Weapons crime attorney in Maryland Heights, MO. Have you been charged with a weapons crime in Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO area get reduced charges, dismissed cases, or complete acquittals.
If you’re facing charges, call our Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO and across Missouri.

Article Summary
Weapons charges in Maryland Heights, MO can carry life-changing consequences, but Combs Waterkotte is here to help. Our aggressive, results-driven weapons crime attorneys serve clients throughout the Maryland Heights, 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:
- Secure strong legal representation in Maryland Heights, MO from the very beginning.
- Understand the importance of acting quickly after being charged.
- Understand your legal rights and how to assert them.
- Navigate the complexities of Maryland Heights, MO weapons laws.
- Have a firm grasp of what’s at stake and how to minimize penalties.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Maryland Heights, MO: What is a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Weapon crimes in Maryland Heights, MO cover a wide range of offenses. At Combs Waterkotte, our weapons crime attorneys in Maryland Heights, MO have handled cases involving:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Maryland Heights, MO Area
According to Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, it is illegal to possess a gun in Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Maryland Heights, MO
Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the Maryland Heights, MO area, and it can occur under a wide range of circumstances, including:
- Shooting a weapon in restricted zones or while intoxicated
- Pointing or displaying a gun in a threatening or dangerous way
- Carrying a concealed weapon without the appropriate 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
Depending on the details of your Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO who can help get you the best possible outcome.
Maryland Heights, MO Armed Criminal Action
If you’re accused of committing a felony while armed in Maryland Heights, 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:
- 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
Defaced Firearm Possession in Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, 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 the Maryland Heights, MO Area
It’s unlawful to sell, loan, or transfer a weapon to someone who is prohibited from possessing one in Maryland Heights, MO. These violations often involve:
- Transferring weapons to minors
- Transferring a weapon to a felon
- 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 Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO? Here’s Your Next Move
Regardless of how serious the accusations are, here’s what you need to do right away in Maryland Heights, MO:
- Stay calm and don’t speak with police or investigators before calling a lawyer.
- Reach out to our office as soon as possible for a free consultation.
- We’ll carefully review your situation in Maryland Heights, MO, defend your rights, and get to work building a personalized defense.
Time is critical in Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO: Here’s Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Immediately
Weapons charges in Maryland Heights, 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.
An experienced Maryland Heights, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you by:
- 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
- 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 Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO: Possible Defenses
Every case is different, but our Maryland Heights, 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’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.
- 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 — 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 — You may also have a solid defense based on alibi, entrapment, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence. Every detail matters in Maryland Heights, MO.
If you partner with a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in or around Maryland Heights, MO, you’re not just choosing the ideal weapons crime defense team in Maryland Heights, MO and beyond – you are safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with experienced weapons crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Maryland Heights and beyond:
Don’t Face Weapons Charges in Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, 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 reach out online for a case review where you can get answers from a Maryland Heights, MO weapons crime attorney who cares.