Murder Defense Lawyer, Clinton, 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 be up against the death penalty. Without a expert murder defense lawyer in Clinton, MO, the risks are high and your odds of a positive outcome are low.
But you’re not alone. 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 many just like yours.
When you work with our team, you’re getting expert legal advice from day one. You can start crafting your defense right away by calling (314) 900-HELP or reaching out to us online. We’re ready 24/7, because we know emergencies happen outside regular business hours.
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Ways Your Clinton, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Will Protect Your Freedom
The battle for your case starts as soon as you contact your Clinton, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’ve been placed under arrest, your lawyer can train you on how to interact with the authorities. Having a lawyer in your corner while the police are interviewing you is more than just advising you when to stay silent – it’s defening you from pressing interrogation methods and providing responses that strengthen your story.
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. In cases where the court sets pretrial release conditions for the defendant, the arraignment is also the time when this is arranged. Though it’s rare for bail to be allowed in murder cases in Clinton, MO, we won’t just give in, and will argue for your pretrial release.
After the arraignment, your Clinton, MO, homicide defense attorney will start putting together a defensive strategy, if they haven’t picked out one previously that is a good fit for your case. You could have been acting in defense of others, or you could have an alibi. Whatever method you go with, your lawyer will also be in contact with the prosecutor for 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, powerful defense and won’t back down in the courtroom. 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 if applicable.
In summary, your Clinton, MO, murder defense lawyer will do the following:
- Protect your rights during interrogations
- Fight for bail and your freedom before the trial
- Craft a tailored defense strategy
- Negotiate with the state for dropped or reduced charges
- Represent you during a trial
- If needed, advocate for lighter sentencing
Don’t try to go through the Clinton, MO court system alone. An experienced attorney like Combs Waterkotte will show you the path to the other side.
What Cases Will a Clinton, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Take?
Missouri murder charges take a variety of forms, and when you work with a Clinton, 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 Clinton, Missouri. To learn more about what they are, read the breakdowns below.:
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. 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 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
- Trying to commit a different 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 typically are distinguished by one thing: 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 it wasn’t in self-defense or another special circumstance.
Manslaughter is different in that intentions aren’t as important – even if someone accidentally caused the death of another person, they can still be convicted of manslaughter. We’ll outline the different types of manslaughter in Clinton, 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 in a circumstance where a normal person could not control themselves.
- Helping someone take their own life.
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 Clinton, 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 is similar to first-degree involuntary manslaughter. 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.
Similar to first-degree, second-degree manslaughter is generally a Class E Felony, but can be a Class D Felony for certain 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, 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 |
On top of the formal penalties, 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 ask for help from one of our attorneys, you get a Clinton, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows the system inside and out.
What You Need in a Clinton, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
If you’re looking for a high-quality murder defense lawyer in Clinton, 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 Clinton, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The law firm you work with should treat you with respect and have a plan for how to handle your case. Here are the signs to look out for:
- 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 Clinton, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Red Flags:
If you notice any of the following red flags, think carefully before moving forward with that attorney:
- Lack of experience with murder charges
- Unreasonably positive predictions, without accounting for potential problems
- Dismissive or disinterested attitude
- A lack of planning on ways to fight your charges
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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 Clinton, MO, Murder Charge Into a Federal Murder Charge?
Whatever court you’re in, being accused of murder is a big deal. But federal murder charges are at a whole different level. Federal crimes are prosecuted by the top prosecutors, and as a result, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to match.
Here are common circumstances in Clinton, 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 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. The United States allows several criminal charges, often including murder, to be tried in both state and federal court.
If your case can fall under dual sovereignty, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both personal connections to the prosecuting office in Clinton, MO, and the strength to take on the United States government. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Defenses to Murder Accusations in Clinton, MO
Although each case is different, 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. Follow are some of the options 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 Clinton, MO, Murder Defense Lawyers are Ready for Your Case
Every criminal accusation in Clinton, MO, needs to be taken seriously. And murder even moreso. At Combs Waterkotte, we know what it takes to successfully defend murder charges. We will listen to your story. We will tell your side of the story and fight for your freedom.
Build your defense now and maximize your chances for success. Speak with an attorney any time of day at (314) 900-HELP or send us a note online to protect yourself.
