Murder Defense Lawyer, Buckner, MO. It’s hard to think of a worse thing to be accused of than murder. Even lower-level murder accusations can result in years in prison. Or if the alleged crime was especially heinous, you could face capital punishment. Without a leading murder defense lawyer in Buckner, MO, your future is looking bleak.
But you have someone who can help. Combs Waterkotte is on your side. 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 defended thousands of cases, including defending homicide charges.
With us, you’re getting expert legal advice from day one. You can start crafting your defense today 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.
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Ways Your Buckner, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Will Protect Your Freedom
The fight for your freedom begins as soon as you get in touch with your Buckner, 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 the room while the police are interviewing you goes beyond just telling you to stay silent – it’s defening you from advanced interrogation techniques and providing responses that strengthen your story.
Most of the time in Buckner, 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 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 Buckner, MO, murder cases. However, we don’t just assume it’s a lost cause, and will argue for bail for each of our clients.
After the arraignment, your Buckner, MO, homicide defense attorney will advise you on tactics you can use in your defense, if they haven’t done so already. Castle doctrine could apply in your case, or this is a case of mistaken identity. Whatever method you go with, your lawyer will also talk to the state about plea negotiations to see if they can get the prosecution to lower or drop charges.
If the prosecution refuses to negotiate, your case will go to trial. At Combs Waterkotte, we 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 even applies after the verdict, where we can also assist with sentencing advocacy as needed.
In summary, here is how a murder defense lawyer protects your freedom in Buckner, 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
- Present your defense before a judge and jury
- Argue mitigating factors for a lighter sentence
The legal process can be hard to navigate. An expert lawyer like Combs Waterkotte will see you to the other side.
What Charges Does a Buckner, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Fight?
There are multiple types of homicide charges in Missouri, and when you work with a Buckner, 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 Buckner, 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. Accidental deaths or impulsive actions do not qualify for first-degree murder charges in Missouri.
The sentence for first-degree murder is either the death penalty or a life sentence in prison without an option 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:
- Intentionally killing someone,
- Attacking someone with the goal of hurting them badly, then killing them on accident, and
- Attempting 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 closely related, but normally are distinguished by one thing: Intentions. Murder charges normally require the prosecution to prove that the alleged offender took the alleged victim’s life on purpose, and it wasn’t in self-defense or another special circumstance.
Manslaughter is different in that intentions aren’t as important – even if someone accidentally caused the death of another person, they can still be convicted of manslaughter. In the following sections, you can read breakdowns of Buckner, Missouri’s manslaughter charges:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter has two different definitions in Missouri:
- Committing what would ordinarilybe 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 is still a serious charge in Buckner, 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 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 ordinarily a Class E Felony, but can be a Class D Felony for certain victims.
To recap the information above, you can use the table below as a quick reference on the different murder/manslaughter charges in Missouri:
| 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 |
Beyond a prison sentence, people can face countless collateral consequences after a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we can protect Buckner clients against all of the above charges. When you work with our team, you get a Buckner, 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 Buckner, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
If you’re looking for a superb murder defense lawyer in Buckner, 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 Buckner, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
Your murder defense lawyer should treat you with respect and have a plan for how to handle your case. Below are the main qualities you want to see:
- Expertise with the law you’ve been accused of breaking
- 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 Buckner, 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
- Rude 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 Buckner, 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 high-level prosecutors, and as a result, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to match.
For a federal prosecutor to take a murder case over from the Buckner, MO courts, it’s normally because of one of the following:
- The alleged crime stretched across state lines.
- The alleged crime took place on federal land.
- 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. 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 intimate knowledge of local Buckner, MO, courts and preparations to fight against the United States justice department. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Defenses to Murder Accusations in Buckner, MO
Although each case is different, there are some criminal defense strategies that your murder defense lawyer will commonly evaluate. At Combs Waterkotte, we will tailor your defense to the circumstances of your case. Below 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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This Decision Matters. Don’t Risk Your Life. Work With Combs Waterkotte’s Buckner, MO, Murder Defense Lawyers
Being accused of homicide in Buckner, MO, can be devestating. Without help, it can derail your entire life. But you do have help available. 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 work in concert with you and battle for the best outcome possible.
Build your defense now and maximize your chances for success. Speak with an attorney right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to get started now.
