Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyer, Edgerton, MO. It’s not uncommon for somebody in MO to carry a weapon on themselves, even as simple as a pocket knife – the state’s gun & weapon laws allow for more freedom for possession and usage. But just because you have many freedoms to carry weapons, doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want with them.
A lot of weapon crime charges are felonies, and a conviction could put you behind bars for years. Without the help of a leading Edgerton weapon crimes defense lawyer, you could permanently throw your life off course for just forgetting to check your pockets.
Save your rights. Preserve your freedom. Call Combs Waterkotte. Our team of leading criminal defense attorneys, including a former prosecutor, has defended over 10,000 cases. We are committed to giving you the strongest defense possible and will fight to get you the best possible outcome in your weapons charge defense case.
Get in contact right away at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential consultation.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
400+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 60 Years

What Do Weapon Laws Cover in Edgerton, MO?
MO law sets regulations for both firearms and other weapons. State laws overlap with federal laws to create a web of regulations. Here’s an interesting example: 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 individuals are permitted to carry a self-defense weapon, as long as:
- They do not bring it into schools, government offices, places of worship, or other restricted areas; and
- They have not lost their right to carry a firearm.
In MO, you’re allowed to use your gun at the range and for self-defense, but some other uses are against the law. These activities mostly are those that would endanger others, such as threatening someone with a firearm, firing one while intoxicated, or using one while committing another crime.
One important point – while we’ve talked mostly about state laws above, MO allows for individual localities to write their own more stringent laws on weapon possession, so to make sure you’re following Edgerton laws, be sure to read your local statutes and ask a gun crime lawyer if you’re unclear on any regulations.
Common Weapon Crimes Charges in MO
Even though “weapon crimes” can cover a wide variety of potential allegations and penalties, there are trends in Edgerton, MO. Here are some of our specialty areas that we’ve fought cases for in MO:
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon
- Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, Transport, and Repair of Certain Weapons
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon Without a Permit
- Possession of an Illegal Weapon
- Possession of a Firearm While Intoxicated
- Illegal Discharge of a Firearm
- Federal Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- Federal Weapons/Firearm Offenses
- Other Gun Charges
- Other Weapons Offenses
Non-Firearm Weapon Laws in MO
It’s also important in MO to be aware of laws for non-firearm self-defense items. Typical self-defense weapons, including pepper spray and stun guns, can be possessed in MO without special permits.
Knives, blackjacks, and batons, are face additional restrictions because they are categorized as deadly weapons. Because of this, even though they are not firearms, they often are subject to the same regulations, and also have limitations on where they can be carried.
Once again, though, as mentioned above related to firearms, different localities can set different regulations, so don’t be afraid to ask a Edgerton weapons law expert if you’re unsure about a particular self-defense implement.
MO Weapon Crimes Punishments:
If you’re up against allegations for weapons crimes in MO, you need to call an attorney right away. Here’s what you could be facing if you don’t hire a weapon crimes defense attorney right away:
| 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 Edgerton weapon crimes defense lawyer?
What to Look For in a Edgerton, 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’re deciding on a Edgerton, MO, weapon crimes defense lawyer, choosing the right one can make all the difference – you need a lawyer who will treat you like a person, not a case number, and won’t rest until you get the justice you deserve.
Here are some of the main things to look for when choosing a lawyer to represent you:
- Experience: More experienced lawyers have seen more, and will be able to handle more. Our attorneys has considerable experience defending against weapon crime charges, with a combined more than 60 years of legal experience 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 prestigious reputation amongst former clients, peers, and professional bodies.
- Resources: When you’re up against serious weapon crimes charges, you want a strong team of elite individuals on your side.
- Approach: When you hire a lawyer, you want someone who puts clients first. At Combs Waterkotte, we take pride in maintaining open lines of communication with all of our clients, and we don’t leave you in the dark with your case.
- Fearless Defense: If your case isn’t diverted and you end up in trial, you don’t want someone only half-prepared. You want someone who knows how to persuade judges and juries. Our attorneys always prepare our defenses as if we’re going to trial, which also helps us out in negotiations.
Weapon Crimes Defenses We Use in Edgerton, MO
Weapon crimes are, on a fundamental level, just like most other criminal allegations: You are charged, negotiate, and if necessary, go to trial. That said, they are more likely to involve tactics like claiming self-defense, and defensive strategies can focus less on if you “did it” and more on whether the action was “justified.”
In the following list, you can ready about some effective defense strategies our team might use in your case against Edgerton, MO, weapon crimes charges:
- Self-Defense: Weapons are frequently used in self-defense, and related criminal charges can be invalidated in many cases. In Missouri, it’s legal to defend yourself against imminent danger.
- Defense of Others: Related to self-defense, you can take action to protect another person from harm. Some weapon charges can be related to this in the same way that they can be related to self-defense.
- Castle Doctrine: MO castle doctrine says that you are allowed to use force, including weapons, to protect yourself and those 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 built off of castle doctrine. The state of 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 in an effort to scare off someone threatening you, you fired a warning shot. You could be accused of an unlawful discharge, but you needed to do so to prevent a greater harm.
- Duress: If you did not want to commit a crime, but you were forced to do so, duress could be a valid excuse. For example, if someone threatened your family and made you carry a weapon into a government building, you could claim duress as a defense.
- Lack of Intent: Some weapon crimes require intent to be guilty. 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.
Edgerton, MO, Weapon Crimes Defense FAQs
What self-defense weapons are legal in Missouri?
Typical self-defense tools that are legal to use in Missouri include firearms, stun guns, tasers, pepper spray, and batons, although some face special restrictions.
Regardless of the weapon you use, though, keep in mind that when acting in self-defense, your response must use a level of force proportionate to the threat.
What is the penalty for armed criminal action in Missouri?
Armed criminal action is not a standalone criminal charge, but an add-on to another felony. The prison sentence it adds is on top of the penalties for the original felony, and the sentence depends on whether the person already has armed criminal action on their record or not:
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)
Additionally, any penalties 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 dictates that you can use force to defend your dwelling, residence, or vehicle from aggressors, without first trying to retreat.
However, this does not give you permission to shoot someone that is not a threat to you. The use of deadly force is only permitted when facing “the use or imminent use of unlawful force.”
What counts as self-defense in Edgerton, 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 when 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 law makes it so that citizens are not required to retreat from a threatening situation, so long as they were allowed to be in that spot in the first place.
How do I defend against weapons charges in Edgerton?
Common defense strategies for criminal weapon charges consist of self-defense, the defense of others, castle doctrine, and stand your ground.
How can you lose your right to own a gun in Edgerton?
Edgerton, MO residents can lose their right to bear arms in a few ways:
- If they receive a felony conviction
- If they are a fugitive
- If they are regularly drunk or drugged
- If they are deemed mentally incompetent
- 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?
While you are protected from unreasonable searches and seizures, police can still search your car for weapons if they have probable cause, if you agree to the search, if they are checking for their safety after an arrest, or if your car is impounded.

Facing Weapon Crimes Charges in Edgerton, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Now
Weapon crimes in Edgerton are serious business. When you’re up against them, you can’t settle for anything less than a leading weapon crimes defense lawyer for your case. You need Combs Waterkotte.
When we take the case, you’re not just getting a law firm that will take the first deal offered and call it a day. Our team is entirely focused on finding good results for your case, and that means fighting to get the best possible outcome for you. We have the resources and expertice that it takes to fight weapon crime charges.
Get a hold of us today at (314) 900-HELP or send us a note online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.