Murder Defense Lawyer, Edgerton, MO. It’s hard to think of a worse thing to be accused of than murder. Even lower-level murder accusations can result in years in prison. Or if the prosecution and jury wish to impose it, you could be up against the death penalty. Without a expert murder defense lawyer in Edgerton, MO, it’s hard to fight against these consequences.
But there is another way forward. You can call Combs Waterkotte. As one of the premier criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we are prepared to fight against any charges. We have fought thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
When you contact our lawyers, you are treated like a person, not a case number. You can start creating your defense today by calling (314) 900-HELP or contacting us online. We’re available 24/7 and are ready to help in emergencies.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
500+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 80 Years
Ways Your Edgerton, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Will Protect Your Freedom
The fight for your freedom starts the moment you first call your Edgerton, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’re worried about being arrested, your attorney can train you on the best way to interact with investigators. Having a lawyer alongside you during questioning is more than just telling you to stay silent – it’s defening you from pressing interrogation methods and giving answers that help your case, not hurt it.
In most Edgerton, 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. It’s common in Missouri for defendants to be charged with armed criminal action or other violent crimes alongside murder. If a bail amount is given, this is usually also done at this time. The courts in Edgerton, MO, don’t often allow bail in murder cases, but, we don’t just assume it’s a lost cause, and will argue for bail for each of our clients.
Once you’ve made it through your arraignment, your Edgerton, 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. You could have been acting in defense of others, 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 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, fearless defense and won’t back down in the courtroom. 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, when you work with a leading Edgerton, MO, murder defense lawyer, you can expect them to do the following:
- Manage your interactions with investigators
- Argue for bail and pre-trial release
- Help you pick the best defensive strategy for your case
- Negotiate with the state for dropped or reduced charges
- Represent you during a trial
- Argue mitigating factors for a lighter sentence
The legal process can be hard to navigate. An expert team of lawyers like Combs Waterkotte will show you the path to the other side.
What Charges Does a Edgerton, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Fight?
There are multiple types of homicide charges in Missouri, and when you work with a Edgerton, MO, murder defense lawyer, it’s important that they understand exactly what the accusations are.
At Combs Waterkotte, we will fight against all kinds of murder charges in Edgerton, Missouri. Here’s a breakdown of how they work:
First-Degree Murder
First-Degree Murder in Missouri consists of killing another person on purpose, with a plan. Defenses against first-degree murder in Edgerton, MO, sometimes will hinge on whether or not the death was intentional or preplanned.
The sentence for first-degree murder is either the death sentence 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:
- Killing a person on purpose without a plan,
- Attacking someone in an attempt to severely injure them, then going too far and taking their life, and
- Attempting to commit another 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 similar, but normally differ in one key area: Intentions. Murder charges normally require the prosecution 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.
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. We’ll outline the different types of manslaughter in Edgerton, MO, below:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter charges in Missouri fall into one of two categories:
- Killing someone in what would ordinarilybe 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 can be sentenced to between 5 and 15 years in prison.
First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter
First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter does not include the intentional taking of another person’s life. Instead, Missouri defines it as causing someone’s death by acting recklessly.
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 (which means being unaware of a risk that a normal person would be aware of) and having someone die as a result.
This crime is generally a Class E Felony, but can be a Class D Felony for special victims.
To recap the information above, you can use the table below as a quick reference on the different murder/manslaughter charges in Missouri:
| 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, you 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 call our team, you get a Edgerton, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows how to build you a strong defense.
What to Look For in Your Edgerton, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
When you need a superb murder defense lawyer in Edgerton, 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 Edgerton, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The law firm you work with should treat you well and always be honest with you. When you pick someone to fight for you, you want them to embody the following:
- Expertise with the law you’ve been accused of breaking
- A track record of success
- Someone who treats you like a person, not a case number
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Edgerton, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Red Flags:
On the contrary, it’s also important to keep an eye out for red flags that should tell you to think twice before working with a given lawyer:
- No experience with your charges
- High promises, to the point of being unrealistic
- Impolite or cold 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.
When Do Edgerton, MO, Murder Charges Become Federal?
Any murder charge is serious. But they pale in comparison to federal charges. Federal crimes are prosecuted by some of the best prosecutors, and when you’re facing that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to get your back.
Murder charges can become federal in many ways, but here are the typical ways it happens in Edgerton, MO:
- 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 government employee.
One other important note to be aware of: Dual Sovereignty. The United States allows several criminal charges, often including murder, to be tried in both state and federal court.
If you’re facing these types of charges, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both intimate knowledge of local Edgerton, MO, courts and preparations to fight against the United States justice department. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Possible Defenses Against Edgerton, MO Murder Charges
Every client has unique circumstances. That said, there are some criminal defense strategies which your murder defense lawyer will commonly evaluate. At Combs Waterkotte, we will tailor your defense to the circumstances of your case. Here are some of the options we’ll consider:
- Fourth Amendment Rights Violation
- Battered Spouse Syndrome
- Castle Doctrine
- Defense of Others
- Self-Defense
- Stand Your Ground
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 …
This Decision Matters. Don’t Risk Your Life. Work With Combs Waterkotte’s Edgerton, MO, Murder Defense Lawyers
Fighting a murder charge in Edgerton, MO, isn’t something you can take lightly. You need a team of attorneys that can protect your freedom. When you don’t know what to do, Combs Waterkotte is ready to guide you. 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. Speak with us right away at (314) 900-HELP or send us a note online to get started now.
