Bates County, MO

Weapons crime attorney in Bates County, MO. Charged with a weapons crime in Bates County, MO? Your rights and future are too important to risk. Whether you’re accused of unlawful possession, illegal discharge, or another weapon-related crime, you need a reliable weapons crime attorney in Bates County, MO who knows the ins and outs of Missouri criminal courts and delivers results.

At Combs Waterkotte, we bring over 50 years of experience to every case we take on. Our criminal defense strategies have helped clients in Bates County, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.

Call our trusted Bates County, MO weapons crime attorney as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We’ve successfully handled over 10,000 cases in Bates County, MO and beyond—and we’re ready to fight for you.

Article Summary

If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime in Bates County, MO, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced Bates County, MO weapons crime attorneys aggressively defend clients facing gun charges, unlawful use of weapons, armed criminal action, and other firearm-related offenses throughout the Bates County, MO 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, read on to see how Combs Waterkotte provides the experience and skill you need to:

• Take the first step in protecting your freedom by contacting the right attorney in Bates County, MO.
• Understand the importance of acting quickly after being charged.
• Know your rights, no matter the charge.
• Fully understand the laws and charges you’re up against in Bates County, MO.
• Recognize the severity of penalties tied to weapons crimes.

Weapons Crime Attorney in Bates County, MO: What Counts as a Weapons Crime in Missouri?

Our Bates County, MO weapons crime attorneys have handled the following types of cases and more:

Unlawful Firearm Possession in the Bates County, MO Area

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 the Bates County, MO Area

This is one of the most frequently charged weapons crimes in the Bates County, MO area and can arise in a variety of situations, including:

• Shooting a weapon in restricted zones or while intoxicated
• Brandishing or displaying a firearm in a threatening or reckless manner
• Illegally carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
• Possessing a firearm in areas where it is legally prohibited
• Committing another offense—such as burglary, assault, or drug distribution—while armed
• Possessing illegal weapon modifications or accessories

The consequences in Bates County, MO can be life-altering. Charges can range from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A felony with decades—or a lifetime—behind bars.

If you’ve been accused in Bates County, MO, don’t wait. Contact or call a trusted Combs Waterkotte Bates County, MO weapons crime attorney at (314) 900-HELP today to begin building your defense.

Bates County, MO Armed Criminal Action

Armed criminal action occurs when a weapon is used or visibly displayed during the commission of a felony offense. While not a separate crime on its own in Bates County, MO, this charge enhances penalties tied to underlying felonies such as:

• Drug Trafficking
• Assault
• Robbery
• Burglary

Missouri’s sentencing is strict:

• First offense: 3-year minimum
• Second offense: At least 5 years
• Third offense: 10+ years

Possession of a Defaced Firearm in or Around Bates County, MO

Possessing a firearm with a removed or altered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—is a red flag to law enforcement in and around Bates County, MO, 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 the Bates County, MO Area

In Bates County, MO 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
• Providing weapons to convicted felons
• Failing to confirm eligibility before a sale

Penalties vary, with charges ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. An experienced Bates County, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you fight these accusations and protect your future.

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Charged With 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:

1. Don’t answer any questions from law enforcement without legal representation.
2. Reach out to our office as soon as possible for a free consultation.
3. Allow our Bates County, MO legal team to evaluate the charges, safeguard your rights, and start building a strong defense strategy.

Don’t wait—quick action can make all the difference. A knowledgeable Bates County, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can begin helping you from day one.

Weapons Crime Attorney in Bates County, MO: Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Right Away

Weapons charges in Bates County, MO 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 Bates County, MO weapons crime attorney helps protect you:

• Immediate Protection of Your Rights
• Thorough Investigation of the Evidence
• Push back against unconstitutional searches or arrests
• Negotiate skillfully for reduced penalties
• Taking Your Case to Trial if Needed

Our team is known for being fearless in the courtroom and strategic behind the scenes. We take every charge seriously and fight to protect your freedom in Bates County, MO.

Weapons Crime Attorney in Bates County, MO: Possible Defenses That Could Make All the Difference

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.
• Illegal 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 — Maybe the weapon wasn’t yours, or you had no idea it was in your possession. We’ll work to show there was no criminal intent on your part.
• Other Defenses — Other valid defenses for your Bates County, MO 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.

When you choose a Combs Waterkotte Bates County, MO weapons crime attorney, you’re not just selecting the leading weapons crime defense team in Bates County, MO and beyond – you’re safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to experienced weapons crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Bates County, MO residents:

• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer
• Drug Crimes Lawyer
• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer

Charged With a Weapons Crime in Bates County, MO?—Combs Waterkotte is on Your Side

When you’re facing a weapons charge in Bates County, MO, 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 to connect with a trusted Bates County, MO weapons crime attorney who’s ready to fight for you.