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

Article Summary
Weapons charges in Cole 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 Cole 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 immediate steps in Cole County, MO to protect your rights and future.
- Understand the importance of acting quickly after being charged.
- Understand your legal rights and how to assert them.
- Understand the different types of weapons crimes in Cole County, MO and their legal implications.
- Have a firm grasp of what’s at stake and how to minimize penalties.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Cole County, MO: What Counts as a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our experienced Cole County, MO weapons crime attorneys have seen it all—from minor infractions to serious felony gun cases. We have handled the following types of cases and more:
Unlawful Firearm Possession in the Cole County, MO Area
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
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 Cole County, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in the Cole County, MO Area
Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the Cole 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 other crimes like burglary, assault, or drug distribution while armed
- Using or owning weapons with illegal alterations or attachments
The consequences in Cole County, MO can be life-altering. Charges can range from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A felony with decades—or a lifetime—behind bars.
If you’ve been accused in Cole County, MO, don’t wait. Contact or call a trusted Combs Waterkotte Cole County, MO weapons crime attorney at (314) 900-HELP today to begin building your defense.
Cole 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 Cole County, MO, this charge enhances penalties tied to underlying felonies such as:
- Drug Trafficking
- Assault
- Robbery
- Burglary
Penalties include mandatory minimum sentences throughout Missouri:
- 3 years for a first offense
- 5 years for a second
- 10 years or more for a third
Possession of a Defaced Firearm in Cole County, 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 Cole County, 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.
Illegal Firearm Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in or Around Cole County, MO
Selling or handing over a gun to someone who’s legally barred from possessing one in Cole County, MO is a serious offense. This could include:
- Giving a firearm to a minor
- Transferring a weapon to a felon
- Selling a firearm without verifying eligibility
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 Cole County, MO weapons crime attorney can step in and fight for you.

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Arrested for a Weapons Crime in Cole County, MO? Take These Steps Now
No matter the circumstances or severity of your charges in Cole County, MO, here’s what you should do:
- Don’t answer any questions from law enforcement without legal representation.
- Contact our office immediately for a no-obligation case review.
- We’ll carefully review your situation in Cole County, MO, defend your rights, and get to work building a personalized defense.
In weapons cases, every second counts. The earlier you contact an experienced Cole County, MO weapons crime attorney, the better your chances of protecting your future.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Cole County, MO: Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Right Away
Weapons charges in Cole 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.
An experienced Cole County, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you by:
- Step in right away to protect your legal 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
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 Cole County, MO.
Cole County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Cole County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Cole County, MO: Possible Legal Defenses
At Combs Waterkotte, no two cases are alike—but our Cole 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’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.
- Unlawful 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 Knowledge or Intent — This defense is useful in proving that you were unaware you were in possession of a weapon, like if it was planted in your possession or if someone else left it in your vehicle or home. You had no intent to use the weapon unlawfully.
- Other Defenses — You may also have a solid defense based on alibi, entrapment, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence. Every detail matters in Cole County, MO.
When you hire a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in the Cole County, MO area, you aren’t just choosing the top-rated weapons crime defense team in and around Cole County, MO – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with experienced weapons crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Cole County and beyond:
Charged With a Weapons Crime in Cole County, MO?—Let Combs Waterkotte Defend You
Weapons charges can turn your life upside down—but you don’t have to face them alone. Our experienced Cole County, 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 contact us online for a case review where you can get answers from a Cole County, MO weapons crime attorney who cares.