Murder Defense Lawyer, Polo, MO. Murder charges are arguably the most serious criminal charges you can face in Missouri. First-degree murder can result in a life sentence. Or if the alleged crime was especially heinous, you could be up against the death penalty. Without a expert murder defense lawyer in Polo, 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 defended thousands of cases, including against murder accusations.
With us, you are treated like a person, not a case number. You can start crafting your defense today by calling (314) 900-HELP or sending us a note online. We’re ready 24/7 and are ready to help in emergencies.
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What a Murder Defense Lawyer in Polo, MO, Will Do For You
The fight for your freedom starts as soon as you contact your Polo, MO, murder defense lawyer. Whether or not you’ve already been arrested, your attorney can give you tips on what to do when you interact with the authorities. Having a lawyer in your corner while the police are interviewing you goes beyond just advising you when to stay silent – it’s protecting you against advanced interrogation techniques and giving answers that help your case, not hurt it.
Most of the time in Polo, MO, murder cases go through the same first few steps in the system: Arrest, questioning, and arraignment. The arraignment is a time when the state formally tells you what laws they think you’ve violated. In many cases, murder won’t be the only charge. Frequently, defendants will also face charges of armed criminal action or other violent crimes in addition to murder. If a bail amount is given, this is usually also done at this time. Though it’s rare for bail to be allowed in murder cases in Polo, MO, we will fight for every opportunity to secure your freedom before trial.
After the arraignment, your Polo, MO, homicide defense attorney will advise you on tactics you can use in your defense, if they haven’t picked out one previously that is a good fit for your case. Perhaps it was done in self-defense, or you could have an alibi. Regardless of the strategy, your attorney will also be in contact with the prosecutor for plea negotiations to see if your charges and/or sentence can be reduced.
If the prosecution refuses to negotiate, your case will go to trial. Our lawyers always prepare a trial-ready, ferocious 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 Polo, 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
- Decide on a defense that best fits the unique factors of your case
- Negotiate with the state for dropped or reduced charges
- Present your defense before a judge and jury
- If needed, advocate for lighter sentencing
You don’t want to try and go through the Polo, MO legal process without a guide. An experienced lawyer like Combs Waterkotte will help you make it through.
What Charges Does a Polo, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Fight?
There are multiple types of homicide charges in Missouri, and when you work with a Polo, MO, murder defense lawyer, you want one who knows how to defend your specific charges.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are prepared to defend against any types of murder charges in Polo, Missouri. Here’s a breakdown of how they work:
First-Degree Murder
First-Degree Murder has three specific elements in Missouri: 1. Someone was killed, 2. It was on purpose, and 3. The alleged killer planned to do so ahead of time. It does not include actions done unintentionally or in the heat of the moment.
The sentence for first-degree murder is either the death penalty or a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-Degree Murder can result from more situations than first-degree murder. These include:
- Taking someone’s life in the heat of the moment,
- Attacking someone in an attempt to severely injure them, 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, 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 generally are distinguished by one thing: Intentions. To find someone guilty of murder, normally the state has to prove that the alleged offender deliberately killed the alleged victim, and there was no excuse.
Manslaughter is different in that intentions aren’t as important – if one person takes another’s life, they can be charged with manslaughter. We’ll outline the different types of manslaughter in Polo, MO, below:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter has two different definitions in Missouri:
- Killing someone in what would normally be second-degree murder, except that the supposed 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, 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 the first of these charges to not include any form of intentionality in the crime.
Ordinarilly, 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), it 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 in such a way that causes someone’s death.
A second-degree manslaughter conviction is generally a Class E Felony, but can be a Class D Felony for special 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, using a plan. | 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 kill themself | 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 as a result of a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we have experience defending a variety of murder and manslaughter charges in Missouri. When you ask for help from our team, you get a Polo, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows the system inside and out.
How to Pick the Right Murder Defense Lawyer in Polo, MO
When you need a high-quality murder defense lawyer in Polo, MO, it’s important to take the time to ensure you’re going with the right choice. Below, we’ve outlined the main things to keep in mind when making your decision:
Top 4 Polo, 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:
- Knowledge about the charge’s specifics
- A track record of victories
- Someone who treats you like a person, not a paycheck
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Polo, 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:
- Lack of experience with murder charges
- Promises of unrealistic outcomes
- Dismissive 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 Polo, MO, Murder Charge Into a Federal Murder Charge?
State murder charges are dangerous on their own. But they pale in comparison to federal charges. Federal crimes are prosecuted by some of the best prosecutors, and because of that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to get your back.
For a federal prosecutor to take a murder case over from the Polo, MO courts, it’s normally because of one of the following:
- 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 government employee.
Even if you are found innocent in federal court, you may not be out of the woods yet. This is because of an important policy: 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 Polo, MO, courts and the strength to take on the United States government. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Possible Defenses Against Polo, MO Murder Charges
Every client has unique circumstances. That said, there are some criminal defense strategies that 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. Below 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
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Accused of Murder in Polo, MO? The Murder Defense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Will Defend Your Rights
Every criminal accusation in Polo, MO, needs to be taken seriously. And murder even moreso. Combs Waterkotte’s murder defense lawyers will explore every option available to secure a positive outcome for you. We are here to give you an expert on your side. We will defend you and battle for the best outcome possible.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds its case. Call us any time of day at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to protect yourself.
