Weapons crime attorney in Chariton County, MO. Have you been charged with a weapons crime in Chariton County, MO? Don’t leave your freedom to chance. When you’re accused of a gun or weapons offense, your rights, your reputation, and your future are all on the line. You need a trusted, experienced weapons crime attorney in Chariton County, MO who knows how to fight for you—and win.
At Combs Waterkotte, we bring over 50 years of experience to every case we take on. Our criminal defense strategies have helped clients in Chariton County, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.
Call our trusted Chariton 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 Chariton County, MO and beyond—and we’re ready to fight for you.

Article Summary
If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime in Chariton County, MO, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced Chariton 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 Chariton 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 Chariton County, MO.
- Act fast to strengthen your defense from the start.
- Assert your legal rights at every stage of your case.
- Fully understand the laws and charges you’re up against in Chariton County, MO.
- Recognize the severity of penalties tied to weapons crimes.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Chariton County, MO: What is a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Weapon crimes in Chariton County, MO cover a wide range of offenses. At Combs Waterkotte, our weapons crime attorneys in Chariton County, MO have handled cases involving:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in Chariton County, 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 Chariton 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 Chariton County, MO Area
Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the Chariton County, MO area, and it can occur under a wide range of circumstances, including:
- 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
- Carrying a concealed weapon without legal authorization
- Bringing a firearm into prohibited locations
- Committing another offense—such as burglary, assault, or drug distribution—while armed
- Possessing firearms with illegal modifications or banned accessories
Depending on the details of your Chariton 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.
If you’ve been accused in Chariton County, MO, don’t wait. Contact or call a trusted Combs Waterkotte Chariton County, MO weapons crime attorney at (314) 900-HELP today to begin building your defense.
Chariton 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 Chariton County, 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 or Around Chariton County, 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 Chariton County, MO. Law enforcement treats these cases harshly due to associations with criminal trafficking and stolen guns.
Unlawful Sale, Transfer, or Trafficking of Weapons in Chariton County, MO
In Chariton 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:
- 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 Chariton 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 Chariton County, MO? Take These Steps Now
If you’re under investigation or already facing charges in Chariton County, MO, it’s important to act fast:
- Don’t answer any questions from law enforcement without legal representation.
- Get in touch with our team immediately for a risk-free case assessment.
- We’ll carefully review your situation in Chariton County, MO, defend your rights, and get to work building a personalized defense.
Time is critical in Chariton 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 in Chariton County, MO: Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Right Away
Weapons charges in Chariton 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 Chariton County, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte will:
- Immediate Protection of Your Rights
- Thorough Investigation of the Evidence
- Exposing any unlawful actions by law enforcement
- Working to get charged reduced—or dropped altogether
- Representing you confidently in court, if necessary
We understand what’s at stake—and we’re here to fight for your second chance in Chariton County, MO.
Chariton County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Chariton County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Chariton County, MO: Possible Legal Defenses
At Combs Waterkotte, no two cases are alike—but our Chariton 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 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 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 Defenses — Other valid defenses for your Chariton 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 hire a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in the Chariton County, MO area, you’re not just choosing the ideal weapons crime defense team in and around Chariton County, MO – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to esteemed weapons crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Chariton County, MO residents:
Charged With a Weapons Crime in Chariton County, MO?—Combs Waterkotte is on Your Side
When you’re up against a weapons charge in Chariton County, MO, you need experienced legal support from the start. At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys don’t wait—they act. From negotiating a strategic plea deal to taking your case to trial, we fight to protect everything you stand to lose—your rights, freedom, and future.
Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to connect with a trusted Chariton County, MO weapons crime attorney who’s ready to fight for you.