Murder Defense Lawyer, East Side KC, 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 leading murder defense lawyer in East Side KC, MO, your future is looking bleak.
But you’re not alone. You have Combs Waterkotte. As one of the premier criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we are prepared to fight against any charges. We have defended thousands of cases, including defending homicide charges.
With us, you’re in good hands. You can start building your defense right away by calling (314) 900-HELP or sending us a note online. We’re prepared to assist 24/7, because we know emergencies happen outside regular business hours.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
500+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 80 Years
How a Murder Defense Lawyer Protects Your Freedom in East Side KC, MO
The fight for your freedom begins as soon as you get in touch with your East Side KC, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’ve been placed under arrest, your lawyer can train you on what to do when you interact with investigators. Having a lawyer present when you interact with investigators goes beyond just telling you to stay silent – it’s defening you against advanced interrogation techniques and building your defense in multiple stages.
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 in addition to murder. If a bail amount is given, the arraignment is also the time when this is arranged. Though it’s rare for bail to be allowed in murder cases in East Side KC, MO, we won’t just give in, and will argue for your pretrial release.
Once you’ve made it through your arraignment, your East Side KC, MO, homicide defense attorney will advise you on tactics you can use in your defense, 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. Regardless of the strategy, your attorney will also be in contact with the prosecutor 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 will use it to defend you all the way to the final verdict. 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 applicable.
In summary, when you work with a leading East Side KC, MO, murder defense lawyer, you can expect them to do the following:
- 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
- Represent you during a trial
- If needed, advocate for lighter sentencing
The legal process can be hard to navigate. An experienced lawyer like Combs Waterkotte will help you make it through.
What Charges Does a East Side KC, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Fight?
Missouri murder charges take a variety of forms, and when hiring a East Side KC, 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 East Side KC, Missouri. To learn more about what they are, read the breakdowns below.:
First-Degree Murder
First-Degree Murder in Missouri consists of killing another person on purpose, with a plan. Defenses against first-degree murder in East Side KC, MO, sometimes will hinge on whether or not the death was intentional or preplanned.
The sentence for first-degree murder is either the death penalty or a life sentence in prison without an option for 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 unintentionally killing them, 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 one thing sets them apart: Intentions. In most East Side KC, MO, murder cases, it’s on the prosecution 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 – if one person takes another’s life, they can be charged with manslaughter. In the following sections, you can read breakdowns of East Side KC, Missouri’s manslaughter charges:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter has two different definitions in Missouri:
- Committing what would ordinarilybe second-degree murder, except that the supposed offender was reasonably out of control of their emotions.
- 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 still a serious charge in East Side KC, MO, but does not consist of killing another person on purpose.
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 is similar to first-degree involuntary manslaughter. Missouri defines it as acting criminally negligent in such a way that causes someone’s death.
A second-degree manslaughter conviction is generally a Class E Felony, but can be a Class D Felony for special 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 |
On top of the formal penalties, alleged offenders can suffer countless collateral consequences as a result 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 East Side KC, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows how to build you a strong defense.
What You Need in a East Side KC, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
If you need a superb murder defense lawyer in East Side KC, MO, it’s important to take the time to ensure you’re going with the right choice. Check out the top 4 qualities to look for, and top 4 red flags to avoid:
Top 4 East Side KC, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
Your murder defense lawyer should treat you well and always be honest with you. 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 paycheck
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 East Side KC, 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
- Promises of unrealistic outcomes
- Arrogant or cold attitude
- No real ideas on what your defense will look like
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.
When Do East Side KC, MO, Murder Charges Become Federal?
Any murder charge is serious. But if it’s federal, that only makes things more extreme. Federal crimes are prosecuted by some of the best prosecutors, and because of that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer at your side.
Here are common circumstances in East Side KC, 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 took place on federal land.
- The alleged victim was a federal agent.
Murder charges can fall under a special circumstance in East Side KC, MO: 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 your case can fall under dual sovereignty, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both local connections in East Side KC, MO, and preparations to fight against the United States justice department. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Possible Defenses Against East Side KC, MO Murder Charges
While every case is unique, there are some criminal defense strategies that your murder defense lawyer will commonly evaluate. At Combs Waterkotte, we will tailor your defense to the circumstances of your case. Below are some of the strategies we’ll consider:
Legal Videos
Can Federal Charges Be Reduced Or Dismissed?
Can Federal Charges Be Reduced Or Dismissed? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek, lawyers with Combs Waterkotte, a leading federal criminal defense firm, talk about proffers, probation, and federal …
Should I Hire A Lawyer Experienced In Federal Defense?
Should I Hire A Lawyer Experienced In Federal Defense? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek from the leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte discuss the importance of hiring a lawyer with …
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? Andrew Russek, a lawyer with leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses the sex offender registry and federal sex …
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State?
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than …
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …
Can Federal Charges Be Reduced Or Dismissed?
Can Federal Charges Be Reduced Or Dismissed? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek, lawyers with Combs Waterkotte, a leading federal criminal defense firm, talk about proffers, probation, and federal …
Should I Hire A Lawyer Experienced In Federal Defense?
Should I Hire A Lawyer Experienced In Federal Defense? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek from the leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte discuss the importance of hiring a lawyer with …
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? Andrew Russek, a lawyer with leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses the sex offender registry and federal sex …
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State?
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than …
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …
If You Need a Murder Defense Lawyer in East Side KC, MO, You Need Combs Waterkotte
Being accused of homicide in East Side KC, MO, can be devestating. Without help, it can derail your entire life. But you do have help available. At Combs Waterkotte, we know what it takes to successfully defend murder charges. We are here to give you an expert on your side. We will represent you and protect your rights.
Act fast before it’s too late. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online to get started now.
