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

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.
- Understand your legal rights and how to assert them.
- Navigate the complexities of Washington County, MO weapons laws.
- Prepare for and reduce the risk of severe criminal penalties.
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
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 Washington County, 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 Washington County, MO Area
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:
- Shooting a weapon in restricted zones or while intoxicated
- Flashing or brandishing a gun in a way that alarms or threatens others
- Carrying a concealed weapon without the appropriate permit
- Bringing a firearm into prohibited locations
- Committing other crimes like burglary, assault, or drug distribution while armed
- Using or owning weapons with illegal alterations or attachments
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’ve been accused in Washington County, MO, don’t wait. Contact or call a trusted Combs Waterkotte Washington County, MO weapons crime attorney at (314) 900-HELP today to begin building your defense.
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 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 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 Weapon Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in Washington County, MO
Selling or handing over a gun to someone who’s legally barred from possessing one in Washington County, MO is a serious offense. This could include:
- Transferring weapons to minors
- Providing weapons to convicted felons
- Failing to check legal eligibility before a sale
Penalties vary, with charges ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. An experienced Washington County, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you fight these accusations and protect your future.

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.
Arrested for a Weapons Crime in Washington County, MO? Here’s What to Do
Regardless of how serious the accusations are, here’s what you need to do right away in Washington County, MO:
- Don’t answer any questions from law enforcement without legal representation.
- Contact our office immediately for a no-obligation case review.
- Let us review your case in Washington County, MO, protect your rights, and start building your 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 in Washington County, MO: Here’s Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Immediately
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.
An experienced Washington County, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you by:
- Step in right away to protect your legal rights
- Investigating the prosecution’s claims and gathering critical evidence
- Push back against unconstitutional searches or arrests
- Negotiate skillfully for reduced penalties
- Taking Your Case to Trial if Needed
We understand what’s at stake—and we’re here to fight for your second chance 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 Legal 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 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 — You may also have a solid defense based on alibi, entrapment, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence. Every detail matters in Washington County, MO.
If you partner with a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in the Washington County, MO area, you aren’t just hiring the ideal weapons crime defense team in and around Washington County, MO – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with esteemed weapons crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Washington County and beyond:
Charged With a Weapons Crime in Washington County, MO?—Combs Waterkotte is on Your Side
When you’re up against a weapons charge in Washington 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 contact us online for a case review where you can get answers from a Washington County, MO weapons crime attorney who cares.