Carthage, MO

Weapons crime attorney in Carthage, MO. Charged with a weapons crime in Carthage, 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 Carthage, 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 Carthage, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.

Call our trusted Carthage, 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 Carthage, MO and beyond—and we’re ready to fight for you.

Article Summary

Weapons charges in Carthage, MO can carry life-changing consequences, but Combs Waterkotte is here to help. Our aggressive, results-driven weapons crime attorneys serve clients throughout the Carthage, 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:

• Secure strong legal representation in Carthage, MO from the very beginning.
• Understand the importance of acting quickly after being charged.
• Assert your legal rights at every stage of your case.
• 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 is Considered 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

Under Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, possessing a firearm becomes illegal if:

• You’re a convicted felon
• You are underage
• You belong to a group legally barred from owning firearms
• You are violating federal firearm restrictions

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 Carthage, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon in the Carthage, MO Area

These crimes are more common in Carthage, MO than you might think—and incredibly serious. They often involve:

• Discharging a firearm in a restricted area or while impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Pointing or displaying a gun in a threatening or dangerous way
• Illegally carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
• 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 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

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 Carthage, MO, this charge enhances penalties tied to underlying 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 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 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:

• Selling or gifting firearms to minors
• Giving a gun to someone with a criminal record
• Failing to confirm eligibility before a sale

Depending on the circumstances, the offense may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony. A knowledgeable Carthage, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can help you avoid the worst-case scenario.

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Charged With a Weapons Crime in Carthage, MO? Take These Steps Now

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

1. Do not speak to the police without an attorney present.
2. Contact our office immediately for a no-obligation case review.
3. Allow our Carthage, 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 Carthage, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can begin helping you from day one.

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
• Analyze the facts and challenge weak or flawed evidence
• Exposing any unlawful actions by law enforcement
• 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 Carthage, MO.

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

At Combs Waterkotte, no two cases are alike—but our Carthage, 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 has “Stand Your Ground” and “Castle Doctrine” laws, allowing you to use force—including deadly force—to protect yourself and others. Our weapons crime attorney in Carthage, MO can work to prove your use of force was necessary given your reasonable fear of imminent threat.
• Illegal Search or Seizure — We can utilize this defense if the weapon was found during a search that violated your Fourth Amendment rights in Carthage, MO, such as:
• No warrant
• No probable cause
• An unlawful traffic stop
• Lack of Knowledge or Intent — 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 — Other valid defenses for your Carthage, 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.

If you hire a Combs Waterkotte Carthage, MO weapons crime attorney, you’re not just hiring the top-rated weapons crime defense team in Carthage, MO and beyond – you’re safeguarding 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 Carthage, MO residents:

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

Don’t Face Weapons Charges in Carthage, 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 Carthage, 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 for a case review where you can get answers from a Carthage, MO weapons crime attorney who cares.