Weapons crime attorney in Cottleville, MO. Have you been charged with a weapons crime in Cottleville, 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 Cottleville, MO who knows how to fight for you—and win.
At Combs Waterkotte, we bring over 60 years of experience to every case we take on. Our criminal defense strategies have helped clients in Cottleville, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.
Call our trusted Cottleville, 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 Cottleville, MO and beyond—and we’re ready to fight for you.
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Article Summary
If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime in Cottleville, MO, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced Cottleville, MO weapons crime attorneys aggressively defend clients facing gun charges, unlawful use of weapons, armed criminal action, and other firearm-related offenses throughout the Cottleville, 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:
- Take immediate steps in Cottleville, MO to protect your rights and future.
- Act fast to strengthen your defense from the start.
- Assert your legal rights at every stage of your case.
- Fully understand the laws and charges you’re up against in Cottleville, MO.
- Prepare for and reduce the risk of severe criminal penalties.
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Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
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Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
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Weapons Crime Attorney in Cottleville, MO: What Counts as a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Weapon crimes in Cottleville, MO cover a wide range of offenses. At Combs Waterkotte, our weapons crime attorneys in Cottleville, MO have handled cases involving:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in Cottleville, 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 Cottleville, 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 Cottleville, MO
Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the Cottleville, MO area, and it can occur under a wide range of circumstances, including:
- Shooting a weapon in restricted zones or while intoxicated
- Pointing or displaying a gun in a threatening or dangerous way
- Carrying a concealed weapon without the appropriate permit
- Possession of firearms in prohibited places, as outlined in Missouri law
- Committing other crimes like burglary, assault, or drug distribution while armed
- Possessing illegal weapon modifications or 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 Cottleville, MO, your future is at stake. A Combs Waterkotte skilled Cottleville, 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.
Cottleville, 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 Cottleville, 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 Cottleville, MO
If you’re caught with a firearm that has an altered or missing serial number, you may be charged with possessing a defaced firearm—a Class B misdemeanor in Cottleville, MO. Law enforcement treats these cases harshly due to associations with criminal trafficking and stolen guns.
Unlawful Weapon Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in or Around Cottleville, MO
In Cottleville, MO and anywhere else in Missouri, it is illegal to sell, lease, give, or otherwise transfer firearms to individuals who are legally barred from owning them. Common scenarios include:
- Giving a firearm to a minor
- Providing weapons to convicted felons
- Failing to confirm eligibility before a sale
Penalties vary, with charges ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. An experienced Cottleville, 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 Cottleville, MO? Take These Steps Now
No matter the circumstances or severity of your charges in Cottleville, MO, here’s what you should do:
- Stay calm and don’t speak with police or investigators before calling a lawyer.
- Reach out to our office as soon as possible for a free consultation.
- We’ll carefully review your situation in Cottleville, MO, defend your rights, and get to work building a personalized defense.
Time is critical in Cottleville, MO weapons cases. The sooner you involve our expert weapons crime attorney, the more options we’ll have to reduce or eliminate the charges against you.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Cottleville, MO: Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Right Away
Being charged with a weapons offense in Cottleville, 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 Cottleville, MO weapons crime attorney helps protect you:
- Protecting your rights from the moment of your arrest
- Analyze the facts and challenge weak or flawed evidence
- Challenging Unlawful Searches or Arrests
- Negotiate skillfully for reduced penalties
- Defend you in court with a strong, personalized strategy
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 Cottleville, MO.
St. Charles County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Charles County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Cottleville, MO: Possible Legal Defenses
At Combs Waterkotte, no two cases are alike—but our Cottleville, 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.
- 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 Intent or Knowledge — 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 Possible Defenses — Depending on the facts in Cottleville, MO, we may raise a strong alibi, argue entrapment, expose mistaken identity, or challenge the prosecution’s evidence altogether.
If you choose a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in the Cottleville, MO area, you’re not just selecting the ideal weapons crime defense team in Cottleville, 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 Cottleville, MO residents:
Don’t Face Weapons Charges in Cottleville, MO—Let Combs Waterkotte Fight for You
When you’re up against a weapons charge in Cottleville, 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 Cottleville, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.
