Murder Defense Lawyer, Camden Point, MO. Missouri takes murder cases seriously and punishes the alleged offender harshly. First-degree murder can result in a life sentence. Or in even more serious cases, you could be up against the death penalty. Without a expert murder defense lawyer in Camden Point, MO, it’s hard to fight against these consequences.
But you have someone who can help. Combs Waterkotte is on your side. As one of the top criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we are prepared to fight against any charges. We have fought thousands of cases, including defending homicide charges.
When you contact our lawyers, you’re in good hands. You can start crafting your defense today by calling (314) 900-HELP or sending us a note online. We’re prepared to assist 24/7 and will keep you regularly updated as your case progresses.
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What a Murder Defense Lawyer in Camden Point, MO, Will Do For You
The battle for your case begins the moment you contact your Camden Point, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’re worried about being arrested, your lawyer can give you tips on what to do when you interact with the police. Having a lawyer present during questioning goes beyond just telling you to stay silent – it’s defening you from interrogation techniques and giving answers that help your case, not hurt it.
In most Camden Point, MO criminal cases, there will be an arrest, interview, and arraignment. The arraignment is a time when the prosecution officially accuses you of a crime, in this case, murder. It’s possible that you’ll face charges of armed criminal action or other violent crimes alongside murder. In cases where bail is allowed, this is usually also done at this time. Bail is commonly denied in Camden Point, 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 Camden Point, MO, homicide defense attorney will recommend you on a defensive strategy, if they haven’t done so already. Castle doctrine could apply in your case, 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 your charges and/or sentence can be reduced.
If the prosecution refuses to negotiate, 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 needed.
In summary, your Camden Point, MO, murder defense lawyer will do the following:
- Manage your interactions with investigators
- 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 expert legal team like Combs Waterkotte will help you make it through.
What Cases Will a Camden Point, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Take?
Missouri murder charges take a variety of forms, and when you work with a Camden Point, 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 Camden Point, Missouri. Below, we’ve outlined the individual laws and what they mean:
First-Degree Murder
First-Degree Murder is defined in Missouri as the deliberate taking of another person’s life, after planning for it. Accidental deaths or impulsive actions do not qualify for first-degree murder charges in Missouri.
The potential punishment after a conviction 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 unintentionally killing them, and
- Attempting 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. Murder charges normally require the prosecution to prove that the alleged offender deliberately killed the alleged victim, and there was no excuse.
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. We’ll outline the different types of manslaughter in Camden Point, MO, below:
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 supposed offender was in a circumstance where a normal person could not control themselves.
- Helping someone take their own life.
As a Class B Felony, you can 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), it 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.
A second-degree manslaughter conviction is generally 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, 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 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 |
In addition to going to prison, you can suffer countless collateral consequences as a result of a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are ready to fight against any of the above murder and manslaughter charges in Camden Point. When you call our team, you get a Camden Point, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows how to build you a strong defense.
What to Look For in Your Camden Point, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
When you’re looking for a superb murder defense lawyer in Camden Point, 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 Camden Point, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
Your murder defense lawyer should treat you well and tell you your best paths forward. Below are the main qualities you want to see:
- Knowledge about the charge’s specifics
- 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 Camden Point, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Red Flags:
If you notice any of the following red flags, think carefully before moving forward with that attorney:
- Doesn’t have knowledge about the specific law you’ve been accused of violating
- Promises of unrealistic outcomes
- Dismissive or disinterested 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.
When Do Camden Point, MO, Murder Charges Become Federal?
Whatever court you’re in, being accused of murder is a big deal. But they pale in comparison to federal charges. Federal crimes are prosecuted by high-level prosecutors, and when you’re facing that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to get your back.
For a federal prosecutor to take a murder case over from the Camden Point, MO courts, it’s normally because of one of the following:
- The alleged crime took place in two different states.
- 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. While you generally can’t be put on trial twice for the same crime, dual sovereignty doctrine allows this for most murder charges, if they are tried once in federal court and once in state court.
If your case can fall under dual sovereignty, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both intimate knowledge of local Camden Point, MO, courts and the strength to take on the United States government. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Possible Defenses Against Camden Point, MO Murder Charges
While every case is unique, there are some criminal defense strategies which 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 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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If You Need a Murder Defense Lawyer in Camden Point, MO, You Need Combs Waterkotte
A murder charge can ruin your life. But the right murder defense lawyer can save it. 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.
Build your defense now and maximize your chances for success. Speak with an attorney any time of day at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to protect yourself.
