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Weapons Crime Attorney Howard County, MO

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Last Updated: April 15, 2025

Weapons crime attorney in Howard County, MO. Charged with a weapons crime in Howard County, 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 Howard County, MO who knows the ins and outs of Missouri criminal courts and delivers results.

The lawyers at Combs Waterkotte understand the serious nature of these charges. With more than 50 years of combined experience and a proven track record in weapons and gun defense cases, we use tailored defense strategies to challenge the prosecution and fight for the best possible outcome.

Don’t wait—call our Howard County, MO weapons crime attorneys right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for your free, confidential consultation. We’ve successfully handled 10,000+ cases just like yours in Howard County, MO and beyond.

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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:

  • Secure strong legal representation in Howard County, MO from the very beginning.
  • Act fast to strengthen your defense from the start.
  • Understand your legal rights and how to assert them.
  • Understand the different types of weapons crimes in Howard County, MO and their legal implications.
  • Recognize the severity of penalties tied to weapons crimes.

Weapons Crime Attorney in Howard County, MO: What is a Weapons Crime in Missouri?

Weapon crimes in Howard County, MO cover a wide range of offenses. At Combs Waterkotte, our weapons crime attorneys in Howard County, MO have handled cases involving:

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in Howard County, MO

According to Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, it is illegal to possess a gun in Howard County, 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

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

Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Howard County, MO

This is one of the most frequently charged weapons crimes in the Howard County, MO area and can arise in a variety of situations, including:

  • Shooting a weapon in restricted zones or while intoxicated
  • Pointing or displaying a gun in a threatening or dangerous way
  • Carrying a concealed weapon without the appropriate permit
  • Possessing a firearm in areas where it is legally prohibited
  • Committing another offense—such as burglary, assault, or drug distribution—while armed
  • Using or owning weapons with illegal alterations or attachments

The consequences in Howard County, MO can be life-altering. Charges can range from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A felony with decades—or a lifetime—behind bars.

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 Howard County, MO who can help get you the best possible outcome.

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:

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

Possession of a Defaced Firearm in or Around Howard County, 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 Howard County, 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.

Unlawful Weapon Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in or Around Howard County, MO

In Howard County, 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:

  • Giving a firearm to a minor
  • Giving a gun to someone with a criminal record
  • Selling a firearm without verifying eligibility

Penalties vary, with charges ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. An experienced Howard County, 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 Howard County, MO? Here’s Your Next Move

    Regardless of how serious the accusations are, here’s what you need to do right away in Howard County, MO:

    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. We’ll carefully review your situation in Howard 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 Howard County, MO weapons crime attorney, the better your chances of protecting your future.

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

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Howard County, MO: Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Right Away

    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.

    An experienced Howard County, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you by:

    • Step in right away to protect your legal rights
    • Thorough Investigation of the Evidence
    • Challenging Unlawful Searches or Arrests
    • Negotiate skillfully for reduced penalties
    • Taking Your Case to Trial if Needed

    At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t back down. We question every detail, build aggressive defense strategies, and fight relentlessly for the best outcome in Howard County, MO.

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Howard County, MO: Possible Legal Defenses

    Our Howard County, 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 laws like Stand Your Ground statute and Castle Doctrine protect your right to defend yourself. If you acted out of fear for your life or safety, we’ll work to prove it.
    • 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 If you didn’t knowingly possess the weapon or were unaware of its presence—such as someone else placing it in your car—you may have a valid defense.
    • Other Possible Defenses — Depending on the facts in Howard County, 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 Howard County, MO weapons crime attorney, you’re not just choosing the leading weapons crime defense team in Howard County, MO and beyond – you’re safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with knowledgeable weapons crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Howard County, MO residents:

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

    Don’t Face Weapons Charges in Howard County, MO—Let Combs Waterkotte Defend You

    When you’re facing a weapons charge in Howard County, 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 contact us online for a case review where you can get answers from a Howard County, MO weapons crime attorney who cares.

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