges can be dropped if this is the case, just like with self-defense.
  • Castle Doctrine: MO castle doctrine states that you are permitted to use force, including weapons, to protect yourself and others at your residence. While you do not have a duty to retreat, the amount and type of force used must be proportionate to the threat.
  • Stand Your Ground: Stand your ground is related to castle doctrine. This law in Missouri states that you if you are permitted to be in a given location, you have the right to defend yourself (even with weapons and force) without needing to retreat first.
  • Necessity: The defense of necessity acknowledges that you committed the illegal act, but provides an excuse as to why you shouldn’t be punished. Perhaps you stole a weapon that you knew was going to be misused. You could be charged with theft, but your actions were well-intended to prevent a greater harm.
  • Duress: If you did not want to commit a crime, but you were forced to do so, you can claim duress as a defense. An example of this might be if you removed the serial numbers of a firearm, defacing it, but only did so because someone threatened you.
  • Lack of Intent: If you didn’t mean to break the law, depending on what exactly it was, a lack of intent can protect you from punishment. For example, giving a blackjack to a person under the age of 18 is illegal without their parents’ permission. If you honestly thought this person had parental permission, though, you could be exempt due to a lack of intent.

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Concordia, MO, Weapon Crimes Defense FAQs

What self-defense weapons are legal in Missouri?

Typical self-defense weapons which you can legally use in Missouri include guns, stun guns, tasers, pepper spray, and batons. Keep in mind that some of these do have special requirements.

Additionally, it’s important to note that when acting in self-defense, the response remain proportionate to the threat.

What is the penalty for armed criminal action in Missouri?

Armed criminal action involves the use of a deadly weapon while committing another felony. Punishments for this crime are always on top of the penalties for the related felony, and depends on whether the person was previously convicted of armed criminal action:

First offense: Adds 3-15 years (or 5-15 years if the gun was illegally possessed)

Second offense: Adds 5-30 years (or 15+ years if the gun was illegally possessed)

Third+ offense: Addes 10+ years (or 15+ years if the gun was illegally possessed)

On top of that, prison sentences added because of armed criminal action are not eligible for parole or probation.

What is the Castle Doctrine in Missouri?

Missouri castle doctrine is a part of §563.031, RSMo 2016, which permits the use of force to defend one’s dwelling, residence, or vehicle from aggressors, without first trying to retreat.

However, this does not mean you can shoot someone just for trespassing on your property. Deadly force is only permitted when facing “the use or imminent use of unlawful force.”

What counts as self-defense in Concordia, MO?

Missouri’s self-defense law allows one to use force to defend against a threat, so long as the defensive force is proportional to the threatening force.

Self-defense is legal in cases where it is used to defend oneself (or others) from harm, when one is unable or not required to retreat, or to protect one’s home/vehicle.

As a stand your ground state, Missouri states that citizens don’t have to to retreat from a threatening situation, so long as they were not trespassing themselves.

How do I defend against weapons charges in Concordia?

Common defense strategies for criminal weapon charges include self-defense, the defense of others, castle doctrine, and stand your ground.

How can you lose your right to own a gun in Concordia?

Concordia, MO residents can lose their right to bear arms for a few reasons:

  1. If they receive a felony conviction
  2. If they are a fugitive
  3. If they are regularly drunk or drugged
  4. If they are deemed mentally incompetent
  5. If, in accordance with federal laws, they have been convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence charges.
Can police search your car for weapons without a warrant?

Law enforcement cannot search your car under normal circumstance, but, police can still search your car for weapons if they have probable cause, if you consent, if you’ve been arrested and they are securing the area, or if your vehicle is impounded.


Weapons Crime Defense Attorney | Concordia, MO, Weapon Crimes Defense


Need a Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyer in Concordia, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Immediately

Weapon crime charges in Concordia are not going to go away on their own. If a prosecutor is trying to put you in prison for them, you need a leading weapon crimes defense attorney for your case. You need Combs Waterkotte.

When we take the case, you’re getting a team that is dedicated to fighting for your rights. Our team is results-driven, and that means fighting to get the best possible outcome for you. We have the experience and skills that you need in your corner.

Protect your rights by calling us right away at (314) 900-HELP or send us a note online for a free, confidential consultation.

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