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Hillsboro, MO

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Last Updated: April 15, 2025

Weapons crime attorney in Hillsboro, MO. Facing charges of a weapons crime in Hillsboro, MO? Don’t gamble with your future. A weapons crime conviction can impact your freedom, your career, and your reputation. You need a skilled and aggressive weapons crime attorney in Hillsboro, MO who knows the system and how to protect your rights.

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 Hillsboro, MO area get reduced charges, dismissed cases, or complete acquittals.

If you’re facing charges, call our Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro, MO and across Missouri.

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Article Summary

Facing weapons charges in Hillsboro, MO? Don’t leave your future to chance. Trust Combs Waterkotte—Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro, MO from the very beginning.
  • Move quickly to avoid costly mistakes after an arrest.
  • Know your rights, no matter the charge.
  • Fully understand the laws and charges you’re up against in Hillsboro, MO.
  • Recognize the severity of penalties tied to weapons crimes.

Weapons Crime Attorney in Hillsboro, MO: What is Considered a Weapons Crime in Missouri?

Our experienced Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro, 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

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 Hillsboro, MO criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case and build a strong defense from day one.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Hillsboro, MO

This is one of the most frequently charged weapons crimes in the Hillsboro, MO area and can arise in a variety of situations, 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 legal authorization
  • Bringing a firearm into prohibited locations
  • Committing another offense—such as burglary, assault, or drug distribution—while armed
  • Using or owning weapons with illegal alterations or attachments

Depending on the details of your Hillsboro, 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.

If you’ve been accused in Hillsboro, MO, don’t wait. Contact or call a trusted Combs Waterkotte Hillsboro, MO weapons crime attorney at (314) 900-HELP today to begin building your defense.

Hillsboro, MO Armed Criminal Action

This charge refers to using or displaying a weapon during the commission of a felony offense in Hillsboro, MO. This is not a standalone crime but an enhancement that adds serious time to underlying charges like:

Penalties include mandatory minimum sentences throughout Missouri:

  • 3 years for a first offense
  • 5 years for a second
  • 10 years or more for a third

Defaced Firearm Possession in or Around Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro, 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.

Illegal Firearm Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in or Around Hillsboro, MO

In Hillsboro, 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
  • Providing weapons to convicted felons
  • Failing to confirm eligibility before a sale

Depending on the circumstances, the offense may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony. A knowledgeable Hillsboro, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can help you avoid the worst-case scenario.


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    Arrested for a Weapons Crime in Hillsboro, MO? Take These Steps Now

    No matter the circumstances or severity of your charges in Hillsboro, MO, here’s what you should do:

    1. Don’t answer any questions from law enforcement without legal representation.
    2. Get in touch with our team immediately for a risk-free case assessment.
    3. Allow our Hillsboro, MO legal team to evaluate the charges, safeguard your rights, and start building a strong defense strategy.

    In weapons cases, every second counts. The earlier you contact an experienced Hillsboro, MO weapons crime attorney, the better your chances of protecting your future.

    Weapons Crime Attorney  Hillsboro, MO | Leading Missouri Criminal Defense Law Firm | Hillsboro, MO Criminal Defense Lawyers

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Hillsboro, MO: Why Hiring a Skilled Lawyer is Crucial

    Being charged with a weapons offense in Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro, MO weapons crime attorney helps protect you:

    • Step in right away to protect your legal rights
    • Thorough Investigation of the Evidence
    • Exposing any unlawful actions by law enforcement
    • Negotiating for Reduced or Dismissed Charges
    • Taking Your Case to Trial if Needed

    We understand what’s at stake—and we’re here to fight for your second chance in Hillsboro, MO.

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Hillsboro, MO: Possible Defenses

    Every case is different, but our Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro, MO, such as:
      • No warrant
      • No probable cause
      • An unlawful traffic stop
    • Lack of Knowledge or Intent Maybe the weapon wasn’t yours, or you had no idea it was in your possession. We’ll work to show there was no criminal intent on your part.
    • Other Defenses — You may also have a solid defense based on alibi, entrapment, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence. Every detail matters in Hillsboro, MO.

    When you partner with a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in the Hillsboro, MO area, you’re not just choosing the top-rated weapons crime defense team in Hillsboro, MO and beyond – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to experienced weapons crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Hillsboro, MO residents:

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Hillsboro, MO | Skilled Missouri Criminal Defense Lawyers | Hillsboro, MO Weapons Defense Law Firm

    Charged With a Weapons Crime in Hillsboro, MO?—Let Combs Waterkotte Fight for You

    When you’re facing a weapons charge in Hillsboro, 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 connect with a trusted Hillsboro, MO weapons crime attorney who’s ready to fight for you.

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