Weapons crime attorney in Joplin, MO. Have you been charged with a weapons crime in Joplin, 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 Joplin, 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 Joplin, 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 Joplin, MO and beyond.

Article Summary
Facing weapons charges in Joplin, MO? Don’t leave your future to chance. Trust Combs Waterkotte—Joplin, MO’s leading criminal defense firm—to fight for your rights and freedom. Our skilled weapons crime attorneys defend clients accused of gun possession, unlawful use, armed criminal action, and other firearm offenses in and around Joplin, MO. From challenging illegal searches and seizures to negotiating reduced charges or full dismissals, we build tough, strategic defenses tailored to your situation. If you’re facing any weapons-related charge, read on to learn how we’ll help you:
- Take the first step in protecting your freedom by contacting the right attorney in Joplin, MO.
- 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 Joplin, MO and their legal implications.
- Prepare for and reduce the risk of severe criminal penalties.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Joplin, MO: What is Considered a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our experienced Joplin, 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 Firearm Possession in Joplin, MO
According to Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, it is illegal to possess a gun in Joplin, 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 Joplin, MO criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case and build a strong defense from day one.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in in or Around Joplin, MO
These crimes are more common in Joplin, 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
- Pointing or displaying a gun in a threatening or dangerous way
- Carrying a concealed weapon without legal authorization
- Possessing a firearm in areas where it is legally prohibited
- Using a weapon during the commission of another crime, like burglary, assault, or drug distribution
- Possessing firearms with illegal modifications or banned accessories
The consequences in Joplin, 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 Joplin, MO who can help get you the best possible outcome.
Joplin, 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 Joplin, MO, this charge enhances penalties tied to underlying felonies such as:
- Drug Trafficking
- Assault
- Robbery
- Burglary
Missouri’s sentencing is strict:
- First offense: 3-year minimum
- Second offense: At least 5 years
- Third offense: 10+ years
Defaced Firearm Possession in or Around Joplin, MO
Owning a gun with a tampered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—can lead to serious trouble in Joplin, MO. It’s a Class B misdemeanor, but the implications are long-term: it can permanently affect your gun rights and your record.
Illegal Firearm Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in the Joplin, MO Area
In Joplin, 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:
- Transferring weapons to minors
- Transferring a weapon to a felon
- Failing to confirm 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 Joplin, 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 Joplin, MO? Here’s Your Next Move
No matter the circumstances or severity of your charges in Joplin, MO, here’s what you should do:
- Do not speak to the police without an attorney present.
- Reach out to our office as soon as possible for a free consultation.
- We’ll carefully review your situation in Joplin, MO, defend your rights, and get to work building a personalized defense.
In weapons cases, every second counts. The earlier you contact an experienced Joplin, MO weapons crime attorney, the better your chances of protecting your future.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Joplin, MO: Here’s Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Immediately
Weapons charges in Joplin, 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.
Here’s how an experienced Joplin, MO weapons crime attorney helps protect you:
- Step in right away to protect your legal rights
- Investigating the prosecution’s claims and gathering critical evidence
- Push back against unconstitutional searches or arrests
- Negotiating for Reduced or Dismissed Charges
- Representing you confidently in court, if necessary
At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t back down. We question every detail, build aggressive defense strategies, and fight relentlessly for the best outcome in Joplin, MO.
Jasper County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jasper County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Joplin, MO: Possible Defenses That Could Make All the Difference
Every case is different, but our Joplin, MO weapons crime defense team has decades of experience using the following defenses to get clients the best possible outcome:
- 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.
- Unlawful Search or Seizure — We can utilize this defense if the weapon was found during a search that violated your Fourth Amendment rights in Joplin, MO, such as:
- No warrant
- No probable cause
- An unlawful traffic stop
- 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 Possible Defenses — Depending on the facts in Joplin, MO, we may raise a strong alibi, argue entrapment, expose mistaken identity, or challenge the prosecution’s evidence altogether.
If you choose a Combs Waterkotte Joplin, MO weapons crime attorney, you’re not just selecting the ideal weapons crime defense team in and around Joplin, MO – you’re protecting 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 Joplin, MO residents:
Don’t Face Weapons Charges in Joplin, MO—Let Combs Waterkotte Fight for You
When you’re up against a weapons charge in Joplin, 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 contact us online to connect with a trusted Joplin, MO weapons crime attorney who’s ready to fight for you.