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Cape Girardeau County, MO

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Last Updated: April 15, 2025

Weapons crime attorney in Cape Girardeau County, MO. Charged with a weapons crime in Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau County, MO who knows the ins and outs of Missouri criminal courts and delivers results.

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 Cape Girardeau County, MO area get reduced charges, dismissed cases, or complete acquittals.

If you’re facing charges, call our Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau County, MO and across Missouri.

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Article Summary

Weapons charges in Cape Girardeau County, MO can carry life-changing consequences, but Combs Waterkotte is here to help. Our aggressive, results-driven weapons crime attorneys serve clients throughout the Cape Girardeau County, MO area facing accusations involving guns, illegal possession, armed criminal action, or trafficking. We know how to push back against the prosecution and protect your rights. Read on to learn that when you work with us, we’ll help you:

  • Take the first step in protecting your freedom by contacting the right attorney in Cape Girardeau County, MO.
  • Move quickly to avoid costly mistakes after an arrest.
  • Assert your legal rights at every stage of your case.
  • Navigate the complexities of Cape Girardeau County, MO weapons laws.
  • Prepare for and reduce the risk of severe criminal penalties.

Weapons Crime Attorney in Cape Girardeau County, MO: What is a Weapons Crime in Missouri?

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

Unlawful Firearm Possession in the Cape Girardeau County, MO Area

According to Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, it is illegal to possess a gun in Cape Girardeau 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

This charge is often a Class C felony, but it can be boosted to a Class B felony for individuals with prior convictions. Being charged with unlawful possession is serious—speak with a trusted Cape Girardeau County, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon in in or Around Cape Girardeau County, MO

Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the Cape Girardeau County, MO area, and it can occur under a wide range of circumstances, including:

  • Firing a gun in restricted areas, especially while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Pointing or displaying a gun in a threatening or dangerous way
  • Carrying a concealed weapon without legal authorization
  • 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

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 Cape Girardeau County, MO, your future is at stake. A Combs Waterkotte skilled Cape Girardeau County, MO 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.

Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau County, MO, this charge enhances penalties tied to underlying felonies such as:

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 Cape Girardeau County, MO

Owning a gun with a tampered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—can lead to serious trouble in Cape Girardeau County, MO. It’s a Class B misdemeanor, but the implications are long-term: it can permanently affect your gun rights and your record.

Illegal Firearm Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in Cape Girardeau County, MO

In Cape Girardeau 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
  • Transferring a weapon to a felon
  • 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 Cape Girardeau County, MO weapons crime attorney can step in and fight for you.


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    Charged With a Weapons Crime in Cape Girardeau County, MO? Here’s Your Next Move

    Regardless of how serious the accusations are, here’s what you need to do right away in Cape Girardeau County, MO:

    1. Stay calm and don’t speak with police or investigators before calling a lawyer.
    2. Contact our office immediately for a no-obligation case review.
    3. Let us review your case in Cape Girardeau County, MO, protect your rights, and start building your defense.

    Time is critical in Cape Girardeau 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  Cape Girardeau County, MO | Leading Missouri Criminal Defense Law Firm | Cape Girardeau County, MO Criminal Defense Lawyers

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Cape Girardeau County, MO: Why Hiring a Skilled Lawyer is Crucial

    Being charged with a weapons offense in Cape Girardeau County, MO can jeopardize your freedom, finances, and future. But with the help of an experienced defense attorney, you may be able to avoid the worst-case scenario.

    Here’s how an experienced Cape Girardeau County, MO weapons crime attorney helps protect you:

    • Protecting your rights from the moment of your arrest
    • Investigating the prosecution’s claims and gathering critical evidence
    • Push back against unconstitutional searches or arrests
    • Working to get charged reduced—or dropped altogether
    • 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 Cape Girardeau County, MO.

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

    Our Cape Girardeau 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 laws like Stand Your Ground statute and Castle Doctrine protect your right to defend yourself. If you acted out of fear for your life or safety, we’ll work to prove it.
    • 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 Intent or Knowledge 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 Cape Girardeau County, MO.

    When you partner with a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in or around Cape Girardeau County, MO, you aren’t just choosing the leading weapons crime defense team in and around Cape Girardeau County, MO – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to experienced weapons crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Cape Girardeau County, MO residents:

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Cape Girardeau County, MO | Skilled Missouri Criminal Defense Lawyers | Cape Girardeau County, MO Weapons Defense Law Firm

    Charged With a Weapons Crime in Cape Girardeau County, MO?—Let Combs Waterkotte Defend You

    When you’re facing a weapons charge in Cape Girardeau 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 contact us online to speak directly with an experienced Cape Girardeau County, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.

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