Murder Defense Lawyer, Claycomo, MO. It’s hard to think of a worse thing to be accused of than murder. First-degree murder can result in a life sentence. Or if the alleged crime was especially heinous, you could face capital punishment. Without a leading murder defense lawyer in Claycomo, MO, you could be risking everything.
But there is another way forward. You can call Combs Waterkotte. As one of the premier criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we fight to protect our clients’ rights and freedom. We have defended thousands of cases, including defending homicide charges.
When you contact our lawyers, you are treated like a person, not a case number. You can start creating your defense right away 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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How a Murder Defense Lawyer Protects Your Freedom in Claycomo, MO
The defense process begins as soon as you first call your Claycomo, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’re worried about being arrested, your lawyer can advise you on how to interact with the authorities. Having a lawyer present when you interact with investigators goes beyond just advising you when to stay silent – it’s defening you against advanced interrogation methods 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 be charged with 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 Claycomo, MO, murder cases. However, we won’t just give in, and will argue for your pretrial release.
After the arraignment, your Claycomo, 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. Regardless of the strategy, 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 prosecution refuses to negotiate, your case will go to trial. Our lawyers always prepare a trial-ready, powerful 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 extends to after the trial, where we can also assist with sentencing advocacy if applicable.
In summary, your Claycomo, MO, murder defense lawyer will do the following:
- Protect you from mistakes during interviews
- Fight for bail and your freedom before the trial
- Decide on a defense that best fits the unique factors of your case
- Bargain with the prosecutor for more lenient charges
- Fight for your freedom at trial
- If needed, advocate for lighter sentencing
You don’t want to try and go through the Claycomo, MO legal process without a guide. An experienced legal team like Combs Waterkotte will show you the path to the other side.
What Cases Will a Claycomo, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Take?
There are multiple types of homicide charges in Missouri, and when you work with a Claycomo, 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 Claycomo, 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 Claycomo, MO, sometimes will hinge on whether or not the death was intentional or preplanned.
The potential punishment after a conviction is either the death penalty 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 in order to seriously hurt 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 similar, but generally one thing sets them apart: Intentions. In most Claycomo, 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 – 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 Claycomo, MO, below:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter has two different definitions in Missouri:
- Taking a life in what would ordinarilybe second-degree murder, except that the alleged 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 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 Claycomo, MO, but does not consist of killing another person on purpose.
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 also involves the unintentional taking of human life. Missouri defines it as acting criminally negligent and having someone die as a result.
This crime is ordinarily 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 |
In addition to going to prison, people can suffer numerous collateral consequences after a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are ready to fight against any of the above murder and manslaughter charges in Claycomo. When you work with our team, you get a Claycomo, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows how to build you a strong defense.
What to Look For in Your Claycomo, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
When you need a high-quality murder defense lawyer in Claycomo, 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 Claycomo, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The right homicide attorney will 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 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 Claycomo, 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
- High promises, to the point of being unrealistic
- 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.
When Do Claycomo, MO, Murder Charges Become Federal?
State murder charges are dangerous on their own. But if it’s federal, that only makes things more extreme. Federal crimes are prosecuted by the top prosecutors, and because of that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer at your side.
Here are common circumstances in Claycomo, MO, that can lead to a murder charge becoming federal:
- The alleged crime took place in two different states.
- The alleged crime occurred on federal property.
- The alleged victim worked for the federal government.
Murder charges can fall under a special circumstance in Claycomo, MO: Dual Sovereignty. The United States allows several criminal charges, often including murder, to be tried in both state and federal court.
If you’re facing these types of charges, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both personal connections to the prosecuting office in Claycomo, 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 Claycomo, MO
While every case is unique, 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 options we’ll consider:
- Fourth Amendment Rights Violation
- Battered Spouse Syndrome
- Castle Doctrine
- Defense of Others
- Self-Defense
- Stand Your Ground
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Accused of Murder in Claycomo, MO? The Murder Defense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Will Defend Your Rights
A murder charge can ruin your life. But the right murder defense lawyer can save it. Combs Waterkotte’s murder defense lawyers will explore every option available to secure a positive outcome for you. We are here to give you an expert on your side. We will defend you and battle for the best outcome possible.
Act fast before it’s too late. Speak with a lawyer right away at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online to get started now.
