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 bring over 50 years of experience to every case we take on. Our criminal defense strategies have helped clients in St. Louis, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.
Call our trusted St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO and beyond—and we’re ready to fight for you.

Article Summary
Weapons charges in St. Louis, MO can carry life-changing consequences, but Combs Waterkotte is here to help. Our aggressive, results-driven weapons crime attorneys serve clients throughout the St. Louis, 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:
- Secure strong legal representation in St. Louis, MO from the very beginning.
- Move quickly to avoid costly mistakes after an arrest.
- Know your rights, no matter the charge.
- Navigate the complexities of St. Louis, MO weapons laws.
- Have a firm grasp of what’s at stake and how to minimize penalties.
Weapons Crime Attorney in St. Louis, MO: What Counts as a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our St. Louis, MO weapons crime attorneys have handled the following types of cases and more:
Unlawful Firearm Possession in St. Louis, 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 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
These crimes are more common in St. Louis, MO than you might think—and incredibly serious. They often involve:
- Discharging a firearm in a restricted area or while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Pointing or displaying a gun in a threatening or dangerous way
- Carrying a concealed weapon without the appropriate permit
- Possession of firearms in prohibited places, as outlined in Missouri law
- Committing another offense—such as burglary, assault, or drug distribution—while armed
- 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.
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
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 St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO
If you’re caught with a firearm that has an altered or missing serial number, you may be charged with possessing a defaced firearm—a Class B misdemeanor in St. Louis, MO. Law enforcement treats these cases harshly due to associations with criminal trafficking and stolen guns.
Illegal Firearm 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:
- Selling or gifting firearms to minors
- Giving a gun to someone with a criminal record
- Failing to confirm eligibility before a sale
Depending on the circumstances, the offense may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony. A knowledgeable St. Louis, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can help you avoid the worst-case scenario.

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Charged With a Weapons Crime in St. Louis, MO? Here’s What to Do
No matter the circumstances or severity of your charges in St. Louis, MO, here’s what you should do:
- Do not speak to the police without an attorney present.
- Contact our office immediately for a no-obligation case review.
- Allow our St. Louis, MO legal team to evaluate the charges, safeguard your rights, and start building a strong defense strategy.
Don’t wait—quick action can make all the difference. A knowledgeable St. Louis, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can begin helping you from day one.
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
- Investigating the prosecution’s claims and gathering critical evidence
- Exposing any unlawful actions by law enforcement
- Negotiating for Reduced or Dismissed Charges
- Taking Your Case to Trial if Needed
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 Defenses
At Combs Waterkotte, no two cases are alike—but our St. Louis, MO weapons crime defense team has successfully used a wide range of defenses to protect clients’ rights and freedom:
- 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 — 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 Knowledge or Intent — If you didn’t knowingly possess the weapon or were unaware of its presence—such as someone else placing it in your car—you may have a valid defense.
- Other Defenses — Depending on the facts in St. Louis, MO, we may raise a strong alibi, argue entrapment, expose mistaken identity, or challenge the prosecution’s evidence altogether.
When you hire a Combs Waterkotte St. Louis, MO weapons crime attorney, you’re not just choosing the top-rated weapons crime defense team in and around St. Louis, MO – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with knowledgeable weapons crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for St. Louis, MO residents:
- Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
- Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
- DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
Don’t Face Weapons Charges 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 to speak directly with an experienced St. Louis, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.