Murder Defense Lawyer, Adrian, MO. Murder charges are arguably the most serious criminal charges you can face in Missouri. Even lower-level murder accusations can result in years in prison. Or if the alleged crime was especially heinous, you could be up against the death penalty. Without a leading murder defense lawyer in Adrian, MO, the risks are high and your odds of a positive outcome are low.
But you’re not alone. Combs Waterkotte is on your side. As one of the premier criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we are prepared to fight against any charges. We have experience fighting thousands of cases, including defending homicide charges.
When you work with our team, you’re getting expert legal advice from day one. You can start creating your defense right away by calling (314) 900-HELP or contacting us online. We’re prepared to assist 24/7 and will keep you regularly updated as your case progresses.
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Ways Your Adrian, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Will Protect Your Freedom
The battle for your case starts the moment you first call your Adrian, MO, murder defense lawyer. Whether or not you’ve already been arrested, your lawyer can advise you on the best way to interact with the police. Having a lawyer by your side while the police are interviewing you goes beyond just telling you to stay silent – it’s defening you from pressing interrogation methods and providing responses that strengthen your story.
Most of the time in Adrian, 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 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. The courts in Adrian, MO, don’t often allow bail in murder cases, but, we don’t just assume it’s a lost cause, and will argue for bail for each of our clients.
Once you’ve made it through your arraignment, your Adrian, MO, homicide defense attorney will advise you on tactics you can use in your defense, if they haven’t already been talking with you about them. Perhaps it was done in self-defense, or your rights were violated during the investigation. Whatever defense works best for your case, your attorney will also talk to the state about plea negotiations to see if they can secure a positive outcome for you.
If the negotiations don’t work, your case will go to trial. At Combs Waterkotte, we always prepare a trial-ready, powerful 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, here is how a murder defense lawyer protects your freedom in Adrian, MO:
- 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
- Argue mitigating factors for a lighter sentence
The legal process can be hard to navigate. An expert legal team like Combs Waterkotte will help you make it through.
What Cases Will a Adrian, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Take?
Missouri murder charges take a variety of forms, and when hiring a Adrian, MO, murder defense lawyer, you want one who knows how to defend your specific charges.
At Combs Waterkotte, we will fight against all kinds of murder charges in Adrian, Missouri. To learn more about what they are, read the breakdowns below.:
First-Degree Murder
First-Degree Murder in Missouri consists of killing another person on purpose, with a plan. It does not include actions done unintentionally or in the heat of the moment.
The sentence for first-degree murder is either the death sentence or a life sentence in prison without a chance for 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:
- Taking someone’s life in the heat of the moment,
- Attacking someone in order to seriously hurt them, then going too far and taking their life, 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 generally one thing sets them apart: Intentions. In most Adrian, MO, murder cases, it’s on the prosecution to prove that the alleged offender deliberately killed the alleged victim, without exculpatory circumstances.
For a person to be convicted of manslaughter, whether or not the alleged victim was killed on purpose doesn’t matter as much – if one person takes another’s life, they can be charged with manslaughter. We’ll outline the different types of manslaughter in Adrian, MO, below:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter in Missouri occurs when someone takes one of the following actions:
- Committing 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, the alleged offender 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 Adrian, 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 in such a way that causes someone’s death.
Similar to first-degree, second-degree manslaughter is generally 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 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 |
In addition to going to prison, people can suffer countless collateral consequences as a result of a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we can protect Adrian clients against all of the above charges. When you work with one of our attorneys, you get a Adrian, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows how to build you a strong defense.
What You Need in a Adrian, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
When you’re looking for a superb murder defense lawyer in Adrian, MO, you need to carefully evaluate your options. Below, we’ve outlined the main things to keep in mind when making your decision:
Top 4 Adrian, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The right homicide attorney will treat you well and tell you your best paths forward. Here are the signs to look out for:
- 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 Adrian, 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
- Promises of unrealistic outcomes
- Rude or apathetic attitude
- Unorganized or vague plan for how to help you
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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 Adrian, 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 when you’re facing that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to match.
For a federal prosecutor to take a murder case over from the Adrian, MO courts, it’s normally because of one of the following:
- The alleged crime took place near a state border or across a border.
- The alleged crime occurred on federal property.
- The alleged victim worked for the federal government.
Murder charges can fall under a special circumstance in Adrian, MO: 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 Adrian, MO, courts and preparations to fight against the United States justice department. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Possible Defenses Against Adrian, MO Murder Charges
Although each case is different, there are some criminal defense strategies which your murder defense lawyer will likely consider. At Combs Waterkotte, look for an option that makes the most sense for you. Below 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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Accused of Murder in Adrian, MO? The Murder Defense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Will Defend Your Rights
Every criminal accusation in Adrian, 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 will listen to your story. We will tell your side of the story and protect your rights.
Build your defense now and maximize your chances for success. Talk to an attorney today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to get started now.
