Murder Defense Lawyer, Maysville, 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 prosecution and jury wish to impose it, you could face capital punishment. Without a leading murder defense lawyer in Maysville, MO, the risks are high and your odds of a positive outcome are low.
But you have someone who can help. You can call Combs Waterkotte. As one of the premier criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we fight to protect our clients’ rights and freedom. We have experience fighting thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
With us, you’re getting expert legal advice from day one. You can start creating your defense right away by calling (314) 900-HELP or using our contact form online. We’re available 24/7 and will keep you regularly updated as your case progresses.
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What a Murder Defense Lawyer in Maysville, MO, Will Do For You
The fight for your freedom begins as soon as you first call your Maysville, MO, murder defense lawyer. Whether or not you’ve already been arrested, your lawyer can give you tips on what to do when you interact with the authorities. Having a lawyer in your corner during questioning goes beyond just advising you when to stay silent – it’s protecting you against interrogation methods and giving answers that help your case, not hurt it.
After the arrest (and typically questioning), you’ll be given an arraignment hearing, where you are formally charged with a crime. In many cases, murder won’t be the only charge. Frequently, defendants will also be charged with armed criminal action or other violent crimes alongside murder. In cases where the court sets pretrial release conditions for the defendant, this is usually also done at this time. Bail is commonly denied in Maysville, MO, murder cases. However, we will fight for every opportunity to secure your freedom before trial.
After the arraignment, your Maysville, MO, homicide defense attorney will start putting together a defensive strategy, if they haven’t already been talking with you about them. You could have been acting in defense of others, or this is a case of mistaken identity. Whatever method you go with, your attorney 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 are prepared to go all the way to protect your freedom. We stick with you and fight until you get the justice you deserve. This extends to after the trial, where we can also assist with sentencing advocacy if applicable.
In summary, when you work with a leading Maysville, MO, murder defense lawyer, you can expect them to do the following:
- Manage your interactions with investigators
- Fight for bail and your freedom before the trial
- Help you pick the best defensive strategy for your case
- Bargain with the prosecutor for more lenient charges
- Present your defense before a judge and jury
- Argue mitigating factors for a lighter sentence
Don’t try to go through the Maysville, MO court system alone. An experienced legal team like Combs Waterkotte will show you the path to the other side.
What Charges Does a Maysville, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Fight?
There are multiple types of homicide charges in Missouri, and when hiring a Maysville, MO, murder defense lawyer, it’s important that they know how to fight the specific law you’re accused of breaking.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are prepared to defend against any types of murder charges in Maysville, Missouri. Here’s a breakdown of how they work:
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.
If convicted, you can face 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:
- Taking someone’s life in the heat of the moment,
- Attacking someone with the goal of hurting them badly, then killing them on accident, and
- Attempting to commit another 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 typically are distinguished by one thing: Intentions. In most Maysville, MO, murder cases, it’s on the prosecution to prove that the alleged offender took the alleged victim’s life on purpose, and there was no excuse.
For a person to be convicted of manslaughter, whether or not the alleged victim was killed on purpose doesn’t matter as much – in cases where death resulted but was unintentional, it’s common for the alleged offender to face manslaughter charges. In the following sections, you can read breakdowns of Maysville, Missouri’s manslaughter charges:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter charges in Missouri fall into one of two categories:
- Taking a life in what would normally be second-degree murder, except that the alleged offender was reasonably out of control of their emotions.
- Helping someone take their own life.
As a Class B Felony, a person convicted of voluntary manslaughter may be sentenced to between 5 and 15 years in prison.
First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter
First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter is still a serious charge in Maysville, MO, but does not consist of killing another person on purpose.
Normally, this is a Class C Felony, but for certain special victims (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 also involves the unintentional taking of human life. 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 special 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, with planning. | Death penalty or life in prison |
| Second-Degree Murder | Intentionally killing someone, in the heat of the moment, 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 |
In addition to going to prison, you can suffer countless collateral consequences as a result of a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we have experience defending a variety of murder and manslaughter charges in Missouri. When you work with us, you get a Maysville, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows all the approaches to take in search of a positive outcome for your case.
What to Look For in Your Maysville, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
When you’re looking for a high-quality murder defense lawyer in Maysville, MO, you can’t risk your freedom with someone who won’t give you a stellar defense. Here are the things you want (and don’t want) in your attorney:
Top 4 Maysville, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
Your murder defense lawyer should treat you with respect and tell you your best paths forward. Below are the main qualities you want to see:
- Prior experience with your charges
- A history of success
- Someone who treats you like a person, not a case number
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Maysville, 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:
- Lack of experience with murder charges
- Unreasonably positive predictions, without accounting for potential problems
- Arrogant or apathetic 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 Maysville, MO, Murder Charge Into a Federal Murder Charge?
Whatever court you’re in, being accused of murder is a big deal. But federal murder charges are at a whole different level. Federal crimes are prosecuted by some of the best prosecutors, and because of that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer at your side.
Here are common circumstances in Maysville, MO, that can lead to a murder charge becoming federal:
- The alleged crime took place near a state border or across a border.
- The alleged crime took place on federal land.
- The alleged victim was a federal government employee.
One other important note to be aware of: Dual Sovereignty. While you generally can’t be put on trial twice for the same crime, dual sovereignty doctrine allows this for most murder charges, if they are tried once in federal court and once in state court.
If your case can fall under dual sovereignty, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both intimate knowledge of local Maysville, MO, courts and a high-level team with the skills needed to take on a federal prosecutor. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Possible Defenses Against Maysville, MO Murder Charges
While every case is unique, there are some criminal defense strategies which your murder defense lawyer will likely consider. At Combs Waterkotte, we will listen to your story and find something that will fit you the best. Follow are some of the options we’ll consider:
- Fifth Amendment Rights Violation
- Battered Spouse Syndrome
- Castle Doctrine
- Defense of Others
- Self-Defense
- Stand Your Ground
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Combs Waterkotte’s Maysville, MO, Murder Defense Lawyers are Ready for Your Case
Every criminal accusation in Maysville, MO, needs to be taken seriously. And murder even moreso. At Combs Waterkotte, we know what it takes to successfully defend murder charges. We are here to give you an expert on your side. We will work in concert with you and fight for your freedom.
Build your defense now and maximize your chances for success. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to protect yourself.
