Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyer, Holden, MO. MO is known as a pro-second amendment state – if you live in Missouri, you have a lot of options for legal weapons and self-defense tools. But that doesn’t mean that weapon crimes charges aren’t taken seriously.
Many weapon crime charges are felonies, and a conviction could put you behind bars for years. If you don’t have a leading Holden weapon crimes defense lawyer, you could permanently throw your life off course for just acting in self defense.
Secure your rights. Preserve your freedom. Call Combs Waterkotte. Our team of Holden’s leading weapon crimes defense attorneys, including a former prosecutor, has defended over 10,000 cases. We are dedicated to our clients and will fight to get you the best possible outcome in your weapons charge defense case.
Start your defence now at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation.
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How Do Weapon Laws Work in Holden, MO?
MO law defines what you can and can’t do with firearms and other deadly weapons. State laws overlap with federal laws to create a web of regulations. One way they are different is this: MO does not require a background check for individuals to purchase a gun, but federally-licensed dealers are required to conduct one, meaning that most MO gun transfers still require a background check.
In MO, the majority of citizens are permitted to carry a gun, provided that:
- In the course of carrying the weapon, they don’t enter restricted areas, and
- Nothing has happened to lead that person to lose their right to carry a weapon.
Firearms usage in the state allows for standard target shooting and for self-defense, but certain activities are against the law. These actions mostly are those that would endanger others, such as threatening someone with a firearm, firing one over a highway, or using one while committing another crime.
One quick note – while we’ve talked mostly about state laws above, MO allows for individual localities to write their own restrictions on weapon possession, so to make sure you’re not breaking any Holden laws, be sure to go over your local laws and ask a gun crime lawyer if you’re unclear on any regulations.
Typical Weapon Crimes Charges in MO
While there are a variety of weapons charges you can face in Holden, 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
Other Weapon Laws in MO
Firearms aren’t the only regulated thing in Holden, MO: There are also regulations for non-firearm self-defense items. Popular self-defense instruments, including pepper spray and stun guns, can be possessed in MO without any permits.
Other weapons, like knives, blackjacks, and batons, are face additional restrictions because they are labelled as deadly weapons. This means that even though they are not guns, they frequently are subject to the same restrictions, and also have limitations on where they can be carried.
However, as mentioned above in regards to firearms, different localities are allowed to establish their own restrictions, so get in touch with a Holden weapons law expert if the law isn’t clear on a particular self-defense device.
MO Weapon Crimes Sentences:
The penalties for alleged weapon crimes in MO are steep. 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 Holden weapon crimes defense lawyer?
What to Look For in a Holden, MO, Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyer
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When you’re deciding on a Holden, MO, weapon crimes defense attorney, choosing the right one can make all the difference – you need someone who will leave no stone unturned, and will keep going 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 lawyers has extensive experience defending against weapon crime charges, 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 prestigious reputation amongst former clients, peers, and professional societies.
- Resources: When you’re up against serious weapon crimes charges, you want a strong team of elite individuals at your back.
- Approach: It’s important to work with a lawyer who puts you first. At Combs Waterkotte, we treat your case as if it were our own, and we keep you informed on any updates with your case.
- Staunch Defense: If the case goes to trial, you don’t want someone only half-prepared. You want someone who’s ready to go to battle. Our lawyers always prepare our cases as if we’re going to trial, and prosecutors know that – giving us more leverage in plea negotiations.
Common Weapon Crimes Defenses in Holden, MO
Weapon crimes will generally progress through the legal system the same way as any other criminal charges. However, they are more likely to involve tactics like claiming self-defense, and defensive strategies frequently have less to do with whether you “did it” and more on whether the action was “justified.”
Here are some of the defense strategies our team might use in your case against Holden, MO, weapon crimes allegations:
- Self-Defense: Depending on the circumstances, if you claim self-defence, related criminal charges can be argued that they do not apply. In Missouri, you are allowed to take actions to defend yourself against imminent danger.
- Defense of Others: Just like with 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 states 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 degree of force you use needs to be proportionate to the force of the perceived threat.
- Stand Your Ground: Stand your ground is built off of castle doctrine. The state of Missouri states that you have no requirement to retreat before using force (including weapons) to defend yourself, as long as you were permitted to be in that location in the first place.
- Necessity: Necessity applies to situations where you were forced to do something illegal in order to stop something worse. 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 someone forced you to do so, you can claim duress as a defense. 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: Depending on the exact charge, you might be able to claim that your violation was unintentional. For example, giving a blackjack to someone younger than 18 is not allowed without approval from their parent/guardian. However, if you honestly thought the person was older, you would not have had intent.
Holden, MO, Weapon Crimes Defense FAQs
What self-defense weapons are legal in Missouri?
Typical self-defense devices that you are permitted to use in Missouri include guns, stun guns, tasers, pepper spray, and batons. Keep in mind that some of these do have special requirements.
On a related note, when acting in self-defense, the response be 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. Punishments for this crime are always in conjunction with the penalties for the original felony, and the sentence 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, any penalties added because of armed criminal action are ineligible for parole or probation.
What is the Castle Doctrine in Missouri?
Missouri castle doctrine is a part of §563.031, RSMo 2016, which allows individuals to defend their dwelling, residence, or vehicle from aggressors, without first trying to retreat.
However, this does not allow you to shoot someone for smaller crimes like tresspassion. The use of deadly force is only allowed when facing “the use or imminent use of unlawful force.”
What counts as self-defense in Holden, MO?
Missouri’s self-defense law permits 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 protect oneself (or others) from attack, when one is unable or not required to retreat, or to defend one’s home/vehicle.
As a stand your ground state, Missouri states that citizens do not have a duty to retreat from a threatening situation, as long as they have a right to be in that location.
How do I defend against weapons charges in Holden?
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 Holden?
People in Holden, MO, 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?
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 they are checking for their safety after an arrest, or if your vehicle is impounded.

Need a Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyer in Holden, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Now
Weapon crime charges in Holden are serious business. If a prosecutor is trying to put you in prison for them, you have to have a leading weapon crimes defense lawyer fight against the charges. You need Combs Waterkotte.
With Combs Waterkotte, you’re choosing a firm that doesn’t settle for the second-best outcome. Our team is results-driven, and that means fighting to get the best possible outcome for you. We have the practice and expertice that you need in your corner.
Get a hold of us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.