Joplin, MO

Weapons crime attorney in Joplin, MO. Facing charges of a weapons crime in Joplin, MO? Don’t gamble with your future. A weapons crime conviction can impact your freedom, your career, and your reputation. You need a skilled and aggressive weapons crime attorney in Joplin, MO who knows the system and how to protect your rights.

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 immediate steps in Joplin, MO to protect your rights and future.
• Move quickly to avoid costly mistakes after an arrest.
• Know your rights, no matter the charge.
• Understand the different types of weapons crimes in Joplin, MO and their legal implications.
• Have a firm grasp of what’s at stake and how to minimize penalties.

Weapons Crime Attorney in Joplin, MO: What Counts as a Weapons Crime in Missouri?

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

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

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 Joplin, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon in the Joplin, MO Area

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

• Firing a gun in restricted areas, especially while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Flashing or brandishing a gun in a way that alarms or threatens others
• 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
• 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.

If you’re facing these serious charges in Joplin, MO, your future is at stake. A Combs Waterkotte skilled Joplin, 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.

Joplin, MO Armed Criminal Action

If you’re accused of committing a felony while armed in Joplin, MO, you could be facing an armed criminal action enhancement—an add-on charge that dramatically increases prison time. These enhancements apply to 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

Defaced Firearm Possession in Joplin, 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 Joplin, 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 Joplin, MO

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:

• Giving a firearm to a minor
• Providing weapons to convicted felons
• 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 Joplin, 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 Joplin, MO? Here’s Your Next Move

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

1. Stay calm and don’t speak with police or investigators before calling a lawyer.
2. Get in touch with our team immediately for a risk-free case assessment.
3. 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: Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Right Away

Being charged with a weapons offense in Joplin, 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 Joplin, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte will:

• Immediate Protection of Your Rights
• Thorough Investigation of the Evidence
• Push back against unconstitutional searches or arrests
• Negotiating for Reduced or Dismissed Charges
• 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 Joplin, MO.

Weapons Crime Attorney in Joplin, MO: Possible Legal Defenses

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 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 — 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 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 Defenses — Other valid defenses for your Joplin, MO charges include alibi evidence showing that you were not in a location where you could be legally accused of having the weapon, entrapment, insufficient evidence, and mistaken identity.

If you hire a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in or around Joplin, MO, you aren’t just choosing the top-rated weapons crime defense team in Joplin, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with knowledgeable weapons crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Joplin, MO residents:

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

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

When you’re facing a weapons charge in Joplin, 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 to connect with a trusted Joplin, MO weapons crime attorney who’s ready to fight for you.