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

Article Summary
Facing weapons charges in Franklin County, MO? Don’t leave your future to chance. Trust Combs Waterkotte—Franklin County, 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 Franklin County, 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:
- Secure strong legal representation in Franklin County, MO from the very beginning.
- Act fast to strengthen your defense from the start.
- Assert your legal rights at every stage of your case.
- Understand the different types of weapons crimes in Franklin County, MO and their legal implications.
- Have a firm grasp of what’s at stake and how to minimize penalties.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Franklin County, MO: What is Considered a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our experienced Franklin County, MO weapons crime attorneys have seen it all—from minor infractions to serious felony gun cases. We have handled the following types of cases and more:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Franklin County, 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
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 Franklin County, MO criminal defense attorney evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to preserve your rights and future.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in in or Around Franklin County, MO
Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the Franklin County, MO area, and it can occur under a wide range of circumstances, including:
- Shooting a weapon in restricted zones or while intoxicated
- Flashing or brandishing a gun in a way that alarms or threatens others
- 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
- Using or owning weapons with illegal alterations or attachments
Depending on the details of your Franklin County, MO case, penalties range from a Class B misdemeanor, which carries up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 in fines, to a Class A felony, with potential sentences of 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 Franklin County, MO who can help get you the best possible outcome.
Franklin County, MO Armed Criminal Action
If you’re accused of committing a felony while armed in Franklin County, MO, you could be facing an armed criminal action enhancement—an add-on charge that dramatically increases prison time. These enhancements apply to 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 Franklin County, MO
Owning a gun with a tampered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—can lead to serious trouble in Franklin County, 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 Franklin County, MO
Selling or handing over a gun to someone who’s legally barred from possessing one in Franklin County, MO is a serious offense. This could include:
- Selling or gifting firearms to minors
- Providing weapons to convicted felons
- Selling a firearm without verifying eligibility
Depending on the circumstances, the offense may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony. A knowledgeable Franklin County, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can help you avoid the worst-case scenario.

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Charged With a Weapons Crime in Franklin County, MO? Here’s What to Do
Regardless of how serious the accusations are, here’s what you need to do right away in Franklin County, MO:
- Stay calm and don’t speak with police or investigators before calling a lawyer.
- Get in touch with our team immediately for a risk-free case assessment.
- We’ll carefully review your situation in Franklin County, MO, defend your rights, and get to work building a personalized defense.
In weapons cases, every second counts. The earlier you contact an experienced Franklin County, MO weapons crime attorney, the better your chances of protecting your future.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Franklin County, MO: Here’s Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Immediately
Weapons charges in Franklin County, MO carry life-changing consequences—from steep fines and incarceration to losing your right to own a firearm. But the right defense attorney can help change the course of your case.
Here’s how an experienced Franklin County, 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
- Push back against unconstitutional searches or arrests
- Negotiate skillfully for reduced penalties
- Representing you confidently in court, if necessary
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 Franklin County, MO.
Franklin County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Franklin County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Franklin County, MO: Possible Defenses That Could Make All the Difference
At Combs Waterkotte, no two cases are alike—but our Franklin County, 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’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 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 — Depending on the facts in Franklin County, MO, we may raise a strong alibi, argue entrapment, expose mistaken identity, or challenge the prosecution’s evidence altogether.
When you choose a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in or around Franklin County, MO, you’re not just hiring the leading weapons crime defense team in Franklin County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to knowledgeable weapons crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Franklin County, MO residents:
- DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
- Violent Crime Lawyer
- Drug Crimes Lawyer
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
Don’t Face Weapons Charges in Franklin County, MO—Let Combs Waterkotte Fight for You
When you’re up against a weapons charge in Franklin County, 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 Franklin County, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.