Weapons crime attorney in Bates County, MO. Facing charges of a weapons crime in Bates County, MO? Don’t gamble with your future. A weapons crime conviction can impact your freedom, your career, and your reputation. You need a skilled and aggressive weapons crime attorney in Bates County, MO who knows the system and how to protect your rights.
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 Bates County, MO area get reduced charges, dismissed cases, or complete acquittals.
If you’re facing charges, call our Bates County, MO 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 Bates County, MO and across Missouri.

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.
- Navigate the complexities of Bates County, MO weapons laws.
- Prepare for and reduce the risk of severe criminal penalties.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Bates County, MO: What is Considered a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Weapon crimes in Bates County, MO cover a wide range of offenses. At Combs Waterkotte, our weapons crime attorneys in Bates County, MO have handled cases involving:
Unlawful Firearm Possession in the Bates County, MO 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
If this is your first offense, it may be charged as a Class C felony—but with prior offenses, it can rise to a Class B felony, carrying much harsher penalties. Don’t risk your future. A skilled Bates County, MO criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case and build a strong defense from day one.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Bates County, MO
Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the Bates County, MO area, and it can occur under a wide range of circumstances, including:
- Shooting a weapon in restricted zones or while intoxicated
- Flashing or brandishing a gun in a way that alarms or threatens others
- Carrying a concealed weapon without legal authorization
- Possession of firearms in prohibited places, as outlined in Missouri law
- Committing other crimes like burglary, assault, or drug distribution while armed
- Possessing illegal weapon modifications or 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
If you’re accused of committing a felony while armed in Bates County, MO, you could be facing an armed criminal action enhancement—an add-on charge that dramatically increases prison time. These enhancements apply to felonies such as:
- 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 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.
Illegal Firearm Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking 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:
- Selling or gifting firearms to minors
- Transferring a weapon to a felon
- 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 Bates County, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can help you avoid the worst-case scenario.

Free book
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Protect Your Rights and Future
Combs Waterkotte has over 50 years of experience and over 10,000 cases handled. This ebook helps guide you through the criminal defense process and how an experienced, skilled defense attorney can keep your freedoms intact.
Arrested for a Weapons Crime in Bates County, MO? Take These Steps Now
No matter the circumstances or severity of your charges in Bates County, MO, here’s what you should do:
- Don’t answer any questions from law enforcement without legal representation.
- 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.
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 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
- Analyze the facts and challenge weak or flawed evidence
- Push back against unconstitutional searches or arrests
- Working to get charged reduced—or dropped altogether
- Defend you in court with a strong, personalized strategy
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.
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 Defenses That Could Make All the Difference
Our Bates County, MO weapons crime defense team has decades of experience successfully fighting gun and weapons charges. Here some of the powerful defenses we may use in your case:
- 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 — Police must follow strict rules when collecting evidence. If they found a weapon through an illegal search—no warrant, no probable cause, or a bad traffic stop—we’ll fight to have it excluded
- 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 — You may also have a solid defense based on alibi, entrapment, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence. Every detail matters in Bates County, MO.
When you choose a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in or around Bates County, MO, you aren’t just choosing the leading weapons crime defense team in Bates County, MO and beyond – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with esteemed weapons crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Bates County, MO residents:
Don’t Face Weapons Charges in Bates County, MO—Let Combs Waterkotte Fight for You
Weapons charges can turn your life upside down—but you don’t have to face them alone. Our experienced Bates County, MO weapons crime attorneys are ready to take action on your behalf. Whether it’s negotiating the best possible resolution or defending you in court, we’ll stand by your side every step of the way.
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.