Weapons crime attorney in University City, MO. Charged with a weapons crime in University City, 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 University City, 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 University City, MO area get reduced charges, dismissed cases, or complete acquittals.
If you’re facing charges, call our University City, 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 50 years of combined experience and has successfully handled 10,000+ cases just like yours in University City, MO and across Missouri.

Article Summary
If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime in University City, MO, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced University City, MO weapons crime attorneys aggressively defend clients facing gun charges, unlawful use of weapons, armed criminal action, and other firearm-related offenses throughout the University City, 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 University City, MO.
- Understand the importance of acting quickly after being charged.
- Know your rights, no matter the charge.
- Understand the different types of weapons crimes in University City, MO and their legal implications.
- Prepare for and reduce the risk of severe criminal penalties.
Weapons Crime Attorney in University City, MO: What Counts as a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our experienced University City, 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 Possession of a Firearm in the University City, MO Area
According to Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, it is illegal to possess a gun in University City, 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 University City, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in in or Around University City, MO
Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the University City, MO area, and it can occur under a wide range of circumstances, including:
- Discharging a firearm in a restricted area or while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- 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
- Possessing firearms with illegal modifications or banned accessories
The consequences in University City, MO can be life-altering. Charges can range from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A felony with decades—or a lifetime—behind bars.
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 University City, MO who can help get you the best possible outcome.
University City, 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 University City, MO, this charge enhances penalties tied to underlying felonies such as:
- Drug Trafficking
- Assault
- Robbery
- Burglary
Missouri law imposes strict mandatory minimum prison sentences for armed criminal action:
- 3 years for a first-time conviction
- 5 years for a second conviction
- 10 years or more for a third offense
Possession of a Defaced Firearm in University City, 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 University City, MO. Law enforcement treats these cases harshly due to associations with criminal trafficking and stolen guns.
Unlawful Weapon Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in or Around University City, MO
In University City, 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
- Providing weapons to convicted felons
- 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 University City, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can help you avoid the worst-case scenario.

Free book
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Protect Your Rights and Future
Combs Waterkotte has over 50 years of experience and over 10,000 cases handled. This ebook helps guide you through the criminal defense process and how an experienced, skilled defense attorney can keep your freedoms intact.
Charged With a Weapons Crime in University City, MO? Here’s Your Next Move
If you’re under investigation or already facing charges in University City, 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.
- We’ll carefully review your situation in University City, MO, defend your rights, and get to work building a personalized defense.
Don’t wait—quick action can make all the difference. A knowledgeable University City, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can begin helping you from day one.
Weapons Crime Attorney in University City, MO: Why Hiring a Skilled Lawyer is Crucial
Weapons charges in University City, 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.
A trusted University City, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte will:
- Immediate Protection of Your Rights
- Analyze the facts and challenge weak or flawed evidence
- Exposing any unlawful actions by law enforcement
- Negotiate skillfully for reduced penalties
- Defend you in court with a strong, personalized strategy
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 University City, MO.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in University City, MO: Possible Legal Defenses
Every case is different, but our University City, 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.
- 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 Possible Defenses — Depending on the facts in University City, MO, we may raise a strong alibi, argue entrapment, expose mistaken identity, or challenge the prosecution’s evidence altogether.
If you partner with a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in or around University City, MO, you aren’t just selecting the leading weapons crime defense team in University City, MO and beyond – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to knowledgeable weapons crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for University City, MO residents:
- DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
- Violent Crime Lawyer
- Drug Crimes Lawyer
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
Don’t Face Weapons Charges in University City, MO—Let Combs Waterkotte Fight for You
When you’re up against a weapons charge in University City, 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 University City, MO weapons crime attorney who cares.