Murder Defense Lawyer, Excelsior Estates, MO. If you were looking for the worst crime penalties in Missouri, you’d want to start with the punishment for murder. You could end up in prison for the rest of your life. Or if the alleged crime was especially heinous, you could be up against the death penalty. Without a expert murder defense lawyer in Excelsior Estates, MO, the risks are high and your odds of a positive outcome are low.
But you have someone who can help. You have Combs Waterkotte. As one of the top 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 defended thousands of cases, including defending homicide charges.
When you work with our team, you’re in good hands. You can start creating 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 Excelsior Estates, MO Will Take to Defend You
The fight for your freedom starts the moment you get in touch with your Excelsior Estates, 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 is more than just telling you to stay silent – it’s protecting you from pressing interrogation methods 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. It’s common in Missouri for defendants to face charges of armed criminal action or other violent crimes alongside 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 Excelsior Estates, MO, we won’t just give in, and will argue for your pretrial release.
Once you’ve made it through your arraignment, your Excelsior Estates, MO, homicide defense attorney will advise you on tactics you can use in your defense, if they haven’t done so already. Castle doctrine could apply in your case, or your rights were violated during the investigation. Regardless of the strategy, your attorney will also explore options for plea negotiations to see if they can secure a positive outcome for you.
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 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, your Excelsior Estates, MO, murder defense lawyer will do the following:
- Protect you from mistakes during interviews
- Argue for bail and pre-trial release
- Help you pick the best defensive strategy for your case
- Bargain with the prosecutor for more lenient charges
- Fight for your freedom at trial
- If needed, advocate for lighter sentencing
Don’t try to go through the Excelsior Estates, MO court system alone. An expert attorney like Combs Waterkotte will help you make it through.
What Charges Does a Excelsior Estates, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Fight?
There are multiple types of homicide charges in Missouri, and when hiring a Excelsior Estates, 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 are prepared to defend against any types of murder charges in Excelsior Estates, Missouri. Below, we’ve outlined the individual laws and what they mean:
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 Excelsior Estates, 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 the possibility of parole.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-Degree Murder can result from more situations than first-degree murder. These include:
- Intentionally killing someone,
- Attacking someone with the goal of hurting them badly, 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 similar, but normally one thing sets them apart: Intentions. Murder charges normally require the prosecution to prove that the alleged offender purposely caused the death of 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. We’ll outline the different types of manslaughter in Excelsior Estates, MO, below:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter charges in Missouri fall into one of two categories:
- Killing someone in what would normally be 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 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 still involves one person killing another person on accident. Missouri defines it as acting criminally negligent in such a way that causes someone’s death.
A second-degree manslaughter conviction is typically 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 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 numerous 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 us, you get a Excelsior Estates, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows the system inside and out.
How to Pick the Right Murder Defense Lawyer in Excelsior Estates, MO
If you’re looking for a top-tier murder defense lawyer in Excelsior Estates, MO, it’s important to take the time to ensure you’re going with the right choice. Below, we’ve outlined the main things to keep in mind when making your decision:
Top 4 Excelsior Estates, 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:
- Prior experience with your charges
- A track record of success
- Someone who treats you like a person, not a paycheck
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Excelsior Estates, 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:
- Lack of experience with murder charges
- Unreasonably positive predictions, without accounting for potential problems
- Rude or cold 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 Excelsior Estates, MO, Murder Charges Become Federal?
Any murder charge is serious. But federal murder charges are at a whole different level. Federal crimes are prosecuted by high-level prosecutors, and when you’re facing that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to match.
Here are common circumstances in Excelsior Estates, MO, that can lead to a murder charge becoming federal:
- The alleged crime took place in two different states.
- The alleged crime occurred on federal property.
- 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. Under the United States’ dual sovereignty doctrine, you can be charged with some crimes in both federal and state courts.
If you’re facing these types of charges, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both local connections in Excelsior Estates, MO, and a high-level team with the skills needed to take on a federal prosecutor. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Possible Defenses Against Excelsior Estates, MO Murder Charges
Although each case is different, there are some criminal defense strategies which your murder defense lawyer is likely to pull from. At Combs Waterkotte, we will tailor your defense to the circumstances of your case. Here are some of the strategies we’ll consider:
- Fourth Amendment Rights Violation
- Battered Spouse Syndrome
- Castle Doctrine
- Defense of Others
- Self-Defense
- Stand Your Ground
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Combs Waterkotte’s Excelsior Estates, MO, Murder Defense Lawyers are Ready for Your Case
A murder charge can ruin your life. But the right murder defense lawyer can save it. Combs Waterkotte’s murder defense lawyers will explore every option available to secure a positive outcome for you. We are here to give you an expert on your side. We will represent 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 use our online contact form to protect yourself.
