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Phelps County, MO

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Last Updated: April 15, 2025

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

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

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Article Summary

Weapons charges in Phelps County, MO can carry life-changing consequences, but Combs Waterkotte is here to help. Our aggressive, results-driven weapons crime attorneys serve clients throughout the Phelps County, 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 Phelps County, MO from the very beginning.
  • Understand the importance of acting quickly after being charged.
  • Know your rights, no matter the charge.
  • Fully understand the laws and charges you’re up against in Phelps County, MO.
  • Have a firm grasp of what’s at stake and how to minimize penalties.

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

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

Unlawful Firearm Possession in Phelps 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 Phelps County, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Phelps County, MO

These crimes are more common in Phelps 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
  • Brandishing or displaying a firearm in a threatening or reckless manner
  • Illegally carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
  • Possessing a firearm in areas where it is legally prohibited
  • Committing another offense—such as burglary, assault, or drug distribution—while armed
  • Possessing illegal weapon modifications or accessories

The consequences in Phelps County, MO can be life-altering. Charges can range from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A felony with decades—or a lifetime—behind bars.

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 Phelps County, MO who can help get you the best possible outcome.

Phelps County, 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 Phelps County, MO, this charge enhances penalties tied to underlying felonies such as:

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 or Around Phelps County, 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 Phelps County, MO. Law enforcement treats these cases harshly due to associations with criminal trafficking and stolen guns.

Illegal Firearm Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in or Around Phelps County, MO

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

  • Giving a firearm to a minor
  • Providing weapons to convicted felons
  • Selling a firearm without verifying eligibility

Penalties vary, with charges ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. An experienced Phelps 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 Phelps County, MO? Here’s Your Next Move

    No matter the circumstances or severity of your charges in Phelps County, MO, here’s what you should do:

    1. Don’t answer any questions from law enforcement without legal representation.
    2. Contact our office immediately for a no-obligation case review.
    3. Allow our Phelps 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 Phelps County, MO weapons crime attorney, the better your chances of protecting your future.

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

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Phelps County, MO: Here’s Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Immediately

    Weapons charges in Phelps County, 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.

    A trusted Phelps County, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte will:

    • Step in right away to protect your legal rights
    • Thorough Investigation of the Evidence
    • Exposing any unlawful actions by law enforcement
    • Negotiate skillfully for reduced penalties
    • Defend you in court with a strong, personalized strategy

    At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t back down. We question every detail, build aggressive defense strategies, and fight relentlessly for the best outcome in Phelps County, MO.

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Phelps County, MO: Possible Defenses

    Our Phelps 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 Phelps County, MO can work to prove your use of force was necessary given your reasonable fear of imminent threat.
    • Unlawful Search or Seizure We can utilize this defense if the weapon was found during a search that violated your Fourth Amendment rights in Phelps County, MO, such as:
      • No warrant
      • No probable cause
      • An unlawful traffic stop
    • 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 — Other valid defenses for your Phelps 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.

    When you partner with a Combs Waterkotte Phelps County, MO weapons crime attorney, you aren’t just choosing the ideal weapons crime defense team in Phelps County, MO and beyond – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with knowledgeable weapons crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Phelps County and beyond:

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

    Don’t Face Weapons Charges in Phelps County, MO—Let Combs Waterkotte Fight for You

    Weapons charges can turn your life upside down—but you don’t have to face them alone. Our experienced Phelps County, 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 Phelps County, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.

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