Weapons crime attorney in St. Francois County, MO. Have you been charged with a weapons crime in St. Francois 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 St. Francois 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 St. Francois 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 St. Francois County, MO and beyond.

Article Summary
If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime in St. Francois County, MO, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced St. Francois 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 St. Francois 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 St. Francois County, MO.
- Act fast to strengthen your defense from the start.
- Assert your legal rights at every stage of your case.
- Fully understand the laws and charges you’re up against in St. Francois County, MO.
- Prepare for and reduce the risk of severe criminal penalties.
Weapons Crime Attorney in St. Francois County, MO: What is Considered a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our experienced St. Francois 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 St. Francois County, MO
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 St. Francois 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 the St. Francois County, MO Area
This is one of the most frequently charged weapons crimes in the St. Francois County, MO area and can arise in a variety of situations, 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 the appropriate permit
- Bringing a firearm into prohibited locations
- Committing other crimes like burglary, assault, or drug distribution while armed
- Possessing illegal weapon modifications or 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.
If you’re facing these serious charges in St. Francois County, MO, your future is at stake. A Combs Waterkotte skilled St. Francois 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.
St. Francois County, MO Armed Criminal Action
This charge refers to using or displaying a weapon during the commission of a felony offense in St. Francois County, MO. This is not a standalone crime but an enhancement that adds serious time to underlying charges like:
- 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
Defaced Firearm Possession in St. Francois County, MO
Owning a gun with a tampered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—can lead to serious trouble in St. Francois 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 Sale, Transfer, or Trafficking of Weapons in the St. Francois County, MO Area
Selling or handing over a gun to someone who’s legally barred from possessing one in St. Francois County, MO is a serious offense. This could include:
- Giving a firearm to a minor
- 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 St. Francois County, MO weapons crime attorney can step in and fight for you.

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Arrested for a Weapons Crime in St. Francois County, MO? Here’s What to Do
Regardless of how serious the accusations are, here’s what you need to do right away in St. Francois County, MO:
- Don’t answer any questions from law enforcement without legal representation.
- Get in touch with our team immediately for a risk-free case assessment.
- Allow our St. Francois 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 St. Francois County, MO weapons crime attorney, the better your chances of protecting your future.
Weapons Crime Attorney in St. Francois County, MO: Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Right Away
Being charged with a weapons offense in St. Francois County, MO can jeopardize your freedom, finances, and future. But with the help of an experienced defense attorney, you may be able to avoid the worst-case scenario.
A trusted St. Francois County, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte will:
- Immediate Protection of Your Rights
- Thorough Investigation of the Evidence
- Push back against unconstitutional searches or arrests
- Negotiate skillfully for reduced penalties
- Defend you in court with a strong, personalized strategy
We understand what’s at stake—and we’re here to fight for your second chance in St. Francois County, MO.
St. Francois County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Francois County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in St. Francois County, MO: Possible Defenses That Could Make All the Difference
Our St. Francois 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.
- Illegal Search or Seizure — Police must follow strict rules when collecting evidence. If they found a weapon through an illegal search—no warrant, no probable cause, or a bad traffic stop—we’ll fight to have it excluded
- 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 — Other valid defenses for your St. Francois 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 hire a Combs Waterkotte St. Francois County, MO weapons crime attorney, you aren’t just selecting the ideal weapons crime defense team in St. Francois County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to knowledgeable weapons crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for St. Francois County, MO residents:
Don’t Face Weapons Charges in St. Francois County, MO—Let Combs Waterkotte Defend You
Weapons charges can turn your life upside down—but you don’t have to face them alone. Our experienced St. Francois 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 St. Francois County, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.