Murder Defense Lawyer, Claycomo, 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 Claycomo, MO, it’s hard to fight against these consequences.
But you’re not alone. Combs Waterkotte is on your side. As one of the premier criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we are prepared to fight against any charges. We have experience fighting thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
When you contact our lawyers, you’re getting expert legal advice from day one. You can start crafting your defense today by calling (314) 900-HELP or contacting us 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 Claycomo, MO
The fight for your freedom starts the moment you get in touch with your Claycomo, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’re worried about being arrested, your lawyer can give you tips on how to interact with the authorities. Having a lawyer present when you interact with investigators is more than just telling you to stay silent – it’s protecting you against pressing interrogation techniques and providing responses that strengthen your story.
In most Claycomo, 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 in addition to murder. In cases where bail is allowed, the arraignment is also the time when this is arranged. The courts in Claycomo, 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 Claycomo, MO, homicide defense attorney will start putting together a defensive strategy, if they haven’t done so already. You could have been acting in defense of others, 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 state won’t offer a deal that works for you, your case will go to trial. At Combs Waterkotte, we always prepare a trial-ready, fearless 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 even applies after the verdict, where we can also assist with sentencing advocacy as needed.
In summary, your Claycomo, MO, murder defense lawyer will do the following:
- Protect you from mistakes during interviews
- 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
- Fight for your freedom at trial
- Argue mitigating factors for a lighter sentence
The legal process can be hard to navigate. 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, you want one who knows how to defend your specific charges.
At Combs Waterkotte, we will fight against all kinds of murder charges in Claycomo, Missouri. Below, we’ve outlined the individual laws and what they mean:
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. Defenses against first-degree murder in Claycomo, MO, sometimes will hinge on whether or not the death was intentional or preplanned.
If convicted, you can face either the death sentence or a life sentence in prison without a chance for parole.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-Degree Murder can result from more situations than first-degree murder. These include:
- Intentionally killing someone,
- Attacking someone in an attempt to severely injure them, then going too far and taking their life, and
- Trying to commit another felony, if someone dies in the process.
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 closely related, but typically differ in one key area: Intentions. To find someone guilty of murder, normally the state has to prove that the alleged offender purposely caused the death of the alleged victim, and there was no excuse.
Manslaughter is different in that intentions aren’t as important – if one person takes another’s life, they can be charged with manslaughter. In the following sections, you can read breakdowns of Claycomo, Missouri’s manslaughter charges:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter in Missouri occurs when someone takes one of the following actions:
- Killing someone in 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, you may 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.
In most cases, 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 (which means being unaware of a risk that a normal person would be aware of) and having someone die as a result.
A second-degree manslaughter conviction is typically 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, 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 commit suicide | 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, alleged offenders 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 us, you get a Claycomo, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows the system inside and out.
What You Need in a Claycomo, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
When you’re looking for a top-tier murder defense lawyer in Claycomo, MO, it’s important to take the time to ensure you’re going with the right choice. Here are the things you want (and don’t want) in your attorney:
Top 4 Claycomo, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The law firm you work with should treat you well and have a plan for how to handle your case. Here are the signs to look out for:
- Knowledge about the charge’s specifics
- A track record of success
- 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:
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
- Unreasonably positive predictions, without accounting for potential problems
- Rude or apathetic 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 Claycomo, MO, Murder Charge Into a Federal Murder Charge?
Any murder charge is serious. But if it’s federal, that only makes things more extreme. Federal crimes are prosecuted by the top prosecutors, and when you’re facing that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to get your back.
Here are common circumstances in Claycomo, MO, that can lead to a murder charge becoming federal:
- The alleged crime stretched across state lines.
- The alleged crime happened in a place owned by the federal government.
- 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 you’re facing these types of charges, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both local connections in Claycomo, MO, and a high-level team with the skills needed to take on a federal prosecutor. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Possible Defenses Against Claycomo, MO Murder Charges
While every case is unique, there are some criminal defense strategies that your murder defense lawyer is likely to pull from. At Combs Waterkotte, we will listen to your story and find something that will fit you the best. Follow are some of the possibilities we’ll consider:
- Alibi
- Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
- Castle Doctrine
- Defense of Others
- Self-Defense
- Stand Your Ground
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Combs Waterkotte’s Claycomo, MO, Murder Defense Lawyers are Ready for Your Case
Fighting a murder charge in Claycomo, MO, isn’t something you can take lightly. You need a team of attorneys that can protect your freedom. 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 tell your side of the story and battle for the best outcome possible.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds its case. Speak with us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to get started now.
