Weapons crime attorney in Maryland Heights, MO. Have you been charged with a weapons crime in Maryland Heights, MO? Don’t leave your freedom to chance. When you’re accused of a gun or weapons offense, your rights, your reputation, and your future are all on the line. You need a trusted, experienced weapons crime attorney in Maryland Heights, MO who knows how to fight for you—and win.
At Combs Waterkotte, we bring over 60 years of experience to every case we take on. Our criminal defense strategies have helped clients in Maryland Heights, MO and across Missouri achieve reduced charges, dismissals, and not-guilty verdicts in even the toughest gun and weapons cases.
Call our trusted Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO and beyond—and we’re ready to fight for you.
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Article Summary
Weapons charges in Maryland Heights, MO can carry life-changing consequences, but Combs Waterkotte is here to help. Our aggressive, results-driven weapons crime attorneys serve clients throughout the Maryland Heights, MO area facing accusations involving guns, illegal possession, armed criminal action, or trafficking. We know how to push back against the prosecution and protect your rights. Read on to learn that when you work with us, we’ll help you:
- Take the first step in protecting your freedom by contacting the right attorney in Maryland Heights, MO.
- Understand the importance of acting quickly after being charged.
- Assert your legal rights at every stage of your case.
- Fully understand the laws and charges you’re up against in Maryland Heights, MO.
- Recognize the severity of penalties tied to weapons crimes.
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Protect Your Life
A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
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Know Your Next Steps
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Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
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Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
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Weapons Crime Attorney in Maryland Heights, MO: What is Considered a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Weapon crimes in Maryland Heights, MO cover a wide range of offenses. At Combs Waterkotte, our weapons crime attorneys in Maryland Heights, MO have handled cases involving:
Unlawful Firearm Possession in Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO criminal defense attorney evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to preserve your rights and future.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Maryland Heights, MO
This is one of the most frequently charged weapons crimes in the Maryland Heights, MO area and can arise in a variety of situations, including:
- Shooting a weapon in restricted zones or while intoxicated
- Brandishing or displaying a firearm in a threatening or reckless manner
- Carrying a concealed weapon without the appropriate permit
- Possessing a firearm in areas where it is legally prohibited
- Committing other crimes like burglary, assault, or drug distribution while armed
- Using or owning weapons with illegal alterations or attachments
The consequences in Maryland Heights, 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’ve been accused in Maryland Heights, MO, don’t wait. Contact or call a trusted Combs Waterkotte Maryland Heights, MO weapons crime attorney at (314) 900-HELP today to begin building your defense.
Maryland Heights, MO Armed Criminal Action
This charge refers to using or displaying a weapon during the commission of a felony offense in Maryland Heights, 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
Defaced Firearm Possession in Maryland Heights, MO
Possessing a firearm with a removed or altered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—is a red flag to law enforcement in and around Maryland Heights, MO, often associated with stolen or trafficked weapons. This charge is a Class B misdemeanor, but it can have lasting consequences on your record and firearm privileges.
Unlawful Sale, Transfer, or Trafficking of Weapons in or Around Maryland Heights, MO
It’s unlawful to sell, loan, or transfer a weapon to someone who is prohibited from possessing one in Maryland Heights, MO. These violations often involve:
- Transferring weapons 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 Maryland Heights, MO weapons crime attorney can step in and fight for you.
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Charged With a Weapons Crime in Maryland Heights, MO? Here’s What to Do
Regardless of how serious the accusations are, here’s what you need to do right away in Maryland Heights, MO:
- Stay calm and don’t speak with police or investigators before calling a lawyer.
- Contact our office immediately for a no-obligation case review.
- We’ll carefully review your situation in Maryland Heights, MO, defend your rights, and get to work building a personalized defense.
In weapons cases, every second counts. The earlier you contact an experienced Maryland Heights, MO weapons crime attorney, the better your chances of protecting your future.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Maryland Heights, MO: Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Right Away
Weapons charges in Maryland Heights, 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.
An experienced Maryland Heights, 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
- Challenging Unlawful Searches or Arrests
- Negotiate skillfully for reduced penalties
- 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 Maryland Heights, MO.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Maryland Heights, MO: Possible Legal Defenses
At Combs Waterkotte, no two cases are alike—but our Maryland Heights, 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 — We can utilize this defense if the weapon was found during a search that violated your Fourth Amendment rights in Maryland Heights, MO, such as:
- No warrant
- No probable cause
- An unlawful traffic stop
- Lack of Intent or Knowledge — Maybe the weapon wasn’t yours, or you had no idea it was in your possession. We’ll work to show there was no criminal intent on your part.
- Other Possible Defenses — Other valid defenses for your Maryland Heights, 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 hire a Combs Waterkotte weapons crime attorney in the Maryland Heights, MO area, you’re not just selecting the ideal weapons crime defense team in Maryland Heights, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with experienced weapons crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Maryland Heights, MO residents:
Charged With a Weapons Crime in Maryland Heights, MO?—Combs Waterkotte is on Your Side
When you’re facing a weapons charge in Maryland Heights, 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 to speak directly with an experienced Maryland Heights, MO weapons crime attorney who will take your defense seriously.
