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Cole County, MO

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Last Updated: April 15, 2025

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 bring over 50 years of experience to every case we take on. Our criminal defense strategies have helped clients in Cole County, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.

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

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Article Summary

Facing weapons charges in Cole County, MO? Don’t leave your future to chance. Trust Combs Waterkotte—Cole County, MO’s leading criminal defense firm—to fight for your rights and freedom. Our skilled weapons crime attorneys defend clients accused of gun possession, unlawful use, armed criminal action, and other firearm offenses in and around Cole County, MO. From challenging illegal searches and seizures to negotiating reduced charges or full dismissals, we build tough, strategic defenses tailored to your situation. If you’re facing any weapons-related charge, read on to learn how we’ll help you:

  • Secure strong legal representation in Cole County, MO from the very beginning.
  • Move quickly to avoid costly mistakes after an arrest.
  • Assert your legal rights at every stage of your case.
  • Navigate the complexities of Cole County, MO weapons laws.
  • Recognize the severity of penalties tied to weapons crimes.

Weapons Crime Attorney in Cole County, MO: What is 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 Cole County, 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 Cole County, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon in in or Around Cole County, MO

These crimes are more common in Cole County, 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
  • Flashing or brandishing a gun in a way that alarms or threatens others
  • Illegally carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
  • Possession of firearms in prohibited places, as outlined in Missouri law
  • 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 Cole 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 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

If you’re accused of committing a felony while armed in Cole County, MO, you could be facing an armed criminal action enhancement—an add-on charge that dramatically increases prison time. These enhancements apply to felonies such as:

Missouri’s sentencing is strict:

  • First offense: 3-year minimum
  • Second offense: At least 5 years
  • Third offense: 10+ years

Possession of a Defaced Firearm in or Around Cole County, MO

Owning a gun with a tampered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—can lead to serious trouble in Cole County, MO. It’s a Class B misdemeanor, but the implications are long-term: it can permanently affect your gun rights and your record.

Unlawful Sale, Transfer, or Trafficking of Weapons in 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:

  • Transferring weapons to minors
  • Giving a gun to someone with a criminal record
  • Failing to check legal eligibility before a sale

Penalties vary, with charges ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. An experienced Cole County, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you fight these accusations and protect your future.


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    Arrested for a Weapons Crime in Cole County, MO? Take These Steps Now

    If you’re under investigation or already facing charges in Cole County, MO, it’s important to act fast:

    1. Do not speak to the police without an attorney present.
    2. Get in touch with our team immediately for a risk-free case assessment.
    3. Let us review your case in Cole County, MO, protect your rights, and start building your 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  Cole County, MO | Leading Missouri Criminal Defense Law Firm | Cole County, MO Criminal Defense Lawyers

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Cole County, MO: Why Hiring a Skilled Lawyer is Crucial

    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.

    Here’s how an experienced Cole County, MO weapons crime attorney helps protect you:

    • Protecting your rights from the moment of your arrest
    • Thorough Investigation of the Evidence
    • Push back against unconstitutional searches or arrests
    • Negotiate skillfully for reduced penalties
    • 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 Cole County, MO.

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Cole County, MO: Possible 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 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 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 — 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 partner with a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in the Cole County, MO area, you’re not just selecting the leading weapons crime defense team in Cole County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with knowledgeable weapons crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Cole County and beyond:

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Cole County, MO | Skilled Missouri Criminal Defense Lawyers | Cole County, MO Weapons Defense Law Firm

    Don’t Face Weapons Charges 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 to connect with a trusted Cole County, MO weapons crime attorney who’s ready to fight for you.

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