Murder Defense Lawyer, Garden City, MO. If you were looking for the worst crime penalties in Missouri, you’d want to start with the punishment for murder. Even lower-level murder accusations can result in years in prison. Or if the alleged crime was especially heinous, you could face capital punishment. Without a leading murder defense lawyer in Garden City, MO, your future is looking bleak.
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 fought thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
When you work with our team, you’re in good hands. You can start building your defense now by calling (314) 900-HELP or reaching out to us online. We’re prepared to assist 24/7 and will keep you regularly updated as your case progresses.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
500+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 80 Years
Ways Your Garden City, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Will Protect Your Freedom
The fight for your freedom starts the moment you get in touch with your Garden City, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’re worried about being arrested, your lawyer can train you on the best way to interact with the authorities. Having a lawyer by your side during questioning is more than just advising you when to stay silent – it’s defening you against 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. In many cases, murder won’t be the only charge. Frequently, defendants will also 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. Bail is commonly denied in Garden City, MO, murder cases. However, we don’t just assume it’s a lost cause, and will argue for bail for each of our clients.
After the arraignment, your Garden City, MO, homicide defense attorney will start putting together a defensive strategy, if they haven’t already been talking with you about them. You could have been acting in defense of others, or this is a case of mistaken identity. Whatever defense works best for your case, 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 negotiations don’t work, your case will go to trial. Our lawyers always prepare a trial-ready, ferocious defense and won’t back down in the courtroom. We stand by your side and fight until you get the justice you deserve. This extends to after the trial, where we can also assist with sentencing advocacy if needed.
In summary, when you work with a leading Garden City, MO, murder defense lawyer, you can expect them to do the following:
- Protect your rights during interrogations
- 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
- Present your defense before a judge and jury
- If needed, advocate for lighter sentencing
The legal process can be hard to navigate. An experienced attorney like Combs Waterkotte will show you the path to the other side.
What Cases Will a Garden City, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Take?
“Murder” isn’t just a single charge in Missouri, and when you work with a Garden City, 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 Garden City, 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. Accidental deaths or impulsive actions do not qualify for first-degree murder charges in Missouri.
The potential punishment after a conviction is either the death penalty or a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-Degree Murder is still a very serious crime in Missouri. There are multiple ways a person can be accused of second-degree murder:
- Intentionally killing someone,
- Attacking someone in an attempt to severely injure them, then going too far and taking their life, and
- Trying 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 closely related, but generally one thing sets them apart: Intentions. Murder charges normally require the prosecution to prove that the alleged offender deliberately killed the alleged victim, and there was no excuse.
Manslaughter is different in that intentions aren’t as important – even if someone accidentally caused the death of another person, they can still be convicted of manslaughter. We’ll outline the different types of manslaughter in Garden City, MO, below:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter charges in Missouri fall into one of two categories:
- Taking a life in what would normally be 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, a person convicted of voluntary manslaughter 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 Garden City, MO, but does not consist of killing another person on purpose.
Ordinarilly, 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 still involves one person killing another person on accident. Missouri defines it as acting criminally negligent and having someone die as a result.
Similar to first-degree, second-degree manslaughter 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 kill themself | 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, 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 ask for help from our team, you get a Garden City, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows the system inside and out.
What to Look For in Your Garden City, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
When you’re looking for a top-tier murder defense lawyer in Garden City, MO, you can’t risk your freedom with someone who won’t give you a stellar defense. Below, we’ve outlined the main things to keep in mind when making your decision:
Top 4 Garden City, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The law firm you work with 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 success
- Someone who treats you like a person, not a case number
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Garden City, 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
- 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.
When Do Garden City, 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 some of the best prosecutors, and as a result, 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 Garden City, MO:
- The alleged crime stretched across state lines.
- The alleged crime happened in a place owned by the federal government.
- The alleged victim worked for the federal government.
Murder charges can fall under a special circumstance in Garden City, MO: 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 Garden City, MO, courts and the strength to take on the United States government. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Defenses to Murder Accusations in Garden City, MO
Although each case is different, there are some criminal defense strategies that 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 strategies we’ll consider:
- Alibi
- Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
- 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 …
Combs Waterkotte’s Garden City, MO, Murder Defense Lawyers are Ready for Your Case
Fighting a murder charge in Garden City, MO, isn’t something you can take lightly. You need a team of attorneys that can protect your freedom. 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 tell your side of the story and battle for the best outcome possible.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds its case. Speak with a lawyer any time of day at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to protect yourself.
