Weapons crime attorney in Putnam County, MO. Facing charges of a weapons crime in Putnam County, 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 Putnam County, MO who knows the system and how to protect your rights.
At Combs Waterkotte, we bring over 50 years of experience to every case we take on. Our criminal defense strategies have helped clients in Putnam County, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.
Call our trusted Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO and beyond—and we’re ready to fight for you.

Article Summary
If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime in Putnam County, MO, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced Putnam 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 Putnam 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 the first step in protecting your freedom by contacting the right attorney in Putnam County, MO.
- Act fast to strengthen your defense from the start.
- Know your rights, no matter the charge.
- Fully understand the laws and charges you’re up against in Putnam County, MO.
- Prepare for and reduce the risk of severe criminal penalties.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Putnam County, MO: What Counts as a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our experienced Putnam 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 the Putnam County, MO Area
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
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 Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO
Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the Putnam County, MO area, and it can occur under a wide range of circumstances, including:
- 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
- Carrying a concealed weapon without legal authorization
- Bringing a firearm into prohibited locations
- Committing another offense—such as 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.
If you’ve been accused in Putnam County, MO, don’t wait. Contact or call a trusted Combs Waterkotte Putnam County, MO weapons crime attorney at (314) 900-HELP today to begin building your defense.
Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO, this charge enhances penalties tied to underlying felonies such as:
- Drug Trafficking
- Assault
- Robbery
- Burglary
Missouri’s sentencing is strict:
- First offense: 3-year minimum
- Second offense: At least 5 years
- Third offense: 10+ years
Possession of a Defaced Firearm in Putnam County, MO
Owning a gun with a tampered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—can lead to serious trouble in Putnam County, MO. It’s a Class B misdemeanor, but the implications are long-term: it can permanently affect your gun rights and your record.
Illegal Firearm Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in Putnam County, MO
It’s unlawful to sell, loan, or transfer a weapon to someone who is prohibited from possessing one in Putnam County, MO. These violations often involve:
- Selling or gifting firearms to minors
- Transferring a weapon to a felon
- Failing to confirm eligibility before a sale
Depending on the facts of your case, you can face a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony. Don’t face these charges alone—a Combs Waterkotte Putnam County, MO weapons crime attorney can step in and fight for you.

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Charged With a Weapons Crime in Putnam County, MO? Here’s What to Do
No matter the circumstances or severity of your charges in Putnam County, MO, here’s what you should do:
- Do not speak to the police without an attorney present.
- Contact our office immediately for a no-obligation case review.
- Let us review your case in Putnam County, MO, protect your rights, and start building your defense.
Time is critical in Putnam County, 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 Putnam County, MO: Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Right Away
Weapons charges in Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte will:
- 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
- Negotiating for Reduced or Dismissed Charges
- Taking Your Case to Trial if Needed
We understand what’s at stake—and we’re here to fight for your second chance in Putnam County, MO.
Putnam County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Putnam County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Putnam County, MO: Possible Defenses That Could Make All the Difference
Our Putnam 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 laws like Stand Your Ground statute and Castle Doctrine protect your right to defend yourself. If you acted out of fear for your life or safety, we’ll work to prove it.
- Unlawful Search or Seizure — We can utilize this defense if the weapon was found during a search that violated your Fourth Amendment rights in Putnam 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 Possible Defenses — Depending on the facts in Putnam County, MO, we may raise a strong alibi, argue entrapment, expose mistaken identity, or challenge the prosecution’s evidence altogether.
When you choose a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in the Putnam County, MO area, you’re not just selecting the leading weapons crime defense team in and around Putnam County, MO – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to knowledgeable weapons crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Putnam County, MO residents:
Charged With a Weapons Crime in Putnam 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 Putnam 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 for a case review where you can get answers from a Putnam County, MO weapons crime attorney who cares.