Weapons crime attorney in Howell County, MO. Have you been charged with a weapons crime in Howell 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 Howell County, MO who knows how to fight for you—and win.
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 Howell County, MO area get reduced charges, dismissed cases, or complete acquittals.
If you’re facing charges, call our Howell County, 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 60 years of combined experience and has successfully handled 10,000+ cases just like yours in Howell County, MO and across Missouri.
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Article Summary
Weapons charges in Howell County, MO can carry life-changing consequences, but Combs Waterkotte is here to help. Our aggressive, results-driven weapons crime attorneys serve clients throughout the Howell County, MO area facing accusations involving guns, illegal possession, armed criminal action, or trafficking. We know how to push back against the prosecution and protect your rights. Read on to learn that when you work with us, we’ll help you:
- Take the first step in protecting your freedom by contacting the right attorney in Howell County, MO.
- Understand the importance of acting quickly after being charged.
- Assert your legal rights at every stage of your case.
- Understand the different types of weapons crimes in Howell County, MO and their legal implications.
- 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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Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
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Weapons Crime Attorney in Howell County, MO: What is Considered a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our experienced Howell 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 Howell County, MO Area
According to Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, it is illegal to possess a gun in Howell 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
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 Howell County, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Howell County, MO
Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the Howell County, 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
- Pointing or displaying a gun in a threatening or dangerous way
- Illegally carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
- Possession of firearms in prohibited places, as outlined in Missouri law
- 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 Howell 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.
If you’re facing these serious charges in Howell County, MO, your future is at stake. A Combs Waterkotte skilled Howell County, MO weapons crime attorney can help you build a strong defense and get the best possible outcome. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online today.
Howell County, MO Armed Criminal Action
This charge refers to using or displaying a weapon during the commission of a felony offense in Howell County, MO. This is not a standalone crime but an enhancement that adds serious time to underlying charges like:
- 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 or Around Howell 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 Howell 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 Sale, Transfer, or Trafficking of Weapons in or Around Howell County, MO
It’s unlawful to sell, loan, or transfer a weapon to someone who is prohibited from possessing one in Howell County, MO. These violations often involve:
- Selling or gifting firearms to minors
- Transferring a weapon to a felon
- 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 Howell 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 Howell County, MO? Here’s Your Next Move
If you’re under investigation or already facing charges in Howell 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 Howell County, MO legal team to evaluate the charges, safeguard your rights, and start building a strong defense strategy.
Time is critical in Howell 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 Howell County, MO: Why Hiring a Skilled Lawyer is Crucial
Being charged with a weapons offense in Howell County, 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.
A trusted Howell County, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte will:
- Immediate Protection of Your 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 Howell County, MO.
Howell County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Howell County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Howell County, MO: Possible Defenses
Our Howell 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 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 Howell County, MO can work to prove your use of force was necessary given your reasonable fear of imminent 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 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 Possible Defenses — You may also have a solid defense based on alibi, entrapment, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence. Every detail matters in Howell County, MO.
When you partner with a Combs Waterkotte Howell County, MO weapons crime attorney, you’re not just hiring the top-rated weapons crime defense team in and around Howell County, MO – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with esteemed weapons crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Howell County and beyond:
Don’t Face Weapons Charges in Howell County, MO—Let Combs Waterkotte Defend You
When you’re facing a weapons charge in Howell 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 reach out online for a case review where you can get answers from a Howell County, MO weapons crime attorney who cares.
