Weapons crime attorney in Laclede County, MO. Have you been charged with a weapons crime in Laclede County, 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 Laclede County, MO who knows how to fight for you—and win.
At Combs Waterkotte, we understand what’s at stake. Our aggressive criminal defense strategies have helped numerous individuals charged with gun and other weapon-related offenses throughout the Laclede County, MO area get reduced charges, dismissed cases, or complete acquittals.
If you’re facing charges, call our Laclede County, MO weapons crime attorney right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Our legal team has over 60 years of combined experience and has successfully handled 10,000+ cases just like yours in Laclede County, MO and across Missouri.
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Article Summary
If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime in Laclede County, MO, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced Laclede County, MO weapons crime attorneys aggressively defend clients facing gun charges, unlawful use of weapons, armed criminal action, and other firearm-related offenses throughout the Laclede County, 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 Laclede County, MO.
- Move quickly to avoid costly mistakes after an arrest.
- Assert your legal rights at every stage of your case.
- Navigate the complexities of Laclede County, MO weapons laws.
- Have a firm grasp of what’s at stake and how to minimize penalties.
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Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
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Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
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Weapons Crime Attorney in Laclede County, MO: What is Considered a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Weapon crimes in Laclede County, MO cover a wide range of offenses. At Combs Waterkotte, our weapons crime attorneys in Laclede County, MO have handled cases involving:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in Laclede County, 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 Laclede 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 Laclede County, MO
This is one of the most frequently charged weapons crimes in the Laclede County, MO area and can arise in a variety of situations, including:
- Discharging a firearm in a restricted area or while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Brandishing or displaying a firearm in a threatening or reckless manner
- 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 illegal weapon modifications or accessories
Depending on the details of your Laclede County, 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.
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 Laclede County, MO who can help get you the best possible outcome.
Laclede County, MO Armed Criminal Action
This charge refers to using or displaying a weapon during the commission of a felony offense in Laclede County, MO. This is not a standalone crime but an enhancement that adds serious time to underlying charges like:
- 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
Possession of a Defaced Firearm in or Around Laclede 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 Laclede 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 Sale, Transfer, or Trafficking of Weapons in Laclede County, MO
In Laclede County, 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
- 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 Laclede 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 Laclede County, MO? Take These Steps Now
Regardless of how serious the accusations are, here’s what you need to do right away in Laclede County, MO:
- Don’t answer any questions from law enforcement without legal representation.
- Reach out to our office as soon as possible for a free consultation.
- Let us review your case in Laclede County, MO, protect your rights, and start building your defense.
Time is critical in Laclede County, 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 Laclede County, MO: Why Hiring a Skilled Lawyer is Crucial
Weapons charges in Laclede County, 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 Laclede County, MO weapons crime attorney helps protect you:
- Step in right away to protect your legal rights
- Analyze the facts and challenge weak or flawed 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
We understand what’s at stake—and we’re here to fight for your second chance in Laclede County, MO.
Laclede County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Laclede County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Laclede County, MO: Possible Defenses That Could Make All the Difference
Our Laclede County, 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 has “Stand Your Ground” and “Castle Doctrine” laws, allowing you to use force—including deadly force—to protect yourself and others. Our weapons crime attorney in Laclede County, MO can work to prove your use of force was necessary given your reasonable fear of imminent threat.
- Illegal Search or Seizure — We can utilize this defense if the weapon was found during a search that violated your Fourth Amendment rights in Laclede County, MO, such as:
- No warrant
- No probable cause
- An unlawful traffic stop
- 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 Possible Defenses — You may also have a solid defense based on alibi, entrapment, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence. Every detail matters in Laclede County, MO.
When you hire a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in the Laclede County, MO area, you’re not just choosing the ideal weapons crime defense team in Laclede County, MO and beyond – you’re safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to esteemed weapons crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Laclede County, MO residents:
Don’t Face Weapons Charges in Laclede County, MO—Combs Waterkotte is on Your Side
When you’re up against a weapons charge in Laclede County, 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 reach out online to connect with a trusted Laclede County, MO weapons crime attorney who’s ready to fight for you.
