Weapons crime attorney in Manchester, MO. Facing charges of a weapons crime in Manchester, 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 Manchester, MO who knows the system and how to protect your rights.
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 Manchester, MO area get reduced charges, dismissed cases, or complete acquittals.
If you’re facing charges, call our Manchester, 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 Manchester, MO and across Missouri.
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Article Summary
Weapons charges in Manchester, MO can carry life-changing consequences, but Combs Waterkotte is here to help. Our aggressive, results-driven weapons crime attorneys serve clients throughout the Manchester, 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 the first step in protecting your freedom by contacting the right attorney in Manchester, MO.
- Act fast to strengthen your defense from the start.
- Know your rights, no matter the charge.
- Understand the different types of weapons crimes in Manchester, MO and their legal implications.
- Recognize the severity of penalties tied to weapons crimes.
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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 Manchester, MO: What is a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Weapon crimes in Manchester, MO cover a wide range of offenses. At Combs Waterkotte, our weapons crime attorneys in Manchester, MO have handled cases involving:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in Manchester, 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
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 Manchester, MO criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case and build a strong defense from day one.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in in or Around Manchester, MO
Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the Manchester, MO area, and it can occur under a wide range of circumstances, including:
- Shooting a weapon in restricted zones or while intoxicated
- 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
- Using a weapon during the commission of another crime, like burglary, assault, or drug distribution
- Possessing firearms with illegal modifications or banned 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 Manchester, MO, don’t wait. Contact or call a trusted Combs Waterkotte Manchester, MO weapons crime attorney at (314) 900-HELP today to begin building your defense.
Manchester, 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 Manchester, MO, this charge enhances penalties tied to underlying 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
Possession of a Defaced Firearm in Manchester, 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 Manchester, MO. Law enforcement treats these cases harshly due to associations with criminal trafficking and stolen guns.
Unlawful Sale, Transfer, or Trafficking of Weapons in Manchester, MO
Selling or handing over a gun to someone who’s legally barred from possessing one in Manchester, MO is a serious offense. This could include:
- 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 Manchester, 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 Manchester, MO? Here’s What to Do
If you’re under investigation or already facing charges in Manchester, MO, it’s important to act fast:
- Stay calm and don’t speak with police or investigators before calling a lawyer.
- Get in touch with our team immediately for a risk-free case assessment.
- We’ll carefully review your situation in Manchester, MO, defend your rights, and get to work building a personalized defense.
Don’t wait—quick action can make all the difference. A knowledgeable Manchester, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can begin helping you from day one.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Manchester, MO: Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Right Away
Weapons charges in Manchester, 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 Manchester, MO weapons crime attorney helps protect you:
- Protecting your rights from the moment of your arrest
- Thorough Investigation of the Evidence
- Challenging Unlawful Searches or Arrests
- Negotiating for Reduced or Dismissed Charges
- 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 Manchester, MO.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Manchester, MO: Possible Defenses That Could Make All the Difference
At Combs Waterkotte, no two cases are alike—but our Manchester, 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 — Police must follow strict rules when collecting evidence. If they found a weapon through an illegal search—no warrant, no probable cause, or a bad traffic stop—we’ll fight to have it excluded
- Lack of Intent or Knowledge — 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 Defenses — Depending on the facts in Manchester, MO, we may raise a strong alibi, argue entrapment, expose mistaken identity, or challenge the prosecution’s evidence altogether.
If you choose a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in the Manchester, MO area, you’re not just choosing the ideal weapons crime defense team in and around Manchester, MO – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to knowledgeable weapons crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Manchester, MO residents:
Don’t Face Weapons Charges in Manchester, MO—Let Combs Waterkotte Defend You
When you’re up against a weapons charge in Manchester, 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 speak directly with an experienced Manchester, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.
