Weapons crime attorney in Shelby County, MO. Have you been charged with a weapons crime in Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO who knows how to fight for you—and win.
The lawyers at Combs Waterkotte understand the serious nature of these charges. With more than 50 years of combined experience and a proven track record in weapons and gun defense cases, we use tailored defense strategies to challenge the prosecution and fight for the best possible outcome.
Don’t wait—call our Shelby County, MO weapons crime attorneys right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for your free, confidential consultation. We’ve successfully handled 10,000+ cases just like yours in Shelby County, MO and beyond.

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.
- Understand your legal rights and how to assert them.
- 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 Counts as 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
According to Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, it is illegal to possess a gun in Shelby 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
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 Shelby County, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.
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:
- Firing a gun in restricted areas, especially while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Brandishing or displaying a firearm in a threatening or reckless manner
- Illegally carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
- Possession of firearms in prohibited places, as outlined in Missouri law
- Committing other crimes like 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 Shelby County, MO, don’t wait. Contact or call a trusted Combs Waterkotte Shelby County, MO weapons crime attorney at (314) 900-HELP today to begin building your defense.
Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO, this charge enhances penalties tied to underlying 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
Possession of a Defaced Firearm in or Around Shelby County, MO
Owning a gun with a tampered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—can lead to serious trouble in Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO Area
In Shelby County, MO and anywhere else in Missouri, it is illegal to sell, lease, give, or otherwise transfer firearms to individuals who are legally barred from owning them. Common scenarios include:
- Transferring weapons to minors
- Transferring a weapon to a felon
- Failing to confirm eligibility before a sale
Penalties vary, with charges ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. An experienced Shelby County, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you fight these accusations and protect your future.

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Arrested for a Weapons Crime in Shelby County, MO? Take These Steps Now
If you’re under investigation or already facing charges in Shelby County, MO, it’s important to act fast:
- Do not speak to the police without an attorney present.
- 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:
- Immediate Protection of Your Rights
- 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
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
Every case is different, but our Shelby 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 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.
- Illegal 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 Intent or Knowledge — Maybe the weapon wasn’t yours, or you had no idea it was in your possession. We’ll work to show there was no criminal intent on your part.
- Other Defenses — You may also have a solid defense based on alibi, entrapment, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence. Every detail matters in Shelby County, MO.
When you partner with a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in the Shelby County, MO area, you aren’t just selecting the top-rated weapons crime defense team in Shelby County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with experienced weapons crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Shelby County, MO residents:
- DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
- Violent Crime Lawyer
- Drug Crimes Lawyer
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
Charged With a Weapons Crime in Shelby County, MO?—Combs Waterkotte is on Your Side
When you’re up against a weapons charge in Shelby County, MO, you need experienced legal support from the start. At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys don’t wait—they act. From negotiating a strategic plea deal to taking your case to trial, we fight to protect everything you stand to lose—your rights, freedom, and 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.