Weapons Crime Attorney Columbia, MO

Weapons crime attorney in Columbia, MO. Have you been charged with a weapons crime in Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO who knows how to fight for you—and win.

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 Columbia, MO area get reduced charges, dismissed cases, or complete acquittals.

If you’re facing charges, call our Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO and across Missouri.

Article Summary

If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime in Columbia, MO, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced Columbia, MO weapons crime attorneys aggressively defend clients facing gun charges, unlawful use of weapons, armed criminal action, and other firearm-related offenses throughout the Columbia, 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:

• Secure strong legal representation in Columbia, MO from the very beginning.
• Move quickly to avoid costly mistakes after an arrest.
• Know your rights, no matter the charge.
• Fully understand the laws and charges you’re up against in Columbia, MO.
• Recognize the severity of penalties tied to weapons crimes.

Weapons Crime Attorney in Columbia, MO: What is Considered a Weapons Crime in Missouri?

Weapon crimes in Columbia, MO cover a wide range of offenses. At Combs Waterkotte, our weapons crime attorneys in Columbia, MO have handled cases involving:

Unlawful Firearm Possession in the Columbia, 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

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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO Area

These crimes are more common in Columbia, 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
• 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
• Using or owning weapons with illegal alterations or attachments

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.

Don’t roll the dice with your freedom. Call Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to speak with a weapons crime attorney in Columbia, MO who can help get you the best possible outcome.

Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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

Defaced Firearm Possession in or Around Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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 the Columbia, MO Area

Selling or handing over a gun to someone who’s legally barred from possessing one in Columbia, MO is a serious offense. This could include:

• Selling or gifting firearms to minors
• Providing weapons to convicted felons
• 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 Columbia, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can help you avoid the worst-case scenario.

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

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

1. Don’t answer any questions from law enforcement without legal representation.
2. Get in touch with our team immediately for a risk-free case assessment.
3. Allow our Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can begin helping you from day one.

Weapons Crime Attorney in Columbia, MO: Here’s Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Immediately

Weapons charges in Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you by:

• Step in right away to protect your legal rights
• Analyze the facts and challenge weak or flawed evidence
• Push back against unconstitutional searches or arrests
• Negotiating for Reduced or Dismissed Charges
• Defend you in court with a strong, personalized strategy

We understand what’s at stake—and we’re here to fight for your second chance in Columbia, MO.

Weapons Crime Attorney in Columbia, MO: Possible Legal Defenses

Our Columbia, MO weapons crime defense team has decades of experience successfully fighting gun and weapons charges. Here some of the powerful defenses we may use in your case:

• 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 Columbia, MO can work to prove your use of force was necessary given your reasonable fear of imminent 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 Columbia, 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 choose a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in the Columbia, MO area, you’re not just hiring the ideal weapons crime defense team in and around Columbia, MO – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with experienced weapons crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Columbia and beyond:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys

Charged With a Weapons Crime in Columbia, MO?—Let Combs Waterkotte Defend You

When you’re facing a weapons charge in Columbia, MO, every detail matters. Our team of weapons crime attorneys is ready to stand between you and the prosecution. Whether it’s negotiating a favorable plea or going to trial, we’re here to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.

Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a case review where you can get answers from a Columbia, MO weapons crime attorney who cares.