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Maries County, MO

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Last Updated: April 15, 2025

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

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

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Article Summary

If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime in Maries County, MO, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced Maries 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 Maries 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 immediate steps in Maries County, MO to protect your rights and future.
  • Move quickly to avoid costly mistakes after an arrest.
  • Understand your legal rights and how to assert them.
  • Fully understand the laws and charges you’re up against in Maries County, MO.
  • Have a firm grasp of what’s at stake and how to minimize penalties.

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

Our experienced Maries 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 Maries County, MO

Under Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, possessing a firearm becomes illegal if:

  • You’re a convicted felon
  • You are underage
  • You belong to a group legally barred from owning firearms
  • You are violating federal firearm restrictions

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 Maries County, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Maries County, MO

These crimes are more common in Maries County, MO than you might think—and incredibly serious. They often involve:

  • Discharging a firearm in a restricted area or while impaired by drugs or alcohol
  • Flashing or brandishing a gun in a way that alarms or threatens others
  • Carrying a concealed weapon without legal authorization
  • Possessing a firearm in areas where it is legally prohibited
  • 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 Maries County, MO who can help get you the best possible outcome.

Maries County, MO Armed Criminal Action

If you’re accused of committing a felony while armed in Maries County, 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 Maries 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 Maries 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 Weapon Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in or Around Maries County, MO

In Maries 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:

  • Selling or gifting firearms to minors
  • Transferring a weapon to a felon
  • Selling a firearm without verifying eligibility

Penalties vary, with charges ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. An experienced Maries County, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you fight these accusations and protect your future.


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    Charged With a Weapons Crime in Maries County, MO? Take These Steps Now

    If you’re under investigation or already facing charges in Maries County, 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. Allow our Maries County, MO legal team to evaluate the charges, safeguard your rights, and start building a strong defense strategy.

    In weapons cases, every second counts. The earlier you contact an experienced Maries County, MO weapons crime attorney, the better your chances of protecting your future.

    Weapons Crime Attorney  Maries County, MO | Leading Missouri Criminal Defense Law Firm | Maries County, MO Criminal Defense Lawyers

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

    Weapons charges in Maries County, 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 Maries County, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte will:

    • Protecting your rights from the moment of your arrest
    • Analyze the facts and challenge weak or flawed evidence
    • Exposing any unlawful actions by law enforcement
    • Negotiating for Reduced or Dismissed Charges
    • Representing you confidently in court, if necessary

    We understand what’s at stake—and we’re here to fight for your second chance in Maries County, MO.

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Maries County, MO: Possible Legal Defenses

    Our Maries 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 Maries County, MO can work to prove your use of force was necessary given your reasonable fear of imminent 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 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 — Depending on the facts in Maries County, MO, we may raise a strong alibi, argue entrapment, expose mistaken identity, or challenge the prosecution’s evidence altogether.

    If you partner with a Combs Waterkotte Maries County, MO weapons crime attorney, you aren’t just choosing the leading weapons crime defense team in Maries County, MO and beyond – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with esteemed weapons crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Maries County, MO residents:

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

    Charged With a Weapons Crime in Maries County, MO?—Let Combs Waterkotte Defend You

    When you’re up against a weapons charge in Maries 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 Maries County, MO weapons crime attorney who’s ready to fight for you.

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