Weapons crime attorney in Howard County, MO. Facing charges of a weapons crime in Howard County, 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 Howard County, MO who knows the system and how to protect your rights.
At Combs Waterkotte, we bring over 60 years of experience to every case we take on. Our criminal defense strategies have helped clients in Howard County, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.
Call our trusted Howard 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 Howard County, MO and beyond—and we’re ready to fight for you.
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Article Summary
If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime in Howard County, MO, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced Howard County, MO weapons crime attorneys aggressively defend clients facing gun charges, unlawful use of weapons, armed criminal action, and other firearm-related offenses throughout the Howard County, 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:
- Take immediate steps in Howard County, MO to protect your rights and future.
- Act fast to strengthen your defense from the start.
- Assert your legal rights at every stage of your case.
- Fully understand the laws and charges you’re up against in Howard County, MO.
- Prepare for and reduce the risk of severe criminal penalties.
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Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
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Weapons Crime Attorney in Howard County, MO: What is a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our experienced Howard 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 Howard County, 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
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 Howard 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 the Howard County, MO Area
These crimes are more common in Howard County, MO than you might think—and incredibly serious. They often involve:
- Shooting a weapon in restricted zones or while intoxicated
- Brandishing or displaying a firearm in a threatening or reckless manner
- Carrying a concealed weapon without legal authorization
- 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.
If you’ve been accused in Howard County, MO, don’t wait. Contact or call a trusted Combs Waterkotte Howard County, MO weapons crime attorney at (314) 900-HELP today to begin building your defense.
Howard County, 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 Howard County, MO, this charge enhances penalties tied to underlying felonies such as:
- Drug Trafficking
- Assault
- Robbery
- Burglary
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
Possession of a Defaced Firearm in Howard County, MO
Owning a gun with a tampered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—can lead to serious trouble in Howard 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 Howard County, MO
It’s unlawful to sell, loan, or transfer a weapon to someone who is prohibited from possessing one in Howard County, MO. These violations often involve:
- Transferring weapons to minors
- Providing weapons to convicted felons
- Failing to check legal 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 Howard County, 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 Howard County, MO? Here’s What to Do
If you’re under investigation or already facing charges in Howard County, MO, it’s important to act fast:
- 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.
- Allow our Howard County, MO legal team to evaluate the charges, safeguard your rights, and start building a strong defense strategy.
Time is critical in Howard County, MO weapons cases. The sooner you involve our expert weapons crime attorney, the more options we’ll have to reduce or eliminate the charges against you.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Howard County, MO: Here’s Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Immediately
Weapons charges in Howard 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 Howard County, 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
- Exposing any unlawful actions by law enforcement
- 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 Howard County, MO.
Howard County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Howard County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Howard County, MO: Possible Defenses That Could Make All the Difference
At Combs Waterkotte, no two cases are alike—but our Howard 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.
- Illegal 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 — Other valid defenses for your Howard County, MO charges include alibi evidence showing that you were not in a location where you could be legally accused of having the weapon, entrapment, insufficient evidence, and mistaken identity.
If you choose a Combs Waterkotte Howard County, MO weapons crime attorney, you’re not just choosing the leading weapons crime defense team in Howard County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with experienced weapons crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Howard County, MO residents:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Charged With a Weapons Crime in Howard County, MO?—Let Combs Waterkotte Defend You
When you’re up against a weapons charge in Howard 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 Howard County, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.
