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Lake St. Louis, MO

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Last Updated: April 15, 2025

Weapons crime attorney in Lake St. Louis, MO. Have you been charged with a weapons crime in Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO who knows how to fight for you—and win.

At Combs Waterkotte, we bring over 50 years of experience to every case we take on. Our criminal defense strategies have helped clients in Lake St. Louis, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.

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

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Article Summary

Facing weapons charges in Lake St. Louis, MO? Don’t leave your future to chance. Trust Combs Waterkotte—Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO and their legal implications.
  • Prepare for and reduce the risk of severe criminal penalties.

Weapons Crime Attorney in Lake St. Louis, MO: What Counts as a Weapons Crime in Missouri?

Our Lake St. Louis, MO weapons crime attorneys have handled the following types of cases and more:

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in Lake St. Louis, MO

According to Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, it is illegal to possess a gun in Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case and build a strong defense from day one.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Lake St. Louis, MO

This is one of the most frequently charged weapons crimes in the Lake St. Louis, 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
  • Brandishing or displaying a firearm in a threatening or reckless manner
  • Illegally carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
  • Bringing a firearm into prohibited locations
  • Committing another offense—such as burglary, assault, or drug distribution—while armed
  • Possessing illegal weapon modifications or accessories

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.

If you’ve been accused in Lake St. Louis, MO, don’t wait. Contact or call a trusted Combs Waterkotte Lake St. Louis, MO weapons crime attorney at (314) 900-HELP today to begin building your defense.

Lake St. Louis, MO Armed Criminal Action

This charge refers to using or displaying a weapon during the commission of a felony offense in Lake St. Louis, MO. This is not a standalone crime but an enhancement that adds serious time to underlying charges like:

Missouri’s sentencing is strict:

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

Defaced Firearm Possession in Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO. Law enforcement treats these cases harshly due to associations with criminal trafficking and stolen guns.

Illegal Firearm Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in the Lake St. Louis, MO Area

Selling or handing over a gun to someone who’s legally barred from possessing one in Lake St. Louis, MO is a serious offense. This could include:

  • Transferring weapons to minors
  • Giving a gun to someone with a criminal record
  • 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 Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO? Here’s What to Do

    No matter the circumstances or severity of your charges in Lake St. Louis, MO, here’s what you should do:

    1. Don’t answer any questions from law enforcement without legal representation.
    2. Get in touch with our team immediately for a risk-free case assessment.
    3. Let us review your case in Lake St. Louis, MO, protect your rights, and start building your defense.

    Time is critical in Lake St. Louis, 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  Lake St. Louis, MO | Leading Missouri Criminal Defense Law Firm | Lake St. Louis, MO Criminal Defense Lawyers

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Lake St. Louis, MO: Here’s Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Immediately

    Weapons charges in Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, 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
    • Working to get charged reduced—or dropped altogether
    • 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 Lake St. Louis, MO.

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Lake St. Louis, MO: Possible Legal Defenses

    At Combs Waterkotte, no two cases are alike—but our Lake St. Louis, 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 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 Lake St. Louis, MO can work to prove your use of force was necessary given your reasonable fear of imminent threat.
    • Unlawful 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 Intent or Knowledge 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 — You may also have a solid defense based on alibi, entrapment, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence. Every detail matters in Lake St. Louis, MO.

    If you choose a Combs Waterkotte Lake St. Louis, MO weapons crime attorney, you aren’t just hiring the ideal weapons crime defense team in and around Lake St. Louis, MO – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with experienced weapons crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Lake St. Louis, MO residents:

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Lake St. Louis, MO | Skilled Missouri Criminal Defense Lawyers | Lake St. Louis, MO Weapons Defense Law Firm

    Don’t Face Weapons Charges in Lake St. Louis, MO—Combs Waterkotte is on Your Side

    Weapons charges can turn your life upside down—but you don’t have to face them alone. Our experienced Lake St. Louis, MO weapons crime attorneys are ready to take action on your behalf. Whether it’s negotiating the best possible resolution or defending you in court, we’ll stand by your side every step of the way.

    Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to speak directly with an experienced Lake St. Louis, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.

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