Weapons crime attorney in St. Louis, MO. Charged with a weapons crime in St. Louis, 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. Louis, MO who knows the ins and outs of Missouri criminal courts and delivers results.
At Combs Waterkotte, we understand what’s at stake. Our aggressive criminal defense strategies have helped numerous individuals charged with gun and other weapon-related offenses throughout the St. Louis, MO area get reduced charges, dismissed cases, or complete acquittals.
If you’re facing charges, call our St. Louis, MO weapons crime attorney right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Our legal team has over 60 years of combined experience and has successfully handled 10,000+ cases just like yours in St. Louis, MO and across Missouri.
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Article Summary
Facing weapons charges in St. Louis, MO? Don’t leave your future to chance. Trust Combs Waterkotte—St. Louis, MO’s leading criminal defense firm—to fight for your rights and freedom. Our skilled weapons crime attorneys defend clients accused of gun possession, unlawful use, armed criminal action, and other firearm offenses in and around St. Louis, MO. From challenging illegal searches and seizures to negotiating reduced charges or full dismissals, we build tough, strategic defenses tailored to your situation. If you’re facing any weapons-related charge, read on to learn how we’ll help you:
- Secure strong legal representation in St. Louis, MO from the very beginning.
- Act fast to strengthen your defense from the start.
- Understand your legal rights and how to assert them.
- Navigate the complexities of St. Louis, MO weapons laws.
- Prepare for and reduce the risk of severe criminal penalties.
Weapons Crime Attorney in St. Louis, MO: What is Considered a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Weapon crimes in St. Louis, MO cover a wide range of offenses. At Combs Waterkotte, our weapons crime attorneys in St. Louis, MO have handled cases involving:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, 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. Louis, MO Area
Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the St. Louis, 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 the appropriate permit
- 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
- 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’re facing these serious charges in St. Louis, MO, your future is at stake. A Combs Waterkotte skilled St. Louis, 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. Louis, MO Armed Criminal Action
This charge refers to using or displaying a weapon during the commission of a felony offense in St. Louis, 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 or Around St. Louis, MO
Owning a gun with a tampered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—can lead to serious trouble in St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO
In St. Louis, 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
- Providing weapons to convicted felons
- 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. Louis, MO weapons crime attorney can step in and fight for you.
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Arrested for a Weapons Crime in St. Louis, MO? Here’s Your Next Move
If you’re under investigation or already facing charges in St. Louis, MO, it’s important to act fast:
- Stay calm and don’t speak with police or investigators before calling a lawyer.
- Contact our office immediately for a no-obligation case review.
- Let us review your case in St. Louis, MO, protect your rights, and start building your defense.
In weapons cases, every second counts. The earlier you contact an experienced St. Louis, MO weapons crime attorney, the better your chances of protecting your future.

Weapons Crime Attorney in St. Louis, MO: Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Right Away
Being charged with a weapons offense in St. Louis, 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. Louis, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte will:
- Protecting your rights from the moment of your arrest
- Analyze the facts and challenge weak or flawed evidence
- Challenging Unlawful Searches or Arrests
- Negotiating for Reduced or Dismissed Charges
- 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 St. Louis, MO.
St. Louis City Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in St. Louis, MO: Possible Legal Defenses
Every case is different, but our St. Louis, 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’s strong self-defense laws, including the Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine, may justify your actions if you used force to protect yourself or someone else from an immediate threat.
- 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. Louis, 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 weapons crime attorney in the St. Louis, MO area, you aren’t just selecting the leading weapons crime defense team in St. Louis, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with esteemed weapons crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Louis and beyond:
- Federal Conspiracy Defense Lawyer
- Federal Felony Lawyers
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Federal Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

Charged With a Weapons Crime in St. Louis, MO?—Combs Waterkotte is on Your Side
When you’re up against a weapons charge in St. Louis, 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 for a case review where you can get answers from a St. Louis, MO weapons crime attorney who cares.

