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Weapons Crime Attorney McDonald County, MO

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Last Updated: April 15, 2025

Weapons crime attorney in McDonald County, MO. Have you been charged with a weapons crime in McDonald 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 McDonald County, 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 McDonald County, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.

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

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Article Summary

Facing weapons charges in McDonald County, MO? Don’t leave your future to chance. Trust Combs Waterkotte—McDonald County, 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 McDonald County, 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 McDonald County, MO to protect your rights and future.
  • Act fast to strengthen your defense from the start.
  • Understand your legal rights and how to assert them.
  • Navigate the complexities of McDonald County, MO weapons laws.
  • Have a firm grasp of what’s at stake and how to minimize penalties.

Weapons Crime Attorney in McDonald County, MO: What Counts as a Weapons Crime in Missouri?

Our McDonald County, MO weapons crime attorneys have handled the following types of cases and more:

Unlawful Firearm Possession in McDonald County, MO

According to Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, it is illegal to possess a gun in McDonald 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

Unlawful possession is typically charged as a Class C felony, but it becomes a Class B felony if you have prior convictions for violent crimes or unlawful possession. If you’ve been accused, it’s critical to have an experienced McDonald County, MO criminal defense attorney evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to preserve your rights and future.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon in McDonald County, MO

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

  • Firing a gun in restricted areas, especially while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Pointing or displaying a gun in a threatening or dangerous way
  • 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
  • Possessing firearms with illegal modifications or banned accessories

Depending on the details of your McDonald 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.

If you’re facing these serious charges in McDonald County, MO, your future is at stake. A Combs Waterkotte skilled McDonald County, MO weapons crime attorney can help you build a strong defense and get the best possible outcome. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online today.

McDonald County, MO Armed Criminal Action

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

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

Defaced Firearm Possession in McDonald County, MO

Owning a gun with a tampered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—can lead to serious trouble in McDonald County, MO. It’s a Class B misdemeanor, but the implications are long-term: it can permanently affect your gun rights and your record.

Unlawful Weapon Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in the McDonald County, MO Area

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

  • Giving a firearm to a minor
  • Providing weapons to convicted felons
  • 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 McDonald County, 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 McDonald County, MO? Take These Steps Now

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

    1. Do not speak to the police without an attorney present.
    2. Contact our office immediately for a no-obligation case review.
    3. Let us review your case in McDonald County, MO, protect your rights, and start building your defense.

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

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

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

    Weapons charges in McDonald 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.

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

    • Protecting your rights from the moment of your arrest
    • 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 McDonald County, MO.

    Weapons Crime Attorney in McDonald County, MO: Possible Defenses

    Every case is different, but our McDonald 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 McDonald County, MO can work to prove your use of force was necessary given your reasonable fear of imminent threat.
    • Illegal 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 Knowledge or Intent 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 — Other valid defenses for your McDonald 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 hire a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in or around McDonald County, MO, you’re not just selecting the leading weapons crime defense team in McDonald County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with knowledgeable weapons crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for McDonald County, MO residents:

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

    Don’t Face Weapons Charges in McDonald County, MO—Let Combs Waterkotte Defend You

    When you’re facing a weapons charge in McDonald County, MO, every detail matters. Our team of weapons crime attorneys is ready to stand between you and the prosecution. Whether it’s negotiating a favorable plea or going to trial, we’re here to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.

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

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