Weapons Crime Attorney

Weapons crime attorney in St. Louis, Missouri. Have you been charged with a weapons crime in St. Louis? Don’t leave your freedom to chance. When you’re accused of a gun or weapons offense, your rights, your reputation, and your future are all on the line. You need a trusted, experienced weapons crime attorney in St. Louis who knows how to fight for you—and win.

At Combs Waterkotte, we understand what’s at stake. Our aggressive criminal defense strategies have helped numerous individuals charged with gun and other weapon-related offenses throughout the St. Louis area get reduced charges, dismissed cases, or complete acquittals.

If you’re facing charges, call our St. Louis weapons crime attorney right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Our legal team has over 50 years of combined experience and has successfully handled 10,000+ cases just like yours in St. Louis and across Missouri.

Article Summary

If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime in St. Louis, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced St. Louis weapons crime attorneys aggressively defend clients facing gun charges, unlawful use of weapons, armed criminal action, and other firearm-related offenses throughout the St. Louis area. We build powerful defenses, challenge unlawful searches, and fight for reduced charges, dismissals, or acquittals. Whether you’re dealing with accusations of possession, use, or trafficking of firearms, Combs Waterkotte provides the experience and skill you need to:

• Take the first step in protecting your freedom by contacting the right attorney.
• Understand the importance of acting quickly after being charged.
• Know your rights, no matter the charge.
• Understand the different types of weapons crimes in St. Louis and their legal implications.
• Recognize the severity of penalties tied to weapons crimes.

Weapons Crime Attorney in St. Louis: What is a Weapons Crime in Missouri?

Our St. Louis weapons crime attorneys have handled the following types of cases and more:

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the St. Louis Area

According to Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, firearm possession becomes unlawful under specific circumstances, including:

• Being a convicted felon
• Being underage
• Belonging to a category of individuals prohibited from owning firearms
• Violating federal firearm possession restrictions

Unlawful possession is typically charged as a Class C felony, but it becomes a Class B felony if you have prior convictions for violent crimes or unlawful possession. If you’ve been accused, it’s critical to have an experienced St. Louis criminal defense attorney evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to preserve your rights and future.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon in St. Louis

This is one of the most frequently charged weapons crimes in St. Louis and can arise in a variety of situations, including:

• Firing a gun in restricted areas, especially while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Brandishing or displaying a firearm in a threatening or reckless manner
• Carrying a concealed weapon without the appropriate permit
• Possessing a firearm in areas where it is legally prohibited
• Using a weapon during the commission of another crime, like burglary, assault, or drug distribution
• Possessing illegal weapon modifications or accessories

Penalties for an unlawful use of a weapon conviction vary significantly, from a Class B misdemeanor—up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine—to a Class A felony, which can carry 10-30 years or even life in prison.

If you’re facing these serious charges in St. Louis, your future is at stake. A Combs Waterkotte skilled St. Louis weapons crime attorney can help you build a strong defense and get the best possible outcome. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online today.

St. Louis Armed Criminal Action

This charge refers to using or displaying a weapon during the commission of a felony offense in St. Louis. This is not a standalone crime but an enhancement that adds serious time to underlying charges like:

• Drug Trafficking
• Assault
• Robbery
• Burglary

Penalties include mandatory minimum sentences throughout Missouri:

• 3 years for a first offense
• 5 years for a second
• 10 years or more for a third

Possession of a Defaced Firearm in or Around St. Louis

Possessing a firearm with a removed or altered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—is a red flag to law enforcement, often associated with stolen or trafficked weapons. This charge is a Class B misdemeanor, but it can have lasting consequences on your record and firearm privileges.

Unlawful Sale, Transfer, or Trafficking of Weapons in St. Louis

In St. Louis and anywhere else in Missouri, it is illegal to sell, lease, give, or otherwise transfer firearms to individuals who are legally barred from owning them. Common scenarios include:

• Transferring weapons to minors
• Giving a gun to someone with a criminal record
• Selling a firearm without verifying eligibility

Depending on the circumstances, the offense may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony. A knowledgeable St. Louis weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can help you avoid the worst-case scenario.

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Charged With a Weapons Crime in St. Louis? Here’s What to Do

No matter the circumstances or severity of your charges in St. Louis, here’s what you should do:

1. Do not speak to the police without an attorney present.
2. Contact our office immediately for a no-obligation case review.
3. Let us review your case, protect your rights, and start building your defense.

Time is critical in St. Louis weapons cases. The sooner you involve our expert weapons crime attorney, the more options we’ll have to reduce or eliminate the charges against you.

Weapons Crime Attorney in St. Louis: Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Right Away

Weapons charges in St. Louis can result in heavy fines, jail or prison time, loss of firearm rights, and a permanent criminal record. But with the right legal representation, your story doesn’t have to end there.

Here’s how an experienced St. Louis weapons crime attorney helps protect you:

• Immediate Protection of Your Rights
• Thorough Investigation of the Evidence
• Challenging Unlawful Searches or Arrests
• Negotiating for Reduced or Dismissed Charges
• Taking Your Case to Trial if Needed

At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t back down. We question every detail, build aggressive defense strategies, and fight relentlessly for the best outcome in St. Louis.

Weapons Crime Attorney in St. Louis: Possible Defenses

Every case is different, but our St. Louis weapons crime defense team has decades of experience using the following defenses to get clients the best possible outcome:

• Self-Defense or Defense of Others — Missouri has “Stand Your Ground” and “Castle Doctrine” laws, allowing you to use force—including deadly force—to protect yourself and others. Our weapons crime attorney can work to prove your use of force was necessary given your reasonable fear of imminent threat.
• Illegal Search or Seizure — We can utilize this defense if the weapon was found during a search that violated your Fourth Amendment rights, such as:
• No warrant
• No probable cause
• An unlawful traffic stop
• Lack of Knowledge or Intent — This defense is useful in proving that you were unaware you were in possession of a weapon, like if it was planted in your possession or if someone else left it in your vehicle or home. You had no intent to use the weapon unlawfully.
• Other Possible Defenses — Other valid defenses for your St. Louis charges include alibi evidence showing that you were not in a location where you could be legally accused of having the weapon, entrapment, insufficient evidence, and mistaken identity.

Don’t Face Weapons Charges in St. Louis—Let Combs Waterkotte Fight for You

When you’re facing a weapons charge in St. Louis, every detail matters. Our team of weapons crime attorneys is ready to stand between you and the prosecution. Whether it’s negotiating a favorable plea or going to trial, we’re here to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.

Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a case review where you can get answers from a St. Louis weapons crime attorney who cares.