Murder Defense Lawyer, Freeman, MO. If you were looking for the worst crime penalties in Missouri, you’d want to start with the punishment for murder. First-degree murder can result in a life sentence. Or if the alleged crime was especially heinous, you could face capital punishment. Without a expert murder defense lawyer in Freeman, MO, your future is looking bleak.
But there is another way forward. You can call Combs Waterkotte. As one of the premier criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we are prepared to fight against any charges. We have fought thousands of cases, including against murder accusations.
With us, you’re getting expert legal advice from day one. You can start building your defense now by calling (314) 900-HELP or sending us a note online. We’re available 24/7 and are ready to help in emergencies.
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Actions Your Murder Defense Lawyer in Freeman, MO Will Take to Defend You
The battle for your case starts the moment you get in touch with your Freeman, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’ve been placed under arrest, your attorney can give you tips on how to interact with the police. Having a lawyer present while the police are interviewing you is more than just telling you to stay silent – it’s protecting you against pressing interrogation techniques and providing responses that strengthen your story.
In most Freeman, MO criminal cases, there will be an arrest, interview, and arraignment. The arraignment is a time when the prosecution officially accuses you of a crime, in this case, murder. It’s possible that you’ll be charged with armed criminal action or other violent crimes alongside murder. In cases where bail is allowed, the arraignment is also the time when this is arranged. Though it’s rare for bail to be allowed in murder cases in Freeman, MO, we won’t just give in, and will argue for your pretrial release.
After the arraignment, your Freeman, MO, homicide defense attorney will recommend you on a defensive strategy, if they haven’t already been talking with you about them. You could have been acting in defense of others, or you could have an alibi. Whatever method you go with, your lawyer will also be in contact with the prosecutor for plea negotiations to see if they can get the prosecution to lower or drop charges.
If the state won’t offer a deal that works for you, your case will go to trial. Our lawyers always prepare a trial-ready, fearless defense and will use it to defend you all the way to the final verdict. We don’t give up and fight until you get the justice you deserve. This extends to after the trial, where we can also assist with sentencing advocacy as applicable.
In summary, when you work with a leading Freeman, MO, murder defense lawyer, you can expect them to do the following:
- Protect you from mistakes during interviews
- Fight for bail and your freedom before the trial
- Craft a tailored defense strategy
- Bargain with the prosecutor for more lenient charges
- Fight for your freedom at trial
- If needed, advocate for lighter sentencing
The legal process can be hard to navigate. An experienced team of lawyers like Combs Waterkotte will show you the path to the other side.
What Charges Does a Freeman, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Fight?
There are multiple types of homicide charges in Missouri, and when you work with a Freeman, MO, murder defense lawyer, it’s important that they understand exactly what the accusations are.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are prepared to defend against any types of murder charges in Freeman, Missouri. Below, we’ve outlined the individual laws and what they mean:
First-Degree Murder
First-Degree Murder in Missouri consists of killing another person on purpose, with a plan. Accidental deaths or impulsive actions do not qualify for first-degree murder charges in Missouri.
The potential punishment after a conviction is either the death sentence or a life sentence in prison without a chance for parole.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-Degree Murder has a wider definition than first-degree murder in Missouri. It includes:
- Intentionally killing someone,
- Attacking someone in order to seriously hurt them, then unintentionally killing them, and
- Attempting to commit a different felony, if it causes someone’s death.
As a Class A Felony, potential sentences for second-degree murder in Missouri include prison for 10 to 30 years, or life.
Murder vs. Manslaughter in Missouri
Murder and manslaughter are similar, but normally differ in one key area: Intentions. In most Freeman, MO, murder cases, it’s on the prosecution to prove that the alleged offender deliberately killed the alleged victim, without exculpatory circumstances.
Manslaughter is different in that intentions aren’t as important – even if someone accidentally caused the death of another person, they can still be convicted of manslaughter. In the following sections, you can read breakdowns of Freeman, Missouri’s manslaughter charges:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter charges in Missouri fall into one of two categories:
- Killing someone in what would be second-degree murder, except that the alleged offender was in a circumstance where a normal person could not control themselves.
- Assisting someone in the commission of suicide.
As a Class B Felony, the alleged offender may be sentenced to between 5 and 15 years in prison.
First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter
First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter does not include the intentional taking of another person’s life. Instead, Missouri defines it as causing someone’s death by acting recklessly.
In most cases, this is a Class C Felony, but if the alleged victim falls into a specific category (either a targeted police officer or a close family member), the sentence can be increased to a Class B Felony.
Second-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter
Second-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter is similar to first-degree involuntary manslaughter. Missouri defines it as acting criminally negligent and having someone die as a result.
Similar to first-degree, second-degree manslaughter is typically a Class E Felony, but can be a Class D Felony for certain victims.
Below, we’ve summarized the definitions and penalties for Missouri’s different murder and manslaughter charges:
| Murder/Manslaughter Charge | Description | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| First-Degree Murder | Intentionally killing someone, with planning. | Death penalty or life in prison |
| Second-Degree Murder | Intentionally killing someone, without planning, OR someone dies while committing another felony | 10-30 years or life in prison. |
| Voluntary Manslaughter | Intentionally killing someone while emotionally unstable OR helping someone commit suicide | 5-15 years in prison |
| First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter | Acting recklessly and having someone die as a result | Class C Felony: 3-10 years in prison Class B Felony: 5-15 years in prison |
| Second-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter | Acting negligently and having someone die as a result | Class E Felony: Up to 4 years in prison Class D Felony: Up to 7 years in prison |
Beyond a prison sentence, alleged offenders can suffer numerous collateral consequences because of a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are ready to fight against any of the above murder and manslaughter charges in Freeman. When you call one of our attorneys, you get a Freeman, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows how to build you a strong defense.
What to Look For in Your Freeman, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
If you need a high-quality murder defense lawyer in Freeman, MO, it’s important to take the time to ensure you’re going with the right choice. Check out the top 4 qualities to look for, and top 4 red flags to avoid:
Top 4 Freeman, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The right homicide attorney will treat you with dignity and tell you your best paths forward. Below are the main qualities you want to see:
- Expertise with the law you’ve been accused of breaking
- A history of success
- Someone who treats you like a person, not a paycheck
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Freeman, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Red Flags:
On the contrary, it’s also important to keep an eye out for red flags that should tell you to think twice before working with a given lawyer:
- Doesn’t have knowledge about the specific law you’ve been accused of violating
- Unreasonably positive predictions, without accounting for potential problems
- Arrogant or cold attitude
- Unorganized or vague plan for how to help you
Free book
How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Charged with a crime? The lawyer you hire matters. Combs Waterkotte, recognized for top-tier criminal defense in Missouri and Illinois, created this guide to help you find the right attorney. Learn what to look for, key questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.
When Do Freeman, MO, Murder Charges Become Federal?
Any murder charge is serious. But federal murder charges are at a whole different level. Federal crimes are prosecuted by some of the best prosecutors, and when you’re facing that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer at your side.
Here are common circumstances in Freeman, MO, that can lead to a murder charge becoming federal:
- The alleged crime took place in two different states.
- The alleged crime happened in a place owned by the federal government.
- The alleged victim was a federal agent.
One other important note to be aware of: Dual Sovereignty. Under the United States’ dual sovereignty doctrine, you can be charged with some crimes in both federal and state courts.
If you’re facing these types of charges, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both intimate knowledge of local Freeman, MO, courts and the strength to take on the United States government. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Possible Defenses Against Freeman, MO Murder Charges
Although each case is different, there are some criminal defense strategies that your murder defense lawyer will commonly evaluate. At Combs Waterkotte, we will listen to your story and find something that will fit you the best. Follow are some of the defenses we’ll consider:
- Fourth Amendment Rights Violation
- Battered Spouse Syndrome
- Castle Doctrine
- Defense of Others
- Self-Defense
- Stand Your Ground
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This Decision Matters. Don’t Risk Your Life. Work With Combs Waterkotte’s Freeman, MO, Murder Defense Lawyers
Being accused of homicide in Freeman, MO, can be devestating. Without help, it can derail your entire life. But you do have help available. When you don’t know what to do, Combs Waterkotte is ready to guide you. We will listen to your story. We will work in concert with you and protect your rights.
Build your defense now and maximize your chances for success. Speak with one of our representatives right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to get started now.
