Weapons crime attorney in Howell County, MO. Charged with a weapons crime in Howell 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 Howell County, MO who knows the ins and outs of Missouri criminal courts and delivers results.
At Combs Waterkotte, we bring over 50 years of experience to every case we take on. Our criminal defense strategies have helped clients in Howell County, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.
Call our trusted Howell 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 Howell County, MO and beyond—and we’re ready to fight for you.

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 immediate steps in Howell County, MO to protect your rights and future.
- Act fast to strengthen your defense from the start.
- Understand your legal rights and how to assert them.
- Fully understand the laws and charges you’re up against in Howell County, MO.
- Recognize the severity of penalties tied to weapons crimes.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Howell County, MO: What Counts as a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Weapon crimes in Howell County, MO cover a wide range of offenses. At Combs Waterkotte, our weapons crime attorneys in Howell County, MO have handled cases involving:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Howell 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 Howell 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 Howell County, MO Area
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
- Flashing or brandishing a gun in a way that alarms or threatens others
- Carrying a concealed weapon without the appropriate permit
- Possession of firearms in prohibited places, as outlined in Missouri law
- Committing other crimes like burglary, assault, or drug distribution while armed
- Possessing illegal weapon modifications or accessories
The consequences in Howell 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.
If you’ve been accused in Howell County, MO, don’t wait. Contact or call a trusted Combs Waterkotte Howell County, MO weapons crime attorney at (314) 900-HELP today to begin building your defense.
Howell 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 Howell 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
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 Weapon Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in the Howell County, MO Area
Selling or handing over a gun to someone who’s legally barred from possessing one in Howell County, MO is a serious offense. This could include:
- Selling or gifting firearms 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 Howell County, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can help you avoid the worst-case scenario.

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Charged With a Weapons Crime in Howell County, MO? Here’s Your Next Move
Regardless of how serious the accusations are, here’s what you need to do right away in Howell County, MO:
- Do not speak to the police without an attorney present.
- Reach out to our office as soon as possible for a free consultation.
- Allow our Howell County, MO legal team to evaluate the charges, safeguard your rights, and start building a strong defense strategy.
Don’t wait—quick action can make all the difference. A knowledgeable Howell County, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can begin helping you from day one.
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:
- Protecting your rights from the moment of your arrest
- Investigating the prosecution’s claims and gathering critical 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
At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t back down. We question every detail, build aggressive defense strategies, and fight relentlessly for the best outcome 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
At Combs Waterkotte, no two cases are alike—but our Howell 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 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.
- Unlawful 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 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 hire a Combs Waterkotte Howell County, MO weapons crime attorney, you’re not just hiring the ideal weapons crime defense team in Howell County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with knowledgeable weapons crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Howell County and beyond:
Charged With a Weapons Crime in Howell County, MO?—Combs Waterkotte is on Your Side
Weapons charges can turn your life upside down—but you don’t have to face them alone. Our experienced Howell County, MO weapons crime attorneys are ready to take action on your behalf. Whether it’s negotiating the best possible resolution or defending you in court, we’ll stand by your side every step of the way.
Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to speak directly with an experienced Howell County, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.