Murder Defense Lawyer, Concordia, MO. Murder charges are arguably the most serious criminal charges you can face in Missouri. You could end up in prison for the rest of your life. Or in even more serious cases, you could face capital punishment. Without a leading murder defense lawyer in Concordia, MO, you could be risking everything.
But you have someone who can help. 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 experience fighting thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
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 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 Concordia, MO
The defense process starts as soon as you contact your Concordia, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’ve been placed under arrest, your attorney can give you tips on the best way to interact with the police. Having a lawyer alongside you when you interact with investigators goes beyond just telling you to stay silent – it’s protecting you against interrogation methods and giving answers that help your case, not hurt it.
In most Concordia, 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. 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 the court sets pretrial release conditions for the defendant, this is usually also done at this time. Bail is commonly denied in Concordia, MO, murder cases. However, we won’t just give in, and will argue for your pretrial release.
Once you’ve made it through your arraignment, your Concordia, 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. Perhaps it was done in self-defense, or you could have an alibi. Regardless of the strategy, your lawyer will also talk to the state about plea negotiations to see if they can secure a positive outcome for you.
If the negotiations don’t work, your case will go to trial. Our lawyers always prepare a trial-ready, fearless defense and will use it to defend you all the way to the final verdict. 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, when you work with a leading Concordia, MO, murder defense lawyer, you can expect them to do the following:
- Protect you from mistakes during interviews
- Fight for bail and your freedom before the trial
- Help you pick the best defensive strategy for your case
- Bargain with the prosecutor for more lenient charges
- Fight for your freedom at trial
- Argue mitigating factors for a lighter sentence
Don’t try to go through the Concordia, MO court system alone. An experienced attorney like Combs Waterkotte will see you to the other side.
What Charges Does a Concordia, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Fight?
“Murder” isn’t just a single charge in Missouri, and when you work with a Concordia, 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 Concordia, Missouri. Below, we’ve outlined the individual laws and what they mean:
First-Degree Murder
First-Degree Murder in Missouri consists of killing another person on purpose, with a plan. It does not include actions done unintentionally or in the heat of the moment.
If convicted, you can face either the death penalty or a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-Degree Murder has a wider definition than first-degree murder in Missouri. It includes:
- Intentionally killing someone,
- Attacking someone with the goal of hurting them badly, then going too far and taking their life, and
- Attempting to commit a different felony, if it causes someone’s death.
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 differ in one key area: Intentions. In most Concordia, MO, murder cases, it’s on the prosecution to prove that the alleged offender took the alleged victim’s life on purpose, without exculpatory circumstances.
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. In the following sections, you can read breakdowns of Concordia, Missouri’s manslaughter charges:
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.
- 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 the first of these charges to not include any form of intentionality in the crime.
Ordinarilly, this is a Class C Felony, but for certain special victims (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 (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.
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 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, people can face numerous collateral consequences after 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 Concordia, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows all the approaches to take in search of a positive outcome for your case.
What to Look For in Your Concordia, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
When you’re looking for a top-tier murder defense lawyer in Concordia, MO, you can’t risk your freedom with someone who won’t give you a stellar defense. Check out the top 4 qualities to look for, and top 4 red flags to avoid:
Top 4 Concordia, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The law firm you work with should treat you with respect and tell you your best paths forward. Here are the signs to look out for:
- Knowledge about the charge’s specifics
- A track record of victories
- Someone who treats you like a person, not a case number
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Concordia, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Red Flags:
If you notice any of the following red flags, think carefully before moving forward with that attorney:
- No experience with your charges
- Promises of unrealistic outcomes
- Dismissive or apathetic attitude
- No real ideas on what your defense will look like
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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.
When Do Concordia, MO, Murder Charges Become Federal?
State murder charges are dangerous on their own. But federal murder charges are at a whole different level. Federal crimes are prosecuted by high-level prosecutors, and because of that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to get your back.
Here are common circumstances in Concordia, MO, that can lead to a murder charge becoming federal:
- The alleged crime took place near a state border or across a border.
- The alleged crime happened in a place owned by the federal government.
- The alleged victim was a federal government employee.
One other important note to be aware of: 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 personal connections to the prosecuting office in Concordia, MO, and the strength to take on the United States government. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Common Concordia, MO, Murder Charge Defenses
Although each case is different, there are some criminal defense strategies which your murder defense lawyer is likely to pull from. At Combs Waterkotte, we will tailor your defense to the circumstances of your case. Below are some of the strategies we’ll consider:
- Fifth Amendment Rights Violation
- Battered Spouse Syndrome
- Castle Doctrine
- Defense of Others
- Self-Defense
- Stand Your Ground
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If You Need a Murder Defense Lawyer in Concordia, MO, You Need Combs Waterkotte
Every criminal accusation in Concordia, MO, needs to be taken seriously. And murder even moreso. Combs Waterkotte’s murder defense lawyers will explore every option available to secure a positive outcome for you. We will listen to your story. We will work in concert with you and protect your rights.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds its case. Speak with a lawyer any time of day at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to start fighting your case.
