Weapons crime attorney in Carthage, MO. Facing charges of a weapons crime in Carthage, 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 Carthage, 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 Carthage, MO area get reduced charges, dismissed cases, or complete acquittals.
If you’re facing charges, call our Carthage, 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 Carthage, MO and across Missouri.

Article Summary
If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime in Carthage, MO, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced Carthage, MO weapons crime attorneys aggressively defend clients facing gun charges, unlawful use of weapons, armed criminal action, and other firearm-related offenses throughout the Carthage, 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:
- Secure strong legal representation in Carthage, MO from the very beginning.
- Move quickly to avoid costly mistakes after an arrest.
- Understand your legal rights and how to assert them.
- Navigate the complexities of Carthage, MO weapons laws.
- Have a firm grasp of what’s at stake and how to minimize penalties.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Carthage, MO: What Counts as a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our Carthage, MO weapons crime attorneys have handled the following types of cases and more:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in Carthage, MO
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 Carthage, MO criminal defense attorney evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to preserve your rights and future.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in in or Around Carthage, MO
Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the Carthage, 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
- Using a weapon during the commission of another crime, like burglary, assault, or drug distribution
- Possessing firearms with illegal modifications or banned accessories
Depending on the details of your Carthage, 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.
If you’ve been accused in Carthage, MO, don’t wait. Contact or call a trusted Combs Waterkotte Carthage, MO weapons crime attorney at (314) 900-HELP today to begin building your defense.
Carthage, MO Armed Criminal Action
This charge refers to using or displaying a weapon during the commission of a felony offense in Carthage, 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 Carthage, 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 Carthage, MO. Law enforcement treats these cases harshly due to associations with criminal trafficking and stolen guns.
Illegal Firearm Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in or Around Carthage, MO
Selling or handing over a gun to someone who’s legally barred from possessing one in Carthage, MO is a serious offense. This could include:
- Giving a firearm to a minor
- Giving a gun to someone with a criminal record
- Failing to check legal 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 Carthage, MO weapons crime attorney can step in and fight for you.

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Arrested for a Weapons Crime in Carthage, MO? Here’s What to Do
If you’re under investigation or already facing charges in Carthage, MO, it’s important to act fast:
- Do not speak to the police without an attorney present.
- Reach out to our office as soon as possible for a free consultation.
- Allow our Carthage, MO legal team to evaluate the charges, safeguard your rights, and start building a strong defense strategy.
Time is critical in Carthage, 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 Carthage, MO: Here’s Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Immediately
Being charged with a weapons offense in Carthage, 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 Carthage, MO weapons crime attorney helps protect you:
- Immediate Protection of Your Rights
- Thorough Investigation of the Evidence
- Push back against unconstitutional 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 Carthage, MO.
Jasper County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jasper County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Carthage, MO: Possible Defenses That Could Make All the Difference
Every case is different, but our Carthage, MO 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 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 — 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 Intent or Knowledge — If you didn’t knowingly possess the weapon or were unaware of its presence—such as someone else placing it in your car—you may have a valid defense.
- Other Possible Defenses — You may also have a solid defense based on alibi, entrapment, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence. Every detail matters in Carthage, MO.
If you partner with a Combs Waterkotte Carthage, MO weapons crime attorney, you aren’t just hiring the ideal weapons crime defense team in Carthage, MO and beyond – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with esteemed weapons crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Carthage, MO residents:
Don’t Face Weapons Charges in Carthage, MO—Combs Waterkotte is on Your Side
When you’re facing a weapons charge in Carthage, 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 Carthage, MO weapons crime attorney who’s ready to fight for you.