Weapons crime attorney in Festus, MO. Charged with a weapons crime in Festus, 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 Festus, 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 Festus, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.
Call our trusted Festus, 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 Festus, MO and beyond—and we’re ready to fight for you.

Article Summary
Facing weapons charges in Festus, MO? Don’t leave your future to chance. Trust Combs Waterkotte—Festus, MO’s leading criminal defense firm—to fight for your rights and freedom. Our skilled weapons crime attorneys defend clients accused of gun possession, unlawful use, armed criminal action, and other firearm offenses in and around Festus, MO. From challenging illegal searches and seizures to negotiating reduced charges or full dismissals, we build tough, strategic defenses tailored to your situation. If you’re facing any weapons-related charge, read on to learn how we’ll help you:
- Take immediate steps in Festus, MO to protect your rights and future.
- Move quickly to avoid costly mistakes after an arrest.
- Know your rights, no matter the charge.
- Understand the different types of weapons crimes in Festus, MO and their legal implications.
- Have a firm grasp of what’s at stake and how to minimize penalties.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Festus, MO: What Counts as a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our Festus, MO weapons crime attorneys have handled the following types of cases and more:
Unlawful Firearm Possession in the Festus, MO Area
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 Festus, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in the Festus, MO Area
This is one of the most frequently charged weapons crimes in the Festus, MO area and can arise in a variety of situations, including:
- Shooting a weapon in restricted zones or while intoxicated
- Flashing or brandishing a gun in a way that alarms or threatens others
- Illegally carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
- Bringing a firearm into prohibited locations
- 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.
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 Festus, MO who can help get you the best possible outcome.
Festus, 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 Festus, 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 Festus, MO
Owning a gun with a tampered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—can lead to serious trouble in Festus, MO. It’s a Class B misdemeanor, but the implications are long-term: it can permanently affect your gun rights and your record.
Unlawful Weapon Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in or Around Festus, MO
It’s unlawful to sell, loan, or transfer a weapon to someone who is prohibited from possessing one in Festus, MO. These violations often involve:
- Giving a firearm to a minor
- Giving a gun to someone with a criminal record
- Failing to confirm eligibility before a sale
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 Festus, MO weapons crime attorney can step in and fight for you.

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Arrested for a Weapons Crime in Festus, MO? Here’s Your Next Move
No matter the circumstances or severity of your charges in Festus, MO, here’s what you should do:
- Do not speak to the police without an attorney present.
- Get in touch with our team immediately for a risk-free case assessment.
- Allow our Festus, 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 Festus, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can begin helping you from day one.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Festus, MO: Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Right Away
Weapons charges in Festus, 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.
An experienced Festus, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you by:
- Protecting your rights from the moment of your arrest
- Investigating the prosecution’s claims and gathering critical evidence
- Push back against unconstitutional searches or arrests
- Negotiating for Reduced or Dismissed Charges
- Defend you in court with a strong, personalized strategy
At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t back down. We question every detail, build aggressive defense strategies, and fight relentlessly for the best outcome in Festus, MO.
Jefferson County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jefferson County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Festus, MO: Possible Defenses
Every case is different, but our Festus, 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’s strong self-defense laws, including the Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine, may justify your actions if you used force to protect yourself or someone else from an immediate 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 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 Defenses — You may also have a solid defense based on alibi, entrapment, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence. Every detail matters in Festus, MO.
If you hire a Combs Waterkotte Festus, MO weapons crime attorney, you aren’t just selecting the top-rated weapons crime defense team in Festus, MO and beyond – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to knowledgeable weapons crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Festus, MO residents:
Don’t Face Weapons Charges in Festus, MO—Combs Waterkotte is on Your Side
Weapons charges can turn your life upside down—but you don’t have to face them alone. Our experienced Festus, MO weapons crime attorneys are ready to take action on your behalf. Whether it’s negotiating the best possible resolution or defending you in court, we’ll stand by your side every step of the way.
Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a case review where you can get answers from a Festus, MO weapons crime attorney who cares.