Weapons crime attorney in Vernon County, MO. Charged with a weapons crime in Vernon County, 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 Vernon County, 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 Vernon County, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.
Call our trusted Vernon County, 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 Vernon County, MO and beyond—and we’re ready to fight for you.

Article Summary
Facing weapons charges in Vernon County, MO? Don’t leave your future to chance. Trust Combs Waterkotte—Vernon County, 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 Vernon County, 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 Vernon County, MO from the very beginning.
- Move quickly to avoid costly mistakes after an arrest.
- Understand your legal rights and how to assert them.
- Navigate the complexities of Vernon County, MO weapons laws.
- Recognize the severity of penalties tied to weapons crimes.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Vernon County, MO: What Counts as a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our experienced Vernon 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 Possession of a Firearm in Vernon County, 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
If this is your first offense, it may be charged as a Class C felony—but with prior offenses, it can rise to a Class B felony, carrying much harsher penalties. Don’t risk your future. A skilled Vernon County, MO criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case and build a strong defense from day one.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in in or Around Vernon County, MO
This is one of the most frequently charged weapons crimes in the Vernon County, MO area and can arise in a variety of situations, including:
- Firing a gun in restricted areas, especially while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Flashing or brandishing a gun in a way that alarms or threatens others
- 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
- Possessing firearms with illegal modifications or banned accessories
Depending on the details of your Vernon County, 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 Vernon County, MO who can help get you the best possible outcome.
Vernon County, MO Armed Criminal Action
If you’re accused of committing a felony while armed in Vernon County, 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 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
Defaced Firearm Possession in Vernon County, MO
Owning a gun with a tampered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—can lead to serious trouble in Vernon 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 Weapon Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in Vernon County, MO
It’s unlawful to sell, loan, or transfer a weapon to someone who is prohibited from possessing one in Vernon County, MO. These violations often involve:
- Selling or gifting firearms to minors
- Giving a gun to someone with a criminal record
- Selling a firearm without verifying eligibility
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 Vernon County, MO weapons crime attorney can step in and fight for you.

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Charged With a Weapons Crime in Vernon County, MO? Here’s What to Do
Regardless of how serious the accusations are, here’s what you need to do right away in Vernon County, MO:
- Don’t answer any questions from law enforcement without legal representation.
- Reach out to our office as soon as possible for a free consultation.
- Let us review your case in Vernon County, MO, protect your rights, and start building your defense.
Time is critical in Vernon County, MO weapons cases. The sooner you involve our expert weapons crime attorney, the more options we’ll have to reduce or eliminate the charges against you.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Vernon County, MO: Why Hiring a Skilled Lawyer is Crucial
Being charged with a weapons offense in Vernon 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.
An experienced Vernon County, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you by:
- Step in right away to protect your legal rights
- Thorough Investigation of the Evidence
- Push back against unconstitutional searches or arrests
- Negotiate skillfully for reduced penalties
- Representing you confidently in court, if necessary
We understand what’s at stake—and we’re here to fight for your second chance in Vernon County, MO.
Vernon County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Vernon County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Vernon County, MO: Possible Defenses That Could Make All the Difference
At Combs Waterkotte, no two cases are alike—but our Vernon County, 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 — 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 Vernon 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 choose a Combs Waterkotte Vernon County, MO weapons crime attorney, you’re not just selecting the ideal weapons crime defense team in Vernon County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing 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 Vernon County, MO residents:
- DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
- Violent Crime Lawyer
- Drug Crimes Lawyer
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
Charged With a Weapons Crime in Vernon County, MO?—Combs Waterkotte is on Your Side
When you’re up against a weapons charge in Vernon County, 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 Vernon County, MO weapons crime attorney who cares.