Murder Defense Lawyer, Butler, MO. Missouri takes murder cases seriously and punishes the alleged offender harshly. You could end up in prison for the rest of your life. Or if the prosecution and jury wish to impose it, you could face capital punishment. Without a expert murder defense lawyer in Butler, MO, your future is looking bleak.
But you have someone who can help. You have Combs Waterkotte. As one of the premier criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we are prepared to fight against any charges. We have fought thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
When you contact our lawyers, you’re in good hands. You can start creating your defense now by calling (314) 900-HELP or sending us a note online. We’re available 24/7, because we know emergencies happen outside regular business hours.
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How a Murder Defense Lawyer Protects Your Freedom in Butler, MO
The fight for your freedom begins as soon as you get in touch with your Butler, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’re worried about being arrested, your attorney can give you tips on what to do when you interact with investigators. Having a lawyer in your corner while the police are interviewing you is more than just advising you when to stay silent – it’s protecting you against pressing interrogation techniques and building your defense in multiple stages.
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 face charges of armed criminal action or other violent crimes alongside murder. If a bail amount is given, this is usually also done at this time. The courts in Butler, MO, don’t often allow bail in murder cases, but, we will fight for every opportunity to secure your freedom before trial.
Once you’ve made it through your arraignment, your Butler, MO, homicide defense attorney will advise you on tactics you can use in your defense, if they haven’t done so already. Perhaps it was done in self-defense, or you could have an alibi. Whatever method you go with, your lawyer will also talk to the state about 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, fearless defense and will use it to defend you all the way to the final verdict. We stand by your side 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, when you work with a leading Butler, MO, murder defense lawyer, you can expect them to do the following:
- Manage your interactions with investigators
- 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
- Represent you during a trial
- If needed, advocate for lighter sentencing
The legal process can be hard to navigate. An experienced attorney like Combs Waterkotte will show you the path to the other side.
What Cases Will a Butler, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Take?
“Murder” isn’t just a single charge in Missouri, and when you work with a Butler, MO, murder defense lawyer, it’s important that they understand exactly what the accusations are.
At Combs Waterkotte, we will fight against all kinds of murder charges in Butler, Missouri. Here’s a breakdown of how they work:
First-Degree Murder
First-Degree Murder is defined in Missouri as the deliberate taking of another person’s life, after planning for it. Defenses against first-degree murder in Butler, MO, sometimes will hinge on whether or not the death was intentional or preplanned.
The sentence for first-degree murder is either the death penalty 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 in an attempt to severely injure them, then unintentionally killing them, and
- Trying to commit another 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. In most Butler, MO, murder cases, it’s on the prosecution to prove that the alleged offender deliberately killed the alleged victim, and it wasn’t in self-defense or another special circumstance.
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 Butler, MO, below:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter in Missouri occurs when someone takes one of the following actions:
- Taking a life in what would be second-degree murder, except that the alleged offender was reasonably out of control of their emotions.
- Assisting someone in the commission of suicide.
As a Class B Felony, you may 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.
Normally, this is a Class C Felony, but for certain special victims (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.
Similar to first-degree, second-degree manslaughter is typically a Class E Felony, but can be a Class D Felony for special 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, with planning. | 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 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 countless collateral consequences because of a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we have experience defending a variety of murder and manslaughter charges in Missouri. When you call us, you get a Butler, 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 Butler, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
If you’re looking for a top-tier murder defense lawyer in Butler, 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 Butler, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The right homicide attorney will treat you with respect and always be honest with you. When you pick someone to fight for you, you want them to embody the following:
- Expertise with the law you’ve been accused of breaking
- A history of victories
- Someone who treats you like a person, not a paycheck
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Butler, 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 cold 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 Butler, MO, Murder Charge Into a Federal Murder Charge?
State murder charges are dangerous on their own. 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 get your back.
Here are common circumstances in Butler, MO, that can lead to a murder charge becoming federal:
- The alleged crime stretched across state lines.
- The alleged crime took place on federal land.
- The alleged victim worked for the federal government.
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 can fall under dual sovereignty, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both personal connections to the prosecuting office in Butler, MO, and a high-level team with the skills needed to take on a federal prosecutor. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Defenses to Murder Accusations in Butler, MO
Every client has unique circumstances. That said, 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 possibilities 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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You Need a Leading Butler, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer. You Need Combs Waterkotte. Call Now.
Being accused of homicide in Butler, 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 will listen to your story. We will represent you and battle for the best outcome possible.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds its case. Speak with us right away at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online to protect yourself.
