Murder Defense Lawyer, Gower, MO. If you were looking for the worst crime penalties in Missouri, you’d want to start with the punishment for murder. First-degree murder can result in a life sentence. Or in even more serious cases, you could face capital punishment. Without a leading murder defense lawyer in Gower, MO, the risks are high and your odds of a positive outcome are low.
But you don’t have to try and fight it without help. You have Combs Waterkotte. As one of the premier criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we fight to protect our clients’ rights and freedom. We have defended thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
With us, you are treated like a person, not a case number. You can start building your defense today by calling (314) 900-HELP or using our contact form 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 Gower, MO Will Take to Defend You
The fight for your freedom starts as soon as you contact your Gower, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’re worried about being arrested, your lawyer can give you tips on what to do when you interact with the authorities. Having a lawyer alongside you while the police are interviewing you goes beyond just telling you to stay silent – it’s defening you from pressing interrogation methods and providing responses that strengthen your story.
After the arrest (and typically questioning), you’ll be given an arraignment hearing, where you are formally charged with a crime. It’s possible that you’ll face charges of armed criminal action or other violent crimes in addition to murder. In cases where bail is allowed, the arraignment is also the time when this is arranged. Bail is commonly denied in Gower, MO, murder cases. However, we will fight for every opportunity to secure your freedom before trial.
After the arraignment, your Gower, MO, homicide defense attorney will recommend you on a defensive strategy, if they haven’t already been talking with you about them. Castle doctrine could apply in your case, or this is a case of mistaken identity. Whatever defense works best for your case, 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, powerful defense and are prepared to go all the way to protect your freedom. We stick with you and fight until you get the justice you deserve. This extends to after the trial, where we can also assist with sentencing advocacy as applicable.
In summary, here is how a murder defense lawyer protects your freedom in Gower, MO:
- Protect your rights during interrogations
- Argue for bail and pre-trial release
- Craft a tailored defense strategy
- Bargain with the prosecutor for more lenient charges
- Fight for your freedom at trial
- 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 Charges Does a Gower, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Fight?
Missouri murder charges take a variety of forms, and when hiring a Gower, MO, murder defense lawyer, you want one who knows how to defend your specific charges.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are prepared to defend against any types of murder charges in Gower, Missouri. Here’s a breakdown of how they work:
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 Gower, MO, sometimes will hinge on whether or not the death was intentional or preplanned.
The potential punishment after a conviction 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 with the goal of hurting them badly, then unintentionally killing them, and
- Trying 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 generally are distinguished by one thing: Intentions. In most Gower, MO, murder cases, it’s on the prosecution to prove that the alleged offender purposely caused the death of the alleged victim, and there was no excuse.
For a person to be convicted of manslaughter, whether or not the alleged victim was killed on purpose doesn’t matter as much – 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 Gower, MO, below:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter in Missouri occurs when someone takes one of the following actions:
- Taking a life in what would normally be second-degree murder, except that the alleged offender was reasonably out of control of their emotions.
- Assisting someone in the commission of suicide.
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.
Normally, 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), the sentence 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, 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 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 |
Beyond a prison sentence, people can face countless collateral consequences after a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are ready to fight against any of the above murder and manslaughter charges in Gower. When you work with one of our attorneys, you get a Gower, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows the system inside and out.
How to Pick the Right Murder Defense Lawyer in Gower, MO
When you need a high-quality murder defense lawyer in Gower, 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 Gower, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
Your murder defense lawyer should treat you with respect and always be honest with you. Below are the main qualities you want to see:
- Expertise with the law you’ve been accused of breaking
- A track record of victories
- Someone who treats you like a person, not a case number
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Gower, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Red Flags:
When speaking with potential attorneys for your case, beware of red flags that could cause issues down the road:
- No experience with your charges
- High promises, to the point of being unrealistic
- Impolite or disinterested attitude
- No real ideas on what your defense will look like
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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.
What Turns a Gower, MO, Murder Charge Into a Federal Murder Charge?
State murder charges are dangerous on their own. But if it’s federal, that only makes things more extreme. Federal crimes are prosecuted by high-level prosecutors, and as a result, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer at your side.
Here are common circumstances in Gower, 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 occurred on federal property.
- 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 personal connections to the prosecuting office in Gower, MO, and preparations to fight against the United States justice department. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Defenses to Murder Accusations in Gower, MO
While every case is unique, there are some criminal defense strategies that your murder defense lawyer will commonly evaluate. At Combs Waterkotte, look for an option that makes the most sense for you. Follow are some of the defenses we’ll consider:
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You Need a Leading Gower, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer. You Need Combs Waterkotte. Call Now.
Fighting a murder charge in Gower, 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 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. Call us any time of day at (314) 900-HELP or send us a note online to get started now.
