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Laclede County, MO

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Last Updated: April 15, 2025

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 50 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

Weapons charges in Laclede County, MO can carry life-changing consequences, but Combs Waterkotte is here to help. Our aggressive, results-driven weapons crime attorneys serve clients throughout the Laclede County, MO area facing accusations involving guns, illegal possession, armed criminal action, or trafficking. We know how to push back against the prosecution and protect your rights. Read on to learn that when you work with us, we’ll help you:

  • Take immediate steps in Laclede County, MO to protect your rights and future.
  • 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.
  • Recognize the severity of penalties tied to weapons crimes.

Weapons Crime Attorney in Laclede County, MO: What is a Weapons Crime in Missouri?

Our experienced Laclede County, 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 the Laclede County, MO Area

According to Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, it is illegal to possess a gun in Laclede County, 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 Laclede County, 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 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:

  • Shooting a weapon in restricted zones or while intoxicated
  • Flashing or brandishing a gun in a way that alarms or threatens others
  • Illegally carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
  • Possession of firearms in prohibited places, as outlined in Missouri law
  • Committing other crimes like burglary, assault, or drug distribution while armed
  • Possessing firearms with illegal modifications or banned 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

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 Laclede County, MO, this charge enhances penalties tied to underlying 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 or Around Laclede County, 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 Laclede County, MO. Law enforcement treats these cases harshly due to associations with criminal trafficking and stolen guns.

Illegal Firearm Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in Laclede County, MO

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

  • Giving a firearm to a minor
  • Transferring a weapon to a felon
  • 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 Laclede County, 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 Laclede County, MO? Here’s What to Do

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

    1. Do not speak to the police without an attorney present.
    2. Reach out to our office as soon as possible for a free consultation.
    3. Allow our Laclede County, MO legal team to evaluate the charges, safeguard your rights, and start building a strong defense strategy.

    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  Laclede County, MO | Leading Missouri Criminal Defense Law Firm | Laclede County, MO Criminal Defense Lawyers

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Laclede County, MO: Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Right Away

    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.

    An experienced Laclede County, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you by:

    • Step in right away to protect your legal rights
    • Thorough Investigation of the Evidence
    • Exposing any unlawful actions by law enforcement
    • Working to get charged reduced—or dropped altogether
    • 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 Laclede County, MO.

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Laclede County, MO: Possible Defenses

    Every case is different, but our Laclede County, 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 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.
    • Unlawful 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 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 Laclede County, 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 partner with a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in or around Laclede County, MO, you’re not just hiring the leading weapons crime defense team in and around Laclede County, MO – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with knowledgeable weapons crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Laclede County, MO residents:

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

    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 contact us online to speak directly with an experienced Laclede County, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.

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