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.
At Combs Waterkotte, we bring over 50 years of experience to every case we take on. Our criminal defense strategies have helped clients in Des Peres, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.
Call our trusted Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO and beyond—and we’re ready to fight for you.

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.
- Understand the importance of acting quickly after being charged.
- Assert your legal rights at every stage of your case.
- Navigate the complexities of Des Peres, MO weapons laws.
- Prepare for and reduce the risk of severe criminal penalties.
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, 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
If this is your first offense, it may be charged as a Class C felony—but with prior offenses, it can rise to a Class B felony, carrying much harsher penalties. Don’t risk your future. A skilled Des Peres, MO criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case and build a strong defense from day one.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Des Peres, MO
Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the Des Peres, MO area, and it can occur under a wide range of circumstances, including:
- Shooting a weapon in restricted zones or while intoxicated
- Brandishing or displaying a firearm in a threatening or reckless manner
- Illegally carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
- Possession of firearms in prohibited places, as outlined in Missouri law
- 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 Des Peres, MO, your future is at stake. A Combs Waterkotte skilled Des Peres, 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.
Des Peres, MO Armed Criminal Action
This charge refers to using or displaying a weapon during the commission of a felony offense in Des Peres, MO. This is not a standalone crime but an enhancement that adds serious time to underlying charges like:
- 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
Possession of a Defaced Firearm in or Around Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO. Law enforcement treats these cases harshly due to associations with criminal trafficking and stolen guns.
Illegal Firearm Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking 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:
- Selling or gifting firearms to minors
- Providing weapons to convicted felons
- 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 Des Peres, MO weapons crime attorney can step in and fight for you.

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Arrested for a Weapons Crime in Des Peres, MO? Here’s Your Next Move
No matter the circumstances or severity of your charges in Des Peres, MO, here’s what you should do:
- Stay calm and don’t speak with police or investigators before calling a lawyer.
- Contact our office immediately for a no-obligation case review.
- We’ll carefully review your situation in Des Peres, MO, defend your rights, and get to work building a personalized defense.
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: Why Hiring a Skilled Lawyer is Crucial
Weapons charges in Des Peres, MO can result in heavy fines, jail or prison time, loss of firearm rights, and a permanent criminal record. But with the right legal representation, your story doesn’t have to end there.
Here’s how an experienced Des Peres, MO weapons crime attorney helps protect you:
- Protecting your rights from the moment of your arrest
- Investigating the prosecution’s claims and gathering critical evidence
- Challenging Unlawful Searches or Arrests
- Negotiate skillfully for reduced penalties
- Taking Your Case to Trial if Needed
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
At Combs Waterkotte, no two cases are alike—but our Des Peres, 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 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.
- Illegal Search or Seizure — We can utilize this defense if the weapon was found during a search that violated your Fourth Amendment rights in Des Peres, MO, such as:
- No warrant
- No probable cause
- An unlawful traffic stop
- Lack of Intent or Knowledge — 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 Defenses — You may also have a solid defense based on alibi, entrapment, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence. Every detail matters in Des Peres, MO.
If you choose a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in the Des Peres, MO area, you’re not just hiring the leading 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 attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Des Peres, MO residents:
- DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
- Violent Crime Lawyer
- Drug Crimes Lawyer
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
Charged With a Weapons Crime 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 reach out online to speak directly with an experienced Des Peres, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.