Weapons crime attorney in Shelby County, MO. Charged with a weapons crime in Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.
Call our trusted Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO and beyond—and we’re ready to fight for you.

Article Summary
Weapons charges in Shelby 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 Shelby 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:
- Take immediate steps in Shelby County, MO to protect your rights and future.
- Move quickly to avoid costly mistakes after an arrest.
- Know your rights, no matter the charge.
- Understand the different types of weapons crimes in Shelby County, MO and their legal implications.
- Recognize the severity of penalties tied to weapons crimes.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Shelby County, MO: What is Considered a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Weapon crimes in Shelby County, MO cover a wide range of offenses. At Combs Waterkotte, our weapons crime attorneys in Shelby County, MO have handled cases involving:
Unlawful Firearm Possession in Shelby 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
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 Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO
Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the Shelby County, MO area, and it can occur under a wide range of circumstances, including:
- Shooting a weapon in restricted zones or while intoxicated
- Flashing or brandishing a gun in a way that alarms or threatens others
- Carrying a concealed weapon without legal authorization
- Possession of firearms in prohibited places, as outlined in Missouri law
- Using a weapon during the commission of another crime, like burglary, assault, or drug distribution
- Possessing firearms with illegal modifications or banned accessories
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 Shelby County, MO who can help get you the best possible outcome.
Shelby County, MO Armed Criminal Action
This charge refers to using or displaying a weapon during the commission of a felony offense in Shelby County, MO. This is not a standalone crime but an enhancement that adds serious time to underlying charges like:
- 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Sale, Transfer, or Trafficking of Weapons in Shelby County, MO
It’s unlawful to sell, loan, or transfer a weapon to someone who is prohibited from possessing one in Shelby County, MO. These violations often involve:
- Giving a firearm to a minor
- Giving a gun to someone with a criminal record
- 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 Shelby County, MO weapons crime attorney can step in and fight for you.

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Arrested for a Weapons Crime in Shelby County, MO? Here’s What to Do
If you’re under investigation or already facing charges in Shelby County, MO, it’s important to act fast:
- 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 Shelby County, MO, defend your rights, and get to work building a personalized defense.
Time is critical in Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO: Why Hiring a Skilled Lawyer is Crucial
Weapons charges in Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you by:
- Step in right away to protect your legal rights
- Analyze the facts and challenge weak or flawed evidence
- Push back against unconstitutional searches or arrests
- Working to get charged reduced—or dropped altogether
- Representing you confidently in court, if necessary
Our team is known for being fearless in the courtroom and strategic behind the scenes. We take every charge seriously and fight to protect your freedom in Shelby County, MO.
Shelby County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Shelby County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Shelby County, MO: Possible Legal Defenses
Our Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO, such as:
- No warrant
- No probable cause
- An unlawful traffic stop
- 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 Possible Defenses — Depending on the facts in Shelby County, MO, we may raise a strong alibi, argue entrapment, expose mistaken identity, or challenge the prosecution’s evidence altogether.
If you choose a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in the Shelby County, MO area, you aren’t just selecting the leading weapons crime defense team in and around Shelby County, MO – you are safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to experienced weapons crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Shelby County and beyond:
Charged With a Weapons Crime in Shelby County, MO?—Let Combs Waterkotte Fight for You
When you’re facing a weapons charge in Shelby 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 connect with a trusted Shelby County, MO weapons crime attorney who’s ready to fight for you.