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 be up against the death penalty. Without a expert murder defense lawyer in Drexel, MO, you could be risking everything.
But you don’t have to try and fight it without help. Combs Waterkotte is on your side. 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 against murder accusations.
When you contact our lawyers, you’re in good hands. You can start creating your defense today 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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Actions Your Murder Defense Lawyer in Drexel, MO Will Take to Defend You
The fight for your freedom begins as soon as you contact your Drexel, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’ve been placed under arrest, your lawyer can give you tips on how to interact with the police. Having a lawyer by your side when you interact with investigators goes beyond just advising you when to stay silent – it’s protecting you against pressing interrogation techniques and giving answers that help your case, not hurt it.
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 alongside murder. In cases where bail is allowed, the arraignment is also the time when this is arranged. The courts in Drexel, MO, don’t often allow bail in murder cases, but, we won’t just give in, and will argue for your pretrial release.
After the arraignment, your Drexel, MO, homicide defense attorney will advise you on tactics you can use in your defense, if they haven’t picked out one previously that is a good fit for your case. Castle doctrine could apply in your case, or your rights were violated during the investigation. Whatever defense works best for your case, your lawyer 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. Our lawyers always prepare a trial-ready, ferocious defense and are prepared to go all the way to protect your freedom. We don’t give up 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, 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
- Help you pick the best defensive strategy for your case
- Negotiate with the state for dropped or reduced charges
- Present your defense before a judge and jury
- Argue mitigating factors for a lighter sentence
Don’t try to go through the Drexel, MO court system alone. An experienced legal team like Combs Waterkotte will see you to the other side.
What Cases Will a Drexel, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Take?
Missouri murder charges take a variety of forms, and when you work with a Drexel, MO, murder defense lawyer, it’s important that they understand exactly what the accusations are.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are prepared to defend against any types of murder charges in Drexel, Missouri. To learn more about what they are, read the breakdowns below.:
First-Degree Murder
First-Degree Murder is defined in Missouri as the deliberate taking of another person’s life, after planning for it. 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 sentence or a life sentence in prison without a chance for parole.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-Degree Murder has a wider definition than first-degree murder in Missouri. It includes:
- Intentionally killing someone,
- Attacking someone in an attempt to severely injure them, then going too far and taking their life, and
- Attempting to commit another 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 normally are distinguished by one thing: 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 be second-degree murder, except that the supposed 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 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 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 also involves the unintentional taking of human life. Missouri defines it as acting criminally negligent 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.
View the table below for a summary of the differences between different types of murder and manslaughter:
| 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 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 |
In addition to going to prison, alleged offenders 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 ask for help from our team, you get a Drexel, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows the system inside and out.
What to Look For in Your Drexel, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
If you need a high-quality murder defense lawyer in Drexel, MO, you need to carefully evaluate your options. 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 have a plan for how to handle your case. When you pick someone to fight for you, you want them to embody the following:
- Knowledge about the charge’s specifics
- A history of victories
- 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:
- No experience with your charges
- Unreasonably positive predictions, without accounting for potential problems
- Arrogant 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.
When Do Drexel, 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 as a result, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to match.
Here are common circumstances in Drexel, MO, that can lead to a murder charge becoming federal:
- The alleged crime took place in two different states.
- The alleged crime took place on federal land.
- The alleged victim was a federal agent.
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 intimate knowledge of local Drexel, MO, courts 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
Every client has unique circumstances. That said, there are some criminal defense strategies which your murder defense lawyer will likely consider. At Combs Waterkotte, look for an option that makes the most sense for you. Here 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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Accused of Murder in Drexel, MO? The Murder Defense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Will Defend Your Rights
Fighting a murder charge in Drexel, 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 don’t judge; we listen. We will defend you and fight for your freedom.
Act fast before it’s too late. Talk to one of our lawyers today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to protect yourself.
