Columbia, MO

Weapons crime attorney in Columbia, MO. Charged with a weapons crime in Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.

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

Article Summary

Weapons charges in Columbia, MO can carry life-changing consequences, but Combs Waterkotte is here to help. Our aggressive, results-driven weapons crime attorneys serve clients throughout the Columbia, 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:

• Secure strong legal representation in Columbia, MO from the very beginning.
• Act fast to strengthen your defense from the start.
• Know your rights, no matter the charge.
• Navigate the complexities of Columbia, MO weapons laws.
• Prepare for and reduce the risk of severe criminal penalties.

Weapons Crime Attorney in Columbia, MO: What is 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:

• Firing a gun in restricted areas, especially while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Pointing or displaying a gun in a threatening or dangerous way
• Illegally carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
• Bringing a firearm into prohibited locations
• Using a weapon during the commission of another crime, like burglary, assault, or drug distribution
• 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.

If you’re facing these serious charges in Columbia, MO, your future is at stake. A Combs Waterkotte skilled Columbia, 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.

Columbia, MO Armed Criminal Action

This charge refers to using or displaying a weapon during the commission of a felony offense in Columbia, MO. This is not a standalone crime but an enhancement that adds serious time to underlying charges like:

• 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

Possession of a Defaced Firearm in 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 Weapon Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in Columbia, MO

It’s unlawful to sell, loan, or transfer a weapon to someone who is prohibited from possessing one in Columbia, MO. These violations often involve:

• 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 Columbia, MO weapons crime attorney can step in and fight for you.

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Charged With a Weapons Crime in Columbia, MO? Here’s What to Do

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

1. Stay calm and don’t speak with police or investigators before calling a lawyer.
2. Reach out to our office as soon as possible for a free consultation.
3. We’ll carefully review your situation in Columbia, MO, defend your rights, and get to work building a personalized defense.

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

Being charged with a weapons offense in Columbia, MO can jeopardize your freedom, finances, and future. But with the help of an experienced defense attorney, you may be able to avoid the worst-case scenario.

Here’s how an experienced Columbia, 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
• Working to get charged reduced—or dropped altogether
• Taking Your Case to Trial if Needed

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 Defenses That Could Make All the Difference

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.
• Unlawful 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 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.

When you partner with a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in or around Columbia, MO, you’re not just hiring the ideal weapons crime defense team in Columbia, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with knowledgeable weapons crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Columbia, MO residents:

• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer
• Drug Crimes Lawyer
• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer

Don’t Face Weapons Charges 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 contact us online to speak directly with an experienced Columbia, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.