Weapons crime attorney in Washington County, MO. Facing charges of a weapons crime in Washington County, MO? Don’t gamble with your future. A weapons crime conviction can impact your freedom, your career, and your reputation. You need a skilled and aggressive weapons crime attorney in Washington County, MO who knows the system and how to protect your rights.
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 Washington County, MO area get reduced charges, dismissed cases, or complete acquittals.
If you’re facing charges, call our Washington County, 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 Washington County, MO and across Missouri.
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Article Summary
If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime in Washington County, MO, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced Washington County, MO weapons crime attorneys aggressively defend clients facing gun charges, unlawful use of weapons, armed criminal action, and other firearm-related offenses throughout the Washington County, 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 Washington County, MO from the very beginning.
- Understand the importance of acting quickly after being charged.
- Know your rights, no matter the charge.
- Navigate the complexities of Washington County, MO weapons laws.
- Recognize the severity of penalties tied to weapons crimes.
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Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
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Weapons Crime Attorney in Washington County, MO: What Counts as a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our experienced Washington 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 Firearm Possession in Washington 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
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 Washington County, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Washington County, MO
Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the Washington County, 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
- Committing another offense—such as burglary, assault, or drug distribution—while armed
- Possessing illegal weapon modifications or accessories
Depending on the details of your Washington 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.
If you’re facing these serious charges in Washington County, MO, your future is at stake. A Combs Waterkotte skilled Washington County, 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.
Washington County, MO Armed Criminal Action
This charge refers to using or displaying a weapon during the commission of a felony offense in Washington County, MO. This is not a standalone crime but an enhancement that adds serious time to underlying charges like:
- 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
Possession of a Defaced Firearm in Washington County, MO
Owning a gun with a tampered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—can lead to serious trouble in Washington 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 Sale, Transfer, or Trafficking of Weapons in Washington County, MO
In Washington County, 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
- Transferring a weapon to a felon
- 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 Washington County, MO weapons crime attorney can step in and fight for you.
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Charged With a Weapons Crime in Washington County, MO? Take These Steps Now
No matter the circumstances or severity of your charges in Washington County, 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 Washington County, MO legal team to evaluate the charges, safeguard your rights, and start building a strong defense strategy.
In weapons cases, every second counts. The earlier you contact an experienced Washington County, MO weapons crime attorney, the better your chances of protecting your future.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Washington County, MO: Why Hiring a Skilled Lawyer is Crucial
Being charged with a weapons offense in Washington 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.
A trusted Washington County, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte will:
- Immediate Protection of Your Rights
- Analyze the facts and challenge weak or flawed evidence
- Push back against unconstitutional searches or arrests
- 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 Washington County, MO.
Washington County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Washington County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Washington County, MO: Possible Defenses
Our Washington County, 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 — 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 Defenses — You may also have a solid defense based on alibi, entrapment, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence. Every detail matters in Washington County, MO.
When you partner with a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in the Washington County, MO area, you’re not just selecting the top-rated weapons crime defense team in and around Washington County, MO – you’re safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to experienced weapons crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Washington County, MO residents:
Charged With a Weapons Crime in Washington County, MO?—Let Combs Waterkotte Fight for You
Weapons charges can turn your life upside down—but you don’t have to face them alone. Our experienced Washington County, MO weapons crime attorneys are ready to take action on your behalf. Whether it’s negotiating the best possible resolution or defending you in court, we’ll stand by your side every step of the way.
Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to speak directly with an experienced Washington County, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.
