Weapon Crimes Defense Lawyer, Norborne, MO. Weapons, both concealed and open carry, are popular in MO – Missouri takes the right to bear arms seriously. But even when you act in self-defense, you’re facing a mountain of scrutiny and have to show your innocence.
Several weapons charges are felonies, and a conviction could put you behind bars for years. On your own, without a leading Norborne weapon crimes defense attorney, you could be looking at lifelong consequences for just acting in self defense.
Save your rights. Defend your freedom. Contact Combs Waterkotte. Our team of leading weapon crimes defense lawyers, including a former prosecutor, knows how to protect you. We are dedicated to our clients and will fight to get you the best possible outcome against your criminal weapons charges.
Contact us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation.

How Do Weapon Laws Work in Norborne, MO?
MO law covers topics like purchase, possession, and use of 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 allows gun dealers to sell firearms without performing a background check, but federally-licensed dealers are required to conduct one, meaning that you’ll still likely need to go through a background check when you purchase a firearm in MO.
In MO, the majority of individuals are permitted to carry a self-defense weapon, provided that:
- They do not bring it into schools, government offices, places of worship, or other 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 several other activities are illegal. These activities mostly consist of those that would threaten others’ safety, such as firing a gun near a school, bringing one to a polling place during an election, or firing it into a building.
One key thing to be aware of – so far, this page has mainly covered state restrictions above, MO allows for individual municipalities to write their own more stringent laws regarding firearms and other weapons, so to ensure you’re compliant with regulations in Norborne, be sure to go through your local statutes and ask a gun crime lawyer if any parts don’t make sense.
Common Weapon Crimes Charges in MO
Even though “weapon crimes” can cover a wide variety of potential allegations and penalties, there are trends in Norborne, MO. Here are some of the most common types of cases that we’ve helped defend at Combs Waterkotte:
- 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 Norborne, MO: There are also regulations for non-firearm self-defense items. Common self-defense items, including pepper spray and stun guns, can be possessed in MO without special permits.
Other tools, such as knives, blackjacks, and batons, are face additional restrictions because they are designated as deadly weapons. Because of this, even though they are not guns, they typically face the same limitations, and also have limitations on where they can be carried.
Once again, though, as mentioned above related to firearms, different localities can set their own restrictions, so don’t be afraid to ask a Norborne weapons law expert if the law isn’t clear on a specific self-defense item.
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 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 Norborne weapon crimes defense lawyer?
What to Look For in a Norborne, 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 Norborne, MO, weapon crimes defense lawyer, their abilities and willingness to give your case their all matters – you need someone who will treat you like a person, not a case number, and won’t stop 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: The more practice your lawyer has in the courtroom, the better. Combs Waterkotte has a wealth of experience defending cases just like yours, with multiple former prosecutors and over 10,000 cases handled.
- Reputation: When people talk about your lawyer, you want to hear good things. Combs Waterkotte has a prestigious reputation amongst clients, fellow lawyers, and professional societies.
- Resources: Solo lawyers will try their best, but for serious weapon crimes charges, you want a strong team of practiced individuals on your side.
- Approach: You want an attorney who puts clients first. At Combs Waterkotte, our phones are ready for your call 24/7, and we don’t leave you in the dark with your case.
- Fearless Defense: If the case goes to trial, you don’t want an attorney without a plan. You want someone who’s ready to go to battle. Our attorneys always construct our cases as if we’re going to trial, and prosecutors know that – giving us more leverage in plea negotiations.
Weapon Crimes Defenses We Use in Norborne, MO
Weapon crimes can be defended in similar ways to many other criminal allegations. However, there are some trends; for example, defendants often claim self-defense, and defenses are often less about whether you “did it” and more on whether what the defendant did was “justified.”
Below, we’ve listed common defense tactics our team might use in your case against Norborne, MO, weapon crimes allegations:
- Self-Defense: If you fired a gun in self-defense, 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 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 says that you are authorized to use force, including weapons, to protect yourself and others who are in your dwelling. While you do not have a duty to retreat, the force used must be proportionate to the force of the perceived threat.
- Stand Your Ground: Stand your ground is related to castle doctrine. This law in Missouri dictates 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: Necessity applies to situations where you were forced to do something illegal in order to stop something worse. Perhaps you knew someone at risk of self harm, and to protect them, gave their weapons to someone who legally wasn’t allowed to possess them. This is technically against the law, but preventing a greater harm may legally justify your actions.
- Duress: If you weren’t a willing participant in a criminal action, but another person forced to do so, duress could be a valid excuse. 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 an underaged person without permission is illegal. If you honestly thought this person had parental permission, though, you could be exempt due to a lack of intent.
Norborne, MO, Weapon Crimes Defense FAQs
What self-defense weapons are legal in Missouri?
Normal self-defense items that are legal to use in Missouri include guns, stun guns, tasers, pepper spray, and batons. Some of these still face restrictions in their use, though.
On a related note, when acting in self-defense, your response remain proportionate to the threat.
What is the penalty for armed criminal action in Missouri?
Armed criminal action is technically a felony in and of itself, but only occurs when allegedly committing another felony. Punishments for this crime are always in conjunction with the penalties for the other felony, and depends on whether the person has a criminal history 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)
Additionally, 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 dictated by §563.031, RSMo 2016, which dictates that you can use force to defend your dwelling, residence, or vehicle from aggressors, without needing 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 allowed when facing “the use or imminent use of unlawful force.”
What counts as self-defense in Norborne, 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 protect 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 don’t have to 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 Norborne?
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 Norborne?
Norborne, 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 were convicted of domestic violence, even if it was a misdemeanor.
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 car is impounded.

Facing Weapon Crimes Charges in Norborne, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte As Soon As Possible
Weapon crime charges in Norborne are serious business. And if you’re being charged with committing them, you need a leading weapon crimes defense attorney to defend you. You need Combs Waterkotte.
With us, you’re not just getting a law firm that will take the first deal offered and call it a day. Our team is results-driven, and that means fighting to get the best possible outcome for you. We have the practice and track record of success that you need in your corner.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or let us know your charges online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.