Independence, MO

Weapons crime attorney in Independence, MO. Have you been charged with a weapons crime in Independence, 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 Independence, MO who knows how to fight for you—and win.

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 Independence, 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 Independence, MO and beyond.

Article Summary

If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime in Independence, MO, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced Independence, MO weapons crime attorneys aggressively defend clients facing gun charges, unlawful use of weapons, armed criminal action, and other firearm-related offenses throughout the Independence, 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 the first step in protecting your freedom by contacting the right attorney in Independence, 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 Independence, MO and their legal implications.
• Have a firm grasp of what’s at stake and how to minimize penalties.

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

Our Independence, MO weapons crime attorneys have handled the following types of cases and more:

Unlawful Firearm Possession in the Independence, MO Area

According to Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, it is illegal to possess a gun in Independence, 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 Independence, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon in in or Around Independence, MO

These crimes are more common in Independence, MO than you might think—and incredibly serious. They often involve:

• 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
• Illegally carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
• Possessing a firearm in areas where it is legally prohibited
• Committing other crimes like burglary, assault, or drug distribution while armed
• Using or owning weapons with illegal alterations or attachments

Depending on the details of your Independence, 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 Independence, MO, don’t wait. Contact or call a trusted Combs Waterkotte Independence, MO weapons crime attorney at (314) 900-HELP today to begin building your defense.

Independence, 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 Independence, MO, this charge enhances penalties tied to underlying felonies such as:

• 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

Possession of a Defaced Firearm in or Around Independence, MO

If you’re caught with a firearm that has an altered or missing serial number, you may be charged with possessing a defaced firearm—a Class B misdemeanor in Independence, MO. Law enforcement treats these cases harshly due to associations with criminal trafficking and stolen guns.

Unlawful Sale, Transfer, or Trafficking of Weapons in Independence, MO

It’s unlawful to sell, loan, or transfer a weapon to someone who is prohibited from possessing one in Independence, MO. These violations often involve:

• Selling or gifting firearms to minors
• Providing weapons to convicted felons
• Failing to check legal eligibility before a sale

Depending on the facts of your case, you can face a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony. Don’t face these charges alone—a Combs Waterkotte Independence, MO weapons crime attorney can step in and fight for you.

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

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

1. Do not speak to the police without an attorney present.
2. Get in touch with our team immediately for a risk-free case assessment.
3. We’ll carefully review your situation in Independence, MO, defend your rights, and get to work building a personalized defense.

Time is critical in Independence, 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 Independence, MO: Here’s Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Immediately

Weapons charges in Independence, MO can result in heavy fines, jail or prison time, loss of firearm rights, and a permanent criminal record. But with the right legal representation, your story doesn’t have to end there.

A trusted Independence, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte will:

• Step in right away to protect your legal rights
• Analyze the facts and challenge weak or flawed evidence
• Challenging Unlawful Searches or Arrests
• Negotiating for Reduced or Dismissed Charges
• Taking Your Case to Trial if Needed

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 Independence, MO.

Weapons Crime Attorney in Independence, MO: Possible Defenses That Could Make All the Difference

Our Independence, 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’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 — If police recovered the weapon without a warrant, probable cause, or during an illegal traffic stop, we may be able to get the evidence thrown out
• Lack of Knowledge or Intent — 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 Independence, MO, we may raise a strong alibi, argue entrapment, expose mistaken identity, or challenge the prosecution’s evidence altogether.

If you hire a Combs Waterkotte Independence, MO weapons crime attorney, you’re not just selecting the ideal weapons crime defense team in Independence, MO and throughout Missouri – you are safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with experienced weapons crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Independence and beyond:

• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer
• Drug Crimes Lawyer
• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer

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

Weapons charges can turn your life upside down—but you don’t have to face them alone. Our experienced Independence, 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 for a case review where you can get answers from a Independence, MO weapons crime attorney who cares.