Weapons crime attorney in Clayton, MO. Charged with a weapons crime in Clayton, 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 Clayton, 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 Clayton, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.
Call our trusted Clayton, 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 Clayton, MO and beyond—and we’re ready to fight for you.

Article Summary
Weapons charges in Clayton, MO can carry life-changing consequences, but Combs Waterkotte is here to help. Our aggressive, results-driven weapons crime attorneys serve clients throughout the Clayton, 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 immediate steps in Clayton, MO to protect your rights and future.
- Move quickly to avoid costly mistakes after an arrest.
- Assert your legal rights at every stage of your case.
- Navigate the complexities of Clayton, MO weapons laws.
- Prepare for and reduce the risk of severe criminal penalties.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Clayton, MO: What is a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Weapon crimes in Clayton, MO cover a wide range of offenses. At Combs Waterkotte, our weapons crime attorneys in Clayton, MO have handled cases involving:
Unlawful Firearm Possession in Clayton, 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
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 Clayton, MO criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case and build a strong defense from day one.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in in or Around Clayton, MO
These crimes are more common in Clayton, MO than you might think—and incredibly serious. They often involve:
- 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 the appropriate permit
- Possession of firearms in prohibited places, as outlined in Missouri law
- Using a weapon during the commission of another crime, like burglary, assault, or drug distribution
- Possessing firearms with illegal modifications or banned 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 Clayton, MO, your future is at stake. A Combs Waterkotte skilled Clayton, 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.
Clayton, 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 Clayton, MO, this charge enhances penalties tied to underlying felonies such as:
- Drug Trafficking
- Assault
- Robbery
- Burglary
Missouri’s sentencing is strict:
- First offense: 3-year minimum
- Second offense: At least 5 years
- Third offense: 10+ years
Defaced Firearm Possession in or Around Clayton, 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 Clayton, 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.
Unlawful Sale, Transfer, or Trafficking of Weapons in or Around Clayton, MO
It’s unlawful to sell, loan, or transfer a weapon to someone who is prohibited from possessing one in Clayton, MO. These violations often involve:
- Giving a firearm to a minor
- Giving a gun to someone with a criminal record
- 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 Clayton, MO weapons crime attorney can step in and fight for you.

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Arrested for a Weapons Crime in Clayton, MO? Here’s What to Do
No matter the circumstances or severity of your charges in Clayton, MO, here’s what you should do:
- Do not speak to the police without an attorney present.
- Contact our office immediately for a no-obligation case review.
- Allow our Clayton, MO legal team to evaluate the charges, safeguard your rights, and start building a strong defense strategy.
In weapons cases, every second counts. The earlier you contact an experienced Clayton, MO weapons crime attorney, the better your chances of protecting your future.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Clayton, MO: Here’s Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Immediately
Weapons charges in Clayton, MO can result in heavy fines, jail or prison time, loss of firearm rights, and a permanent criminal record. But with the right legal representation, your story doesn’t have to end there.
A trusted Clayton, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte will:
- Immediate Protection of Your Rights
- Investigating the prosecution’s claims and gathering critical evidence
- Push back against unconstitutional searches or arrests
- Negotiating for Reduced or Dismissed Charges
- Taking Your Case to Trial if Needed
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 Clayton, MO.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Clayton, MO: Possible Defenses
Every case is different, but our Clayton, 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’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.
- 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 Possible Defenses — Other valid defenses for your Clayton, 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 partner with a Combs Waterkotte Clayton, MO weapons crime attorney, you aren’t just selecting the top-rated weapons crime defense team in Clayton, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to esteemed weapons crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Clayton, MO residents:
Don’t Face Weapons Charges in Clayton, MO—Let Combs Waterkotte Defend You
When you’re up against a weapons charge in Clayton, 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 speak directly with an experienced Clayton, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.