Weapons crime attorney in Des Peres, MO. Have you been charged with a weapons crime in Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO who knows how to fight for you—and win.
The lawyers at Combs Waterkotte understand the serious nature of these charges. With more than 60 years of combined experience and a proven track record in weapons and gun defense cases, we use tailored defense strategies to challenge the prosecution and fight for the best possible outcome.
Don’t wait—call our Des Peres, MO weapons crime attorneys right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for your free, confidential consultation. We’ve successfully handled 10,000+ cases just like yours in Des Peres, MO and beyond.
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Article Summary
If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime in Des Peres, MO, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced Des Peres, MO weapons crime attorneys aggressively defend clients facing gun charges, unlawful use of weapons, armed criminal action, and other firearm-related offenses throughout the Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO from the very beginning.
- Move quickly to avoid costly mistakes after an arrest.
- Understand your legal rights and how to assert them.
- Understand the different types of weapons crimes in Des Peres, MO and their legal implications.
- 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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Weapons Crime Attorney in Des Peres, MO: What is a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our Des Peres, MO weapons crime attorneys have handled the following types of cases and more:
Unlawful Firearm Possession in the Des Peres, MO Area
According to Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, it is illegal to possess a gun in Des Peres, MO, if:
- You’ve been convicted of a felony
- You’re under the legal age
- You’re in a category of people prohibited from gun ownership
- You’re violating federal law regarding firearm possession
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 Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO Area
This is one of the most frequently charged weapons crimes in the Des Peres, MO area and can arise in a variety of situations, including:
- Firing a gun in restricted areas, especially while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Flashing or brandishing a gun in a way that alarms or threatens others
- Carrying a concealed weapon without the appropriate permit
- Possessing a firearm in areas where it is legally prohibited
- Committing other crimes like burglary, assault, or drug distribution while armed
- Using or owning weapons with illegal alterations or attachments
The consequences in Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO, don’t wait. Contact or call a trusted Combs Waterkotte Des Peres, MO weapons crime attorney at (314) 900-HELP today to begin building your defense.
Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO, this charge enhances penalties tied to underlying felonies such as:
- 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
Defaced Firearm Possession in Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO
In Des Peres, 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:
- Transferring weapons to minors
- Giving a gun to someone with a criminal record
- Failing to confirm eligibility before a sale
Penalties vary, with charges ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. An experienced Des Peres, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you fight these accusations and protect your future.
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Charged With a Weapons Crime in Des Peres, MO? Here’s Your Next Move
Regardless of how serious the accusations are, here’s what you need to do right away in Des Peres, MO:
- Do not speak to the police without an attorney present.
- Contact our office immediately for a no-obligation case review.
- Allow our Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can begin helping you from day one.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Des Peres, MO: Here’s Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Immediately
Being charged with a weapons offense in Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO weapons crime attorney helps protect you:
- Immediate Protection of Your Rights
- Investigating the prosecution’s claims and gathering critical evidence
- Push back against unconstitutional 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 Des Peres, MO.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Des Peres, MO: Possible Defenses
Every case is different, but our Des Peres, MO weapons crime defense team has decades of experience using the following defenses to get clients the best possible outcome:
- 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 Des Peres, MO can work to prove your use of force was necessary given your reasonable fear of imminent 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 — Other valid defenses for your Des Peres, 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 the Des Peres, MO area, you aren’t just selecting the ideal weapons crime defense team in Des Peres, MO and beyond – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with experienced weapons crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Des Peres and beyond:
Don’t Face Weapons Charges in Des Peres, MO—Let Combs Waterkotte Defend You
When you’re facing a weapons charge in Des Peres, 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 for a case review where you can get answers from a Des Peres, MO weapons crime attorney who cares.
