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 in even more serious cases, you could be up against the death penalty. Without a leading murder defense lawyer in Butler, MO, the risks are high and your odds of a positive outcome are low.
But you’re not alone. You have Combs Waterkotte. As one of the top criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we are prepared to fight against any charges. We have defended thousands of cases, including against murder accusations.
When you work with our team, you’re in good hands. You can start crafting your defense now by calling (314) 900-HELP or using our contact form online. We’re ready 24/7 and will keep you regularly updated as your case progresses.
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What a Murder Defense Lawyer in Butler, MO, Will Do For You
The defense process starts as soon as you get in touch with your Butler, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’re worried about being arrested, your lawyer can train you on how to interact with investigators. Having a lawyer in the room when you interact with investigators is more than just telling you to stay silent – it’s defening you against advanced interrogation methods and building your defense in multiple stages.
Most of the time in Butler, 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. In cases where bail is allowed, the arraignment is also the time when this is arranged. Bail is commonly denied in Butler, MO, murder cases. However, we won’t just give in, and will argue for your pretrial release.
Now that you formally know the charges you’re facing, your Butler, MO, homicide defense attorney will recommend you on a defensive strategy, if they haven’t already been talking with you about them. You could have been acting in defense of others, or this is a case of mistaken identity. Regardless of the strategy, your lawyer will also be in contact with the prosecutor for plea negotiations to see if your charges and/or sentence can be reduced.
If the negotiations don’t work, your case will go to trial. At Combs Waterkotte, we always prepare a trial-ready, ferocious 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, when you work with a leading Butler, MO, murder defense lawyer, you can expect them to do the following:
- Protect you from mistakes during interviews
- Argue for bail and pre-trial release
- Help you pick the best defensive strategy for your case
- Bargain with the prosecutor for more lenient charges
- Present your defense before a judge and jury
- If needed, advocate for lighter sentencing
The legal process can be hard to navigate. An experienced lawyer like Combs Waterkotte will show you the path to the other side.
What Charges Does a Butler, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Fight?
Missouri murder charges take a variety of forms, and when you work with a Butler, 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 Butler, Missouri. Here’s a breakdown of how they work:
First-Degree Murder
First-Degree Murder in Missouri consists of killing another person on purpose, with a plan. Accidental deaths or impulsive actions do not qualify for first-degree murder charges in Missouri.
If convicted, you can face either the death penalty or a life sentence in prison without an option for 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 with the goal of hurting them badly, then going too far and taking their life, and
- Attempting to commit another 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 similar, but typically one thing sets them apart: Intentions. To find someone guilty of murder, normally the state has 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. In the following sections, you can read breakdowns of Butler, Missouri’s manslaughter charges:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter charges in Missouri fall into one of two categories:
- Taking a life in what would ordinarilybe 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 can be sentenced to between 5 and 15 years in prison.
First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter
First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter is still a serious charge in Butler, MO, but does not consist of killing another person on purpose.
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), the sentence can be increased to a Class B Felony.
Second-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter
Second-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter still involves one person killing another person on accident. Missouri defines it as acting criminally negligent in such a way that causes someone’s death.
Similar to first-degree, second-degree manslaughter is ordinarily 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 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 suffer numerous collateral consequences because of a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we can protect Butler clients against all of the above charges. When you call our team, you get a Butler, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows how to build you a strong defense.
What to Look For in Your Butler, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
When you’re looking for a high-quality murder defense lawyer in Butler, MO, you need to carefully evaluate your options. Check out the top 4 qualities to look for, and top 4 red flags to avoid:
Top 4 Butler, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The law firm you work with should treat you with dignity 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 history of success
- 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:
- Lack of experience with murder charges
- Promises of unrealistic outcomes
- Dismissive or disinterested attitude
- Unorganized or vague plan for how to help you
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?
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 some of the best prosecutors, and because of that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to get your back.
Murder charges can become federal in many ways, but here are the typical ways it happens in Butler, MO:
- The alleged crime stretched across state lines.
- 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. 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 personal connections to the prosecuting office in Butler, MO, and the strength to take on the United States government. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Common Butler, MO, Murder Charge Defenses
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. Follow are some of the strategies 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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If You Need a Murder Defense Lawyer in Butler, MO, You Need Combs Waterkotte
Every criminal accusation in Butler, 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 will listen to your story. We will tell your side of the story and fight for your freedom.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds its case. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to start fighting your case.
