Murder Defense Lawyer, Drexel, MO. Murder charges are arguably the most serious criminal charges you can face in Missouri. 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 Drexel, MO, it’s hard to fight against these consequences.
But you’re not alone. You can call Combs Waterkotte. As one of the premier criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we won’t give up on your case and will explore every avenue to secure a positive outcome. We have fought thousands of cases, including against murder accusations.
When you contact our lawyers, you’re in good hands. You can start building your defense now 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 Drexel, MO Will Take to Defend You
The defense process begins the moment you get in touch with your Drexel, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’re worried about being arrested, your attorney can advise you on what to do when you interact with investigators. Having a lawyer in your corner during questioning goes beyond just advising you when to stay silent – it’s defening you from pressing interrogation techniques and providing responses that strengthen your story.
In most Drexel, 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 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 Drexel, MO, we don’t just assume it’s a lost cause, and will argue for bail for each of our clients.
After the arraignment, your Drexel, MO, homicide defense attorney will recommend you on a defensive strategy, if they haven’t already been talking with you about them. Perhaps it was done in self-defense, or this is a case of mistaken identity. Whatever method you go with, 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. At Combs Waterkotte, we always prepare a trial-ready, ferocious defense and will use it to defend you all the way to the final verdict. 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 as applicable.
In summary, here is how a murder defense lawyer protects your freedom in Drexel, MO:
- 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
- Fight for your freedom at trial
- Argue mitigating factors for a lighter sentence
You don’t want to try and go through the Drexel, MO legal process without a guide. An expert lawyer like Combs Waterkotte will see you to the other side.
What Charges Does a Drexel, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Fight?
“Murder” isn’t just a single charge in Missouri, and when you work with a Drexel, MO, murder defense lawyer, it’s important that they know how to fight the specific law you’re accused of breaking.
At Combs Waterkotte, we will fight against all kinds of murder charges in Drexel, 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. Accidental deaths or impulsive actions do not qualify for first-degree murder charges in Missouri.
The sentence for first-degree murder 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:
- Taking someone’s life in the heat of the moment,
- Attacking someone in order to seriously hurt them, then killing them on accident, 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 similar, but normally differ in one key area: Intentions. To find someone guilty of murder, normally the state has 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. In the following sections, you can read breakdowns of Drexel, Missouri’s manslaughter charges:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter has two different definitions in Missouri:
- Committing what would normally be 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, a person convicted of voluntary manslaughter can be sentenced to between 5 and 15 years in prison.
First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter
First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter is still a serious charge in Drexel, MO, but does not consist of killing another person on purpose.
In most cases, 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 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 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, 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 |
Beyond a prison sentence, people can face countless collateral consequences after a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are ready to fight against any of the above murder and manslaughter charges in Drexel. When you work with our team, you get a Drexel, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows how to build you a strong defense.
What You Need in a Drexel, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
If you’re looking for a high-quality murder defense lawyer in Drexel, MO, you can’t risk your freedom with someone who won’t give you a stellar defense. Here are the things you want (and don’t want) in your attorney:
Top 4 Drexel, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
Your murder defense lawyer should treat you well and tell you your best paths forward. Here are the signs to look out for:
- Prior experience with your charges
- A history of success
- Someone who treats you like a person, not a paycheck
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Drexel, 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
- Promises of unrealistic outcomes
- Impolite 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 Drexel, MO, Murder Charge Into a Federal Murder Charge?
Whatever court you’re in, being accused of murder is a big deal. But if it’s federal, that only makes things more extreme. Federal crimes are prosecuted by high-level prosecutors, and because of that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer at your side.
Murder charges can become federal in many ways, but here are the typical ways it happens in Drexel, MO:
- 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 Drexel, MO, and a high-level team with the skills needed to take on a federal prosecutor. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Common Drexel, MO, Murder Charge Defenses
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. Here are some of the defenses we’ll consider:
- Fifth Amendment Rights Violation
- Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
- Castle Doctrine
- Defense of Others
- Self-Defense
- Stand Your Ground
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This Decision Matters. Don’t Risk Your Life. Work With Combs Waterkotte’s Drexel, MO, Murder Defense Lawyers
Being accused of homicide in Drexel, MO, can be devestating. Without help, it can derail your entire life. But you do have help available. When you don’t know what to do, Combs Waterkotte is ready to guide you. We will listen to your story. We will tell your side of the story and protect your rights.
Build your defense now and maximize your chances for success. Talk to one of our lawyers right away at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to get started now.
