Image

Kearney, MO

Verified Content

Last Updated: April 15, 2025

Weapons crime attorney in Kearney, MO. Charged with a weapons crime in Kearney, 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 Kearney, 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 Kearney, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.

Call our trusted Kearney, 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 Kearney, MO and beyond—and we’re ready to fight for you.

  • Protect Your Life

    Image

    Protect Your Life

    A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.

    Reach Out Now

  • Know Your Next Steps

    Image

    Know Your Next Steps

    Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.

    Stay Informed

  • Title

    Image

    Ready to Talk to an Expert?

    Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.

    Get Started


Article Summary

Facing weapons charges in Kearney, MO? Don’t leave your future to chance. Trust Combs Waterkotte—Kearney, 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 Kearney, 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 Kearney, MO to protect your rights and future.
  • Understand the importance of acting quickly after being charged.
  • Know your rights, no matter the charge.
  • Understand the different types of weapons crimes in Kearney, MO and their legal implications.
  • Have a firm grasp of what’s at stake and how to minimize penalties.

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

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

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in Kearney, MO

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 Kearney, MO criminal defense attorney evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to preserve your rights and future.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Kearney, MO

Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the Kearney, MO area, and it can occur under a wide range of circumstances, including:

  • Firing a gun in restricted areas, especially while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Brandishing or displaying a firearm in a threatening or reckless manner
  • Carrying a concealed weapon without the appropriate permit
  • Bringing a firearm into prohibited locations
  • Committing other crimes like burglary, assault, or drug distribution while armed
  • Using or owning weapons with illegal alterations or attachments

Penalties for an unlawful use of a weapon conviction vary significantly, from a Class B misdemeanor—up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine—to a Class A felony, which can carry 10-30 years or even life in prison.

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 Kearney, MO who can help get you the best possible outcome.

Kearney, MO Armed Criminal Action

If you’re accused of committing a felony while armed in Kearney, 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:

Missouri’s sentencing is strict:

  • First offense: 3-year minimum
  • Second offense: At least 5 years
  • Third offense: 10+ years

Defaced Firearm Possession in Kearney, MO

Owning a gun with a tampered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—can lead to serious trouble in Kearney, MO. It’s a Class B misdemeanor, but the implications are long-term: it can permanently affect your gun rights and your record.

Unlawful Weapon Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in the Kearney, MO Area

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

  • Selling or gifting firearms to minors
  • Transferring a weapon to a felon
  • 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 Kearney, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can help you avoid the worst-case scenario.


Image

Free book

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Protect Your Rights and Future

Combs Waterkotte has over 50 years of experience and over 10,000 cases handled. This ebook helps guide you through the criminal defense process and how an experienced, skilled defense attorney can keep your freedoms intact.



















    Read Book Online

    Charged With a Weapons Crime in Kearney, MO? Here’s Your Next Move

    If you’re under investigation or already facing charges in Kearney, MO, it’s important to act fast:

    1. Don’t answer any questions from law enforcement without legal representation.
    2. Reach out to our office as soon as possible for a free consultation.
    3. Let us review your case in Kearney, MO, protect your rights, and start building your defense.

    Time is critical in Kearney, 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  Kearney, MO | Leading Missouri Criminal Defense Law Firm | Kearney, MO Criminal Defense Lawyers

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Kearney, MO: Why Hiring a Skilled Lawyer is Crucial

    Weapons charges in Kearney, MO carry life-changing consequences—from steep fines and incarceration to losing your right to own a firearm. But the right defense attorney can help change the course of your case.

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

    • Immediate Protection of Your Rights
    • Investigating the prosecution’s claims and gathering critical evidence
    • Challenging Unlawful Searches or Arrests
    • Negotiate skillfully for reduced penalties
    • Defend you in court with a strong, personalized strategy

    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 Kearney, MO.

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Kearney, MO: Possible Defenses

    At Combs Waterkotte, no two cases are alike—but our Kearney, 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’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 — Other valid defenses for your Kearney, 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 choose a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in or around Kearney, MO, you’re not just choosing the top-rated weapons crime defense team in Kearney, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to esteemed weapons crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Kearney, MO residents:

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Kearney, MO | Skilled Missouri Criminal Defense Lawyers | Kearney, MO Weapons Defense Law Firm

    Don’t Face Weapons Charges in Kearney, MO—Combs Waterkotte is on Your Side

    When you’re facing a weapons charge in Kearney, 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 speak directly with an experienced Kearney, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.

    View Service Areas
    Open Video
    Image

    Featured Results:

    Client Review, DUI Case

    Play video
    Image

    Get In Touch:

    St. Louis

    Main Office

    (314) 900-HELP

    Get Directions

    Clayton

    By Appointment Only

    (314) 900-HELP

    Get Directions