Murder Defense Lawyer, Braymer, MO. Missouri takes murder cases seriously and punishes the alleged offender harshly. Even lower-level murder accusations can result in years in prison. Or if the prosecution and jury wish to impose it, you could be up against the death penalty. Without a leading murder defense lawyer in Braymer, MO, the risks are high and your odds of a positive outcome are low.
But there is another way forward. You can call Combs Waterkotte. As one of the premier criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we won’t give up on your case and will explore every avenue to secure a positive outcome. We have fought thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
With us, you’re in good hands. You can start creating your defense right away by calling (314) 900-HELP or contacting us online. We’re available 24/7 and are ready to help in emergencies.
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Ways Your Braymer, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Will Protect Your Freedom
The fight for your freedom starts the moment you first call your Braymer, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’re worried about being arrested, your attorney can train you on the best way to interact with investigators. Having a lawyer present while the police are interviewing you is more than just telling you to stay silent – it’s defening you against pressing 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. It’s possible that you’ll be charged with armed criminal action or other violent crimes in addition to murder. In cases where the court sets pretrial release conditions for the defendant, this is usually also done at this time. Though it’s rare for bail to be allowed in murder cases in Braymer, MO, we won’t just give in, and will argue for your pretrial release.
Now that you formally know the charges you’re facing, your Braymer, MO, homicide defense attorney will start putting together a defensive strategy, if they haven’t picked out one previously that is a good fit for your case. 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 attorney will also be in contact with the prosecutor for plea negotiations to see if they can secure a positive outcome for you.
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, powerful defense and won’t back down in the courtroom. We stick with you and fight until you get the justice you deserve. This even applies after the verdict, where we can also assist with sentencing advocacy if applicable.
In summary, here is how a murder defense lawyer protects your freedom in Braymer, MO:
- Protect your rights during interrogations
- Argue for bail and pre-trial release
- Decide on a defense that best fits the unique factors of your case
- Negotiate with the state for dropped or reduced charges
- Fight for your freedom at trial
- If needed, advocate for lighter sentencing
You don’t want to try and go through the Braymer, MO legal process without a guide. An experienced lawyer like Combs Waterkotte will see you to the other side.
What Cases Will a Braymer, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Take?
“Murder” isn’t just a single charge in Missouri, and when hiring a Braymer, 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 Braymer, 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. Defenses against first-degree murder in Braymer, MO, sometimes will hinge on whether or not the death was intentional or preplanned.
If convicted, you can face either the death sentence 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:
- Intentionally killing someone,
- Attacking someone with the goal of hurting them badly, then going too far and taking their life, and
- Attempting to commit a different felony, if it causes someone’s death.
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 are distinguished by one thing: Intentions. To find someone guilty of murder, normally the state has 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 – 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 Braymer, Missouri’s manslaughter charges:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter in Missouri occurs when someone takes one of the following actions:
- 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.
- 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 does not include the intentional taking of another person’s life. Instead, Missouri defines it as causing someone’s death by acting recklessly.
Ordinarilly, 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 is similar to first-degree involuntary manslaughter. Missouri defines it as acting criminally negligent and having someone die as a result.
This crime 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, 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 |
Beyond a prison sentence, you can suffer numerous collateral consequences because of a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we can protect Braymer clients against all of the above charges. When you work with our team, you get a Braymer, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows how to build you a strong defense.
What You Need in a Braymer, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
If you need a top-tier murder defense lawyer in Braymer, MO, you can’t risk your freedom with someone who won’t give you a stellar defense. Below, we’ve outlined the main things to keep in mind when making your decision:
Top 4 Braymer, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The law firm you work with 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 paycheck
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Braymer, 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
- High promises, to the point of being unrealistic
- Dismissive or disinterested attitude
- No real ideas on what your defense will look like
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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.
When Do Braymer, MO, Murder Charges Become Federal?
Whatever court you’re in, being accused of murder is a big deal. But if it’s federal, that only makes things more extreme. Federal crimes are prosecuted by the top prosecutors, and as a result, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer at your side.
Murder charges can become federal in many ways, but here are the typical ways it happens in Braymer, MO:
- 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 your case qualifies for this, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both local connections in Braymer, MO, and preparations to fight against the United States justice department. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Possible Defenses Against Braymer, 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, we will tailor your defense to the circumstances of your case. Here are some of the defenses we’ll consider:
- Alibi
- Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
- Castle Doctrine
- Defense of Others
- Self-Defense
- Stand Your Ground
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Accused of Murder in Braymer, MO? The Murder Defense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Will Defend Your Rights
Every criminal accusation in Braymer, MO, needs to be taken seriously. And murder even moreso. When you don’t know what to do, Combs Waterkotte is ready to guide you. We are here to give you an expert on your side. We will represent you and fight for your freedom.
Build your defense now and maximize your chances for success. Speak with an attorney now at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to protect yourself.
