St. Joseph, MO

Weapons crime attorney in St. Joseph, MO. Charged with a weapons crime in St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO who knows the ins and outs of Missouri criminal courts and delivers results.

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. Joseph, 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. Joseph, MO and beyond.

Article Summary

If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime in St. Joseph, MO, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced St. Joseph, 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. Joseph, 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:

• Secure strong legal representation in St. Joseph, MO from the very beginning.
• Move quickly to avoid costly mistakes after an arrest.
• Know your rights, no matter the charge.
• Fully understand the laws and charges you’re up against in St. Joseph, MO.
• Prepare for and reduce the risk of severe criminal penalties.

Weapons Crime Attorney in St. Joseph, MO: What Counts as a Weapons Crime in Missouri?

Weapon crimes in St. Joseph, MO cover a wide range of offenses. At Combs Waterkotte, our weapons crime attorneys in St. Joseph, MO have handled cases involving:

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the St. Joseph, MO Area

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 St. Joseph, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon in the St. Joseph, MO Area

These crimes are more common in St. Joseph, MO than you might think—and incredibly serious. They often involve:

• Shooting a weapon in restricted zones or while intoxicated
• 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
• Using or owning weapons with illegal alterations or attachments

Depending on the details of your St. Joseph, MO case, penalties range from a Class B misdemeanor, which carries up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 in fines, to a Class A felony, with potential sentences of 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 St. Joseph, MO who can help get you the best possible outcome.

St. Joseph, MO Armed Criminal Action

If you’re accused of committing a felony while armed in St. Joseph, MO, you could be facing an armed criminal action enhancement—an add-on charge that dramatically increases prison time. These enhancements apply to 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

Defaced Firearm Possession in St. Joseph, MO

Owning a gun with a tampered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—can lead to serious trouble in St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO

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

• Giving a firearm to a minor
• Transferring a weapon to a felon
• Failing to check legal eligibility before a sale

Penalties vary, with charges ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. An experienced St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO? Take These Steps Now

If you’re under investigation or already facing charges in St. Joseph, MO, it’s important to act fast:

1. Stay calm and don’t speak with police or investigators before calling a lawyer.
2. Get in touch with our team immediately for a risk-free case assessment.
3. We’ll carefully review your situation in St. Joseph, MO, defend your rights, and get to work building a personalized defense.

In weapons cases, every second counts. The earlier you contact an experienced St. Joseph, MO weapons crime attorney, the better your chances of protecting your future.

Weapons Crime Attorney in St. Joseph, MO: Why Hiring a Skilled Lawyer is Crucial

Weapons charges in St. Joseph, 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.

Here’s how an experienced St. Joseph, MO weapons crime attorney helps protect you:

• Immediate Protection of Your Rights
• Investigating the prosecution’s claims and gathering critical evidence
• Exposing any unlawful actions by law enforcement
• Working to get charged reduced—or dropped altogether
• 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. Joseph, MO.

Weapons Crime Attorney in St. Joseph, MO: Possible Defenses That Could Make All the Difference

Our St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, 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 — Other valid defenses for your St. Joseph, 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.

If you partner with a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in the St. Joseph, MO area, you’re not just hiring the leading weapons crime defense team in and around St. Joseph, MO – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to esteemed weapons crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Joseph and beyond:

• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer
• Drug Crimes Lawyer
• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer

Don’t Face Weapons Charges in St. Joseph, MO—Let Combs Waterkotte Defend You

When you’re up against a weapons charge in St. Joseph, 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 reach out online for a case review where you can get answers from a St. Joseph, MO weapons crime attorney who cares.