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

Article Summary
If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime in West Plains, MO, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced West Plains, MO weapons crime attorneys aggressively defend clients facing gun charges, unlawful use of weapons, armed criminal action, and other firearm-related offenses throughout the West Plains, 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 West Plains, MO.
- Act fast to strengthen your defense from the start.
- Know your rights, no matter the charge.
- Navigate the complexities of West Plains, MO weapons laws.
- Have a firm grasp of what’s at stake and how to minimize penalties.
Weapons Crime Attorney in West Plains, MO: What is a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our West Plains, MO weapons crime attorneys have handled the following types of cases and more:
Unlawful Firearm Possession in the West Plains, MO Area
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 West Plains, 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 West Plains, MO Area
Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the West Plains, MO area, and it can occur under a wide range of circumstances, including:
- Firing a gun in restricted areas, especially while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Pointing or displaying a gun in a threatening or dangerous way
- Illegally carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
- Bringing a firearm into prohibited locations
- 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 West Plains, 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.
If you’re facing these serious charges in West Plains, MO, your future is at stake. A Combs Waterkotte skilled West Plains, 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.
West Plains, MO Armed Criminal Action
If you’re accused of committing a felony while armed in West Plains, 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
Penalties include mandatory minimum sentences throughout Missouri:
- 3 years for a first offense
- 5 years for a second
- 10 years or more for a third
Defaced Firearm Possession in West Plains, 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 West Plains, MO. Law enforcement treats these cases harshly due to associations with criminal trafficking and stolen guns.
Illegal Firearm Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in West Plains, MO
It’s unlawful to sell, loan, or transfer a weapon to someone who is prohibited from possessing one in West Plains, 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
Penalties vary, with charges ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. An experienced West Plains, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you fight these accusations and protect your future.

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Charged With a Weapons Crime in West Plains, MO? Here’s Your Next Move
Regardless of how serious the accusations are, here’s what you need to do right away in West Plains, MO:
- Do not speak to the police without an attorney present.
- Contact our office immediately for a no-obligation case review.
- Let us review your case in West Plains, MO, protect your rights, and start building your defense.
Don’t wait—quick action can make all the difference. A knowledgeable West Plains, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can begin helping you from day one.
Weapons Crime Attorney in West Plains, MO: Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Right Away
Weapons charges in West Plains, 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.
An experienced West Plains, MO weapons crime attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you by:
- Step in right away to protect your legal rights
- Analyze the facts and challenge weak or flawed evidence
- Challenging Unlawful Searches or Arrests
- Negotiating for Reduced or Dismissed Charges
- Taking Your Case to Trial if Needed
We understand what’s at stake—and we’re here to fight for your second chance in West Plains, MO.
Howell County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Howell County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in West Plains, MO: Possible Defenses
At Combs Waterkotte, no two cases are alike—but our West Plains, 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’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 West Plains, MO, such as:
- No warrant
- No probable cause
- An unlawful traffic stop
- Lack of Intent or Knowledge — 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 — Other valid defenses for your West Plains, 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 partner with a Combs Waterkotte West Plains, MO weapons crime attorney, you’re not just choosing the leading weapons crime defense team in West Plains, MO and throughout Missouri – you are safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to experienced weapons crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for West Plains, MO residents:
- Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
- Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
- DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
Don’t Face Weapons Charges in West Plains, MO—Let Combs Waterkotte Fight for You
When you’re facing a weapons charge in West Plains, 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 reach out online for a case review where you can get answers from a West Plains, MO weapons crime attorney who cares.