Image

Washington County, MO

Verified Content

Last Updated: April 15, 2025

Weapons crime attorney in Washington County, MO. Charged with a weapons crime in Washington 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 Washington County, MO who knows the ins and outs of Missouri criminal courts and delivers results.

The lawyers at Combs Waterkotte understand the serious nature of these charges. With more than 50 years of combined experience and a proven track record in weapons and gun defense cases, we use tailored defense strategies to challenge the prosecution and fight for the best possible outcome.

Don’t wait—call our Washington County, MO weapons crime attorneys right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for your free, confidential consultation. We’ve successfully handled 10,000+ cases just like yours in Washington County, MO and beyond.

  • Protect Your Life

    Image

    Protect Your Life

    A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.

    Reach Out Now

  • Know Your Next Steps

    Image

    Know Your Next Steps

    Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.

    Stay Informed

  • Title

    Image

    Ready to Talk to an Expert?

    Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.

    Get Started


Article Summary

Facing weapons charges in Washington County, MO? Don’t leave your future to chance. Trust Combs Waterkotte—Washington 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 Washington 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:

  • Take the first step in protecting your freedom by contacting the right attorney in Washington County, MO.
  • Move quickly to avoid costly mistakes after an arrest.
  • Understand your legal rights and how to assert them.
  • Fully understand the laws and charges you’re up against in Washington County, MO.
  • Have a firm grasp of what’s at stake and how to minimize penalties.

Weapons Crime Attorney in Washington County, MO: What is Considered a Weapons Crime in Missouri?

Our Washington County, MO weapons crime attorneys 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 in or Around 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
  • Pointing or displaying a gun in a threatening or dangerous way
  • Carrying a concealed weapon without the appropriate permit
  • Possessing a firearm in areas where it is legally prohibited
  • Committing another offense—such as burglary, assault, or drug distribution—while armed
  • Possessing illegal weapon modifications or 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 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

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 Washington County, MO, this charge enhances penalties tied to underlying felonies such as:

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 or Around 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

It’s unlawful to sell, loan, or transfer a weapon to someone who is prohibited from possessing one in Washington County, MO. These violations often involve:

  • Transferring weapons to minors
  • Giving a gun to someone with a criminal record
  • 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 Washington County, MO weapons crime attorney can step in and fight for you.


Image

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.



















    Read Book Online

    Charged With a Weapons Crime in Washington County, MO? Here’s Your Next Move

    Regardless of how serious the accusations are, here’s what you need to do right away in Washington County, MO:

    1. Stay calm and don’t speak with police or investigators before calling a lawyer.
    2. Get in touch with our team immediately for a risk-free case assessment.
    3. We’ll carefully review your situation in Washington County, MO, defend your rights, and get to work building a personalized defense.

    Don’t wait—quick action can make all the difference. A knowledgeable Washington County, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can begin helping you from day one.

    Weapons Crime Attorney  Washington County, MO | Leading Missouri Criminal Defense Law Firm | Washington County, MO Criminal Defense Lawyers

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Washington County, MO: Why Hiring a Skilled Lawyer is Crucial

    Weapons charges in Washington County, MO carry life-changing consequences—from steep fines and incarceration to losing your right to own a firearm. But the right defense attorney can help change the course of your case.

    A trusted Washington County, 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
    • 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 Washington County, MO.

    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’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 We can utilize this defense if the weapon was found during a search that violated your Fourth Amendment rights in Washington County, MO, such as:
      • No warrant
      • No probable cause
      • An unlawful traffic stop
    • Lack of Intent or Knowledge 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 Washington County, 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 Washington County, MO weapons crime attorney, you’re not just hiring the leading weapons crime defense team in Washington County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to knowledgeable weapons crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Washington County and beyond:

    Weapons Crime Attorney in Washington County, MO | Skilled Missouri Criminal Defense Lawyers | Washington County, MO Weapons Defense Law Firm

    Charged With a Weapons Crime in Washington County, MO?—Let Combs Waterkotte Fight for You

    When you’re facing a weapons charge in Washington County, MO, every detail matters. Our team of weapons crime attorneys is ready to stand between you and the prosecution. Whether it’s negotiating a favorable plea or going to trial, we’re here to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.

    Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to connect with a trusted Washington County, MO weapons crime attorney who’s ready to fight for you.

    View Service Areas
    Open Video
    Image

    Featured Results:

    Client Review, DUI Case

    Play video
    Image

    Get In Touch:

    St. Louis

    Main Office

    (314) 900-HELP

    Get Directions

    Clayton

    By Appointment Only

    (314) 900-HELP

    Get Directions