Murder Defense Lawyer, Knob Noster, MO. It’s hard to think of a worse thing to be accused of than murder. First-degree murder can result in a life sentence. Or in even more serious cases, you could be up against the death penalty. Without a expert murder defense lawyer in Knob Noster, MO, your future is looking bleak.
But you have someone who can help. Combs Waterkotte is on your side. As one of the top criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we fight to protect our clients’ rights and freedom. We have fought thousands of cases, including defending homicide charges.
When you contact our lawyers, you’re in good hands. You can start creating your defense right away by calling (314) 900-HELP or sending us a note online. We’re available 24/7 and will keep you regularly updated as your case progresses.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
500+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 80 Years
What a Murder Defense Lawyer in Knob Noster, MO, Will Do For You
The defense process starts the moment you first call your Knob Noster, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’re worried about being arrested, your lawyer can train you on the best way 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 defening you against interrogation techniques and building your defense in multiple stages.
After the arrest (and typically questioning), you’ll be given an arraignment hearing, where you are formally charged with a crime. It’s possible that you’ll be charged with armed criminal action or other violent crimes alongside murder. If a bail amount is given, the arraignment is also the time when this is arranged. Bail is commonly denied in Knob Noster, MO, murder cases. However, we won’t just give in, and will argue for your pretrial release.
Once you’ve made it through your arraignment, your Knob Noster, MO, homicide defense attorney will advise you on tactics you can use in your defense, if they haven’t done so already. You could have been acting in defense of others, or your rights were violated during the investigation. Whatever defense works best for your case, your lawyer will also talk to the state about plea negotiations to see if they can secure a positive outcome for you.
If the prosecution refuses to negotiate, your case will go to trial. At Combs Waterkotte, we always prepare a trial-ready, powerful 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 even applies after the verdict, where we can also assist with sentencing advocacy as needed.
In summary, your Knob Noster, MO, murder defense lawyer will do the following:
- Protect you from mistakes during interviews
- Fight for bail and your freedom before the trial
- Decide on a defense that best fits the unique factors of your case
- Bargain with the prosecutor for more lenient charges
- Fight for your freedom at trial
- If needed, advocate for lighter sentencing
Don’t try to go through the Knob Noster, MO court system alone. An experienced legal team like Combs Waterkotte will see you to the other side.
What Cases Will a Knob Noster, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Take?
There are multiple types of homicide charges in Missouri, and when you work with a Knob Noster, MO, murder defense lawyer, it’s important that they understand exactly what the accusations are.
At Combs Waterkotte, we will fight against all kinds of murder charges in Knob Noster, Missouri. Here’s a breakdown of how they work:
First-Degree Murder
First-Degree Murder is defined in Missouri as the deliberate taking of another person’s life, after planning for it. Defenses against first-degree murder in Knob Noster, MO, sometimes will hinge on whether or not the death was intentional or preplanned.
The potential punishment after a conviction is either the death penalty or a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-Degree Murder is still a very serious crime in Missouri. There are multiple ways a person can be accused of second-degree murder:
- Intentionally killing someone,
- Attacking someone with the goal of hurting them badly, then going too far and taking their life, and
- Trying to commit a different felony, if someone dies in the process.
As a Class A Felony, you can face a prison sentence of 10 to 30 years, or life.
Murder vs. Manslaughter in Missouri
Murder and manslaughter are closely related, but normally differ in one key area: Intentions. Murder charges normally require the prosecution to prove that the alleged offender purposely caused the death of the alleged victim, and it wasn’t in self-defense or another special circumstance.
Manslaughter is different in that intentions aren’t as important – if one person takes another’s life, they can be charged with manslaughter. In the following sections, you can read breakdowns of Knob Noster, Missouri’s manslaughter charges:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter charges in Missouri fall into one of two categories:
- Killing someone in what would ordinarilybe second-degree murder, except that the alleged offender was reasonably out of control of their emotions.
- Assisting someone in the commission of suicide.
As a Class B Felony, a person convicted of voluntary manslaughter can be sentenced to between 5 and 15 years in prison.
First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter
First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter is still a serious charge in Knob Noster, MO, but does not consist of killing another person on purpose.
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 still involves one person killing another person on accident. Missouri defines it as acting criminally negligent and having someone die as a result.
A second-degree manslaughter conviction is generally a Class E Felony, but can be a Class D Felony for certain victims.
View the table below for a summary of the differences between different types of murder and manslaughter:
| Murder/Manslaughter Charge | Description | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| First-Degree Murder | Intentionally killing someone, using a plan. | 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 take their own life | 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 |
On top of the formal penalties, people can suffer numerous collateral consequences because of a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we can protect Knob Noster clients against all of the above charges. When you work with us, you get a Knob Noster, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows how to build you a strong defense.
What to Look For in Your Knob Noster, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
If you’re looking for a high-quality murder defense lawyer in Knob Noster, MO, you can’t risk your freedom with someone who won’t give you a stellar defense. Check out the top 4 qualities to look for, and top 4 red flags to avoid:
Top 4 Knob Noster, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The law firm you work with should treat you with dignity and always be honest with you. Here are the signs to look out for:
- Knowledge about the charge’s specifics
- A history of victories
- Someone who treats you like a person, not a paycheck
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Knob Noster, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Red Flags:
When speaking with potential attorneys for your case, beware of red flags that could cause issues down the road:
- No experience with your charges
- High promises, to the point of being unrealistic
- Dismissive or disinterested attitude
- No real ideas on what your defense will look like
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.
What Turns a Knob Noster, MO, Murder Charge Into a Federal Murder Charge?
Any murder charge is serious. But if it’s federal, that only makes things more extreme. Federal crimes are prosecuted by the top prosecutors, and because of that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to match.
Here are common circumstances in Knob Noster, MO, that can lead to a murder charge becoming federal:
- The alleged crime took place in two different states.
- The alleged crime occurred on federal property.
- The alleged victim was a federal government employee.
Murder charges can fall under a special circumstance in Knob Noster, MO: Dual Sovereignty. The United States allows several criminal charges, often including murder, to be tried in both state and federal court.
If your case can fall under dual sovereignty, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both personal connections to the prosecuting office in Knob Noster, MO, and preparations to fight against the United States justice department. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Common Knob Noster, MO, Murder Charge Defenses
Every client has unique circumstances. That said, 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:
- Fifth Amendment Rights Violation
- Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
- Castle Doctrine
- Defense of Others
- Self-Defense
- Stand Your Ground
Legal Videos
Can Federal Charges Be Reduced Or Dismissed?
Can Federal Charges Be Reduced Or Dismissed? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek, lawyers with Combs Waterkotte, a leading federal criminal defense firm, talk about proffers, probation, and federal …
Should I Hire A Lawyer Experienced In Federal Defense?
Should I Hire A Lawyer Experienced In Federal Defense? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek from the leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte discuss the importance of hiring a lawyer with …
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? Andrew Russek, a lawyer with leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses the sex offender registry and federal sex …
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State?
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than …
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …
Can Federal Charges Be Reduced Or Dismissed?
Can Federal Charges Be Reduced Or Dismissed? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek, lawyers with Combs Waterkotte, a leading federal criminal defense firm, talk about proffers, probation, and federal …
Should I Hire A Lawyer Experienced In Federal Defense?
Should I Hire A Lawyer Experienced In Federal Defense? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek from the leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte discuss the importance of hiring a lawyer with …
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? Andrew Russek, a lawyer with leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses the sex offender registry and federal sex …
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State?
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than …
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …
Combs Waterkotte’s Knob Noster, MO, Murder Defense Lawyers are Ready for Your Case
Every criminal accusation in Knob Noster, MO, needs to be taken seriously. And murder even moreso. At Combs Waterkotte, we know what it takes to successfully defend murder charges. We will listen to your story. We will work in concert with you and fight for your freedom.
Act fast before it’s too late. Speak with one of our representatives today at (314) 900-HELP or send us a note online to start fighting your case.
