Murder Defense Lawyer, Gower, MO. Murder charges are arguably the most serious criminal charges you can face in Missouri. Even lower-level murder accusations can result in years in prison. Or in even more serious cases, you could be up against the death penalty. Without a leading murder defense lawyer in Gower, MO, you could be risking everything.
But there is another way forward. Combs Waterkotte is on your side. As one of the top 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.
When you work with our team, you’re getting expert legal advice from day one. You can start creating your defense right away by calling (314) 900-HELP or reaching out to us online. We’re available 24/7, because we know emergencies happen outside regular business hours.
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How a Murder Defense Lawyer Protects Your Freedom in Gower, MO
The defense process begins the moment you first call your Gower, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’re worried about being arrested, your attorney can advise you on the best way to interact with investigators. Having a lawyer alongside you during questioning goes beyond just advising you when to stay silent – it’s defening you from interrogation techniques and giving answers that help your case, not hurt it.
Most of the time in Gower, MO, murder cases go through the same first few steps in the system: Arrest, questioning, and arraignment. The arraignment is a time when the state formally tells you what laws they think you’ve violated. 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. Though it’s rare for bail to be allowed in murder cases in Gower, MO, we will fight for every opportunity to secure your freedom before trial.
Once you’ve made it through your arraignment, your Gower, MO, homicide defense attorney will recommend you on a defensive strategy, if they haven’t done so already. Castle doctrine could apply in your case, or this is a case of mistaken identity. Regardless of the strategy, your attorney will also explore options 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. At Combs Waterkotte, we always prepare a trial-ready, fearless defense and won’t back down in the courtroom. We don’t give up 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, here is how a murder defense lawyer protects your freedom in Gower, MO:
- Protect you from mistakes during interviews
- 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
- Argue mitigating factors for a lighter sentence
You don’t want to try and go through the Gower, MO legal process without a guide. An expert lawyer like Combs Waterkotte will show you the path to the other side.
What Charges Does a Gower, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Fight?
“Murder” isn’t just a single charge in Missouri, and when you work with a Gower, 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 Gower, 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. It does not include actions done unintentionally or in the heat of the moment.
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:
- Taking someone’s life in the heat of the moment,
- Attacking someone with the goal of hurting them badly, then going too far and taking their life, and
- Attempting to commit a different felony, if someone dies in the process.
As a Class A Felony, you can face a prison sentence of 10 to 30 years, or life.
Murder vs. Manslaughter in Missouri
Murder and manslaughter are closely related, but typically one thing sets them apart: Intentions. Murder charges normally require the prosecution to prove that the alleged offender took the alleged victim’s life on purpose, 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. In the following sections, you can read breakdowns of Gower, Missouri’s manslaughter charges:
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 reasonably out of control of their emotions.
- Helping someone take their own life.
As a Class B Felony, the alleged offender can be sentenced to between 5 and 15 years in prison.
First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter
First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter is still a serious charge in Gower, MO, but does not consist of killing another person on purpose.
In most cases, 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 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.
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, 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 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 |
In addition to going to prison, alleged offenders can suffer numerous collateral consequences after a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we can protect Gower clients against all of the above charges. When you work with us, you get a Gower, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows all the approaches to take in search of a positive outcome for your case.
How to Pick the Right Murder Defense Lawyer in Gower, MO
If you need a superb murder defense lawyer in Gower, 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 Gower, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
Your murder defense lawyer should treat you well and have a plan for how to handle your case. Below are the main qualities you want to see:
- 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 Gower, 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:
- Doesn’t have knowledge about the specific law you’ve been accused of violating
- Unreasonably positive predictions, without accounting for potential problems
- Dismissive or disinterested 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 Gower, MO, Murder Charges Become Federal?
Whatever court you’re in, being accused of murder is a big deal. But if it’s federal, that only makes things more extreme. Federal crimes are prosecuted by the top prosecutors, and because of that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer at your side.
For a federal prosecutor to take a murder case over from the Gower, MO courts, it’s normally because of one of the following:
- 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 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. 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 qualifies for this, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both local connections in Gower, MO, and a high-level team with the skills needed to take on a federal prosecutor. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Possible Defenses Against Gower, 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 listen to your story and find something that will fit you the best. Follow are some of the possibilities we’ll consider:
- Fourth Amendment Rights Violation
- Battered Spouse Syndrome
- Castle Doctrine
- Defense of Others
- Self-Defense
- Stand Your Ground
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You Need a Leading Gower, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer. You Need Combs Waterkotte. Call Now.
Being accused of homicide in Gower, MO, can be devestating. Without help, it can derail your entire life. But you do have help available. 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 fight for your freedom.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds its case. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online to get started now.
