Weapons crime attorney in Bates County, MO. Have you been charged with a weapons crime in Bates County, MO? 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 Bates County, MO who knows how to fight for you—and win.
The lawyers at Combs Waterkotte understand the serious nature of these charges. With more than 60 years of combined experience and a proven track record in weapons and gun defense cases, we use tailored defense strategies to challenge the prosecution and fight for the best possible outcome.
Don’t wait—call our Bates County, MO weapons crime attorneys right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for your free, confidential consultation. We’ve successfully handled 10,000+ cases just like yours in Bates County, MO and beyond.
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Article Summary
Facing weapons charges in Bates County, MO? Don’t leave your future to chance. Trust Combs Waterkotte—Bates County, MO’s leading criminal defense firm—to fight for your rights and freedom. Our skilled weapons crime attorneys defend clients accused of gun possession, unlawful use, armed criminal action, and other firearm offenses in and around Bates County, MO. From challenging illegal searches and seizures to negotiating reduced charges or full dismissals, we build tough, strategic defenses tailored to your situation. If you’re facing any weapons-related charge, read on to learn how we’ll help you:
- Secure strong legal representation in Bates County, MO from the very beginning.
- Understand the importance of acting quickly after being charged.
- Know your rights, no matter the charge.
- Navigate the complexities of Bates County, MO weapons laws.
- Prepare for and reduce the risk of severe criminal penalties.
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Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
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Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
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Weapons Crime Attorney in Bates County, MO: What is Considered a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our experienced Bates County, MO weapons crime attorneys have seen it all—from minor infractions to serious felony gun cases. We have handled the following types of cases and more:
Unlawful Firearm Possession in Bates County, MO
According to Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, it is illegal to possess a gun in Bates County, MO, if:
- You’ve been convicted of a felony
- You’re under the legal age
- You’re in a category of people prohibited from gun ownership
- You’re violating federal law regarding firearm possession
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 Bates County, MO criminal defense attorney evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to preserve your rights and future.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Bates County, MO
These crimes are more common in Bates County, MO than you might think—and incredibly serious. They often involve:
- 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
- Committing another offense—such as burglary, assault, or drug distribution—while armed
- Possessing firearms with illegal modifications or banned accessories
Depending on the details of your Bates County, MO case, penalties range from a Class B misdemeanor, which carries up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 in fines, to a Class A felony, with potential sentences of 10-30 years or even life in prison.
Don’t roll the dice with your freedom. Call Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to speak with a weapons crime attorney in Bates County, MO who can help get you the best possible outcome.
Bates County, MO Armed Criminal Action
This charge refers to using or displaying a weapon during the commission of a felony offense in Bates County, MO. This is not a standalone crime but an enhancement that adds serious time to underlying charges like:
- Drug Trafficking
- Assault
- Robbery
- Burglary
Missouri law imposes strict mandatory minimum prison sentences for armed criminal action:
- 3 years for a first-time conviction
- 5 years for a second conviction
- 10 years or more for a third offense
Possession of a Defaced Firearm in Bates County, MO
If you’re caught with a firearm that has an altered or missing serial number, you may be charged with possessing a defaced firearm—a Class B misdemeanor in Bates County, MO. Law enforcement treats these cases harshly due to associations with criminal trafficking and stolen guns.
Unlawful Sale, Transfer, or Trafficking of Weapons in or Around Bates County, MO
It’s unlawful to sell, loan, or transfer a weapon to someone who is prohibited from possessing one in Bates County, MO. These violations often involve:
- Transferring weapons to minors
- Giving a gun to someone with a criminal record
- Failing to confirm eligibility before a sale
Depending on the facts of your case, you can face a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony. Don’t face these charges alone—a Combs Waterkotte Bates County, MO weapons crime attorney can step in and fight for you.
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Arrested for a Weapons Crime in Bates County, MO? Here’s What to Do
If you’re under investigation or already facing charges in Bates County, MO, it’s important to act fast:
- Stay calm and don’t speak with police or investigators before calling a lawyer.
- Get in touch with our team immediately for a risk-free case assessment.
- Allow our Bates County, MO legal team to evaluate the charges, safeguard your rights, and start building a strong defense strategy.
Time is critical in Bates County, MO 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 Bates County, MO: Why Hiring a Skilled Lawyer is Crucial
Weapons charges in Bates County, MO carry life-changing consequences—from steep fines and incarceration to losing your right to own a firearm. But the right defense attorney can help change the course of your case.
A trusted Bates County, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte will:
- Protecting your rights from the moment of your arrest
- Thorough Investigation of the Evidence
- Exposing any unlawful actions by law enforcement
- Negotiate skillfully for reduced penalties
- Representing you confidently in court, if necessary
We understand what’s at stake—and we’re here to fight for your second chance in Bates County, MO.
Bates County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Bates County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Bates County, MO: Possible Legal Defenses
At Combs Waterkotte, no two cases are alike—but our Bates County, MO weapons crime defense team has successfully used a wide range of defenses to protect clients’ rights and freedom:
- Self-Defense or Defense of Others — Missouri’s strong self-defense laws, including the Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine, may justify your actions if you used force to protect yourself or someone else from an immediate threat.
- Unlawful Search or Seizure — If police recovered the weapon without a warrant, probable cause, or during an illegal traffic stop, we may be able to get the evidence thrown out
- 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 — You may also have a solid defense based on alibi, entrapment, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence. Every detail matters in Bates County, MO.
If you choose a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in or around Bates County, MO, you aren’t just hiring the ideal weapons crime defense team in Bates County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with experienced weapons crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Bates County, MO residents:
Don’t Face Weapons Charges in Bates County, MO—Combs Waterkotte is on Your Side
When you’re up against a weapons charge in Bates County, MO, you need experienced legal support from the start. At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys don’t wait—they act. From negotiating a strategic plea deal to taking your case to trial, we fight to protect everything you stand to lose—your rights, freedom, and future.
Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to connect with a trusted Bates County, MO weapons crime attorney who’s ready to fight for you.
