Weapons crime attorney in Hannibal, MO. Charged with a weapons crime in Hannibal, 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 Hannibal, MO who knows the ins and outs of Missouri criminal courts and delivers results.
At Combs Waterkotte, we understand what’s at stake. Our aggressive criminal defense strategies have helped numerous individuals charged with gun and other weapon-related offenses throughout the Hannibal, MO area get reduced charges, dismissed cases, or complete acquittals.
If you’re facing charges, call our Hannibal, MO weapons crime attorney right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Our legal team has over 50 years of combined experience and has successfully handled 10,000+ cases just like yours in Hannibal, MO and across Missouri.

Article Summary
Facing weapons charges in Hannibal, MO? Don’t leave your future to chance. Trust Combs Waterkotte—Hannibal, 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 Hannibal, 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 the first step in protecting your freedom by contacting the right attorney in Hannibal, MO.
- Understand the importance of acting quickly after being charged.
- Assert your legal rights at every stage of your case.
- Navigate the complexities of Hannibal, MO weapons laws.
- Recognize the severity of penalties tied to weapons crimes.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Hannibal, MO: What is a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our Hannibal, MO weapons crime attorneys have handled the following types of cases and more:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in Hannibal, MO
According to Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, it is illegal to possess a gun in Hannibal, 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
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 Hannibal, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in the Hannibal, MO Area
Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the Hannibal, MO area, and it can occur under a wide range of circumstances, including:
- Discharging a firearm in a restricted area or while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Brandishing or displaying a firearm in a threatening or reckless manner
- Carrying a concealed weapon without the appropriate permit
- Possession of firearms in prohibited places, as outlined in Missouri law
- Committing another offense—such as burglary, assault, or drug distribution—while armed
- Possessing firearms with illegal modifications or banned 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 Hannibal, MO who can help get you the best possible outcome.
Hannibal, 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 Hannibal, 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
Possession of a Defaced Firearm in Hannibal, 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 Hannibal, 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 Hannibal, MO
It’s unlawful to sell, loan, or transfer a weapon to someone who is prohibited from possessing one in Hannibal, MO. These violations often involve:
- Giving a firearm to a minor
- Transferring a weapon to a felon
- Selling a firearm without verifying eligibility
Penalties vary, with charges ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. An experienced Hannibal, 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 Hannibal, MO? Here’s Your Next Move
No matter the circumstances or severity of your charges in Hannibal, MO, here’s what you should do:
- Don’t answer any questions from law enforcement without legal representation.
- Get in touch with our team immediately for a risk-free case assessment.
- We’ll carefully review your situation in Hannibal, MO, defend your rights, and get to work building a personalized defense.
Don’t wait—quick action can make all the difference. A knowledgeable Hannibal, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can begin helping you from day one.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Hannibal, MO: Why Hiring a Skilled Lawyer is Crucial
Weapons charges in Hannibal, 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 Hannibal, 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
- Working to get charged reduced—or dropped altogether
- 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 Hannibal, MO.
Marion County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Marion County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Hannibal, MO: Possible Legal Defenses
Our Hannibal, MO weapons crime defense team has decades of experience successfully fighting gun and weapons charges. Here some of the powerful defenses we may use in your case:
- 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.
- Illegal Search or Seizure — We can utilize this defense if the weapon was found during a search that violated your Fourth Amendment rights in Hannibal, MO, such as:
- No warrant
- No probable cause
- An unlawful traffic stop
- 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 Hannibal, MO, we may raise a strong alibi, argue entrapment, expose mistaken identity, or challenge the prosecution’s evidence altogether.
When you hire a Combs Waterkotte Hannibal, MO weapons crime attorney, you’re not just hiring the ideal weapons crime defense team in Hannibal, MO and beyond – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to esteemed weapons crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Hannibal and beyond:
Charged With a Weapons Crime in Hannibal, MO?—Combs Waterkotte is on Your Side
When you’re up against a weapons charge in Hannibal, 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 contact us online to speak directly with an experienced Hannibal, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.