Murder Defense Lawyer, Dearborn, 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 prosecution and jury wish to impose it, you could face capital punishment. Without a expert murder defense lawyer in Dearborn, MO, your future is looking bleak.
But you’re not alone. You can call Combs Waterkotte. As one of the top criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we fight to protect our clients’ rights and freedom. We have experience fighting thousands of cases, including defending homicide charges.
With us, you are treated like a person, not a case number. You can start crafting your defense today by calling (314) 900-HELP or using our contact form online. We’re prepared to assist 24/7, because we know emergencies happen outside regular business hours.
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Actions Your Murder Defense Lawyer in Dearborn, MO Will Take to Defend You
The fight for your freedom begins as soon as you first call your Dearborn, MO, murder defense lawyer. Whether or not you’ve already been arrested, your attorney can train you on what to do when you interact with investigators. Having a lawyer in the room during questioning goes beyond just advising you when to stay silent – it’s defening you from pressing interrogation methods and giving answers that help your case, not hurt it.
Most of the time in Dearborn, MO, murder cases go through the same first few steps in the system: Arrest, questioning, and arraignment. The arraignment is a time when the state formally tells you what laws they think you’ve violated. It’s common in Missouri for defendants to be charged with armed criminal action or other violent crimes in addition to murder. In cases where the court sets pretrial release conditions for the defendant, this is usually also done at this time. Though it’s rare for bail to be allowed in murder cases in Dearborn, MO, we will fight for every opportunity to secure your freedom before trial.
Once you’ve made it through your arraignment, your Dearborn, 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. Whatever method you go with, your attorney will also explore options for plea negotiations to see if they can get the prosecution to lower or drop charges.
If the prosecution refuses to negotiate, your case will go to trial. At Combs Waterkotte, we always prepare a trial-ready, ferocious 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 if applicable.
In summary, when you work with a leading Dearborn, MO, murder defense lawyer, you can expect them to do the following:
- Manage your interactions with investigators
- Argue for bail and pre-trial release
- 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
The legal process can be hard to navigate. An expert lawyer like Combs Waterkotte will show you the path to the other side.
What Cases Will a Dearborn, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Take?
There are multiple types of homicide charges in Missouri, and when you work with a Dearborn, 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 Dearborn, Missouri. Here’s a breakdown of how they work:
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 Dearborn, MO, sometimes will hinge on whether or not the death was intentional or preplanned.
If convicted, you can face either the death penalty 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:
- Killing a person on purpose without a plan,
- Attacking someone with the goal of hurting them badly, then unintentionally killing them, and
- Attempting 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 similar, but generally are distinguished by one thing: Intentions. To find someone guilty of murder, normally the state has to prove that the alleged offender took the alleged victim’s life on purpose, and it wasn’t in self-defense or another special circumstance.
For a person to be convicted of manslaughter, whether or not the alleged victim was killed on purpose doesn’t matter as much – even if someone accidentally caused the death of another person, they can still be convicted of manslaughter. In the following sections, you can read breakdowns of Dearborn, Missouri’s manslaughter charges:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter has two different definitions in Missouri:
- Killing someone in what would ordinarilybe second-degree murder, except that the supposed offender was reasonably out of control of their emotions.
- 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 the first of these charges to not include any form of intentionality in the crime.
In most cases, this is a Class C Felony, but if the alleged victim falls into a specific category (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 special 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 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 face 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 call one of our attorneys, you get a Dearborn, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows the system inside and out.
What to Look For in Your Dearborn, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
When you’re looking for a high-quality murder defense lawyer in Dearborn, 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 Dearborn, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The law firm you work with should treat you with dignity and always be honest with you. Here are the signs to look out for:
- Knowledge about the charge’s specifics
- A history of victories
- Someone who treats you like a person, not a case number
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Dearborn, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Red Flags:
When speaking with potential attorneys for your case, beware of red flags that could cause issues down the road:
- Lack of experience with murder charges
- 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.
What Turns a Dearborn, MO, Murder Charge Into a Federal Murder Charge?
State murder charges are dangerous on their own. But federal murder charges are at a whole different level. Federal crimes are prosecuted by some of the best prosecutors, and because of that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to get your back.
Here are common circumstances in Dearborn, 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 was a federal agent.
One other important note to be aware of: Dual Sovereignty. Under the United States’ dual sovereignty doctrine, you can be charged with some crimes in both federal and state courts.
If your case can fall under dual sovereignty, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both local connections in Dearborn, MO, and the strength to take on the United States government. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Possible Defenses Against Dearborn, MO Murder Charges
Although each case is different, there are some criminal defense strategies which your murder defense lawyer will likely consider. At Combs Waterkotte, we will listen to your story and find something that will fit you the best. Here are some of the options we’ll consider:
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If You Need a Murder Defense Lawyer in Dearborn, MO, You Need Combs Waterkotte
Fighting a murder charge in Dearborn, MO, isn’t something you can take lightly. You need a team of attorneys that can protect your freedom. At Combs Waterkotte, we know what it takes to successfully defend murder charges. We will listen to your story. We will work in concert with you and battle for the best outcome possible.
Act fast before it’s too late. Talk to an attorney any time of day at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to get started now.
