Murder Defense Lawyer, Higginsville, 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 if the prosecution and jury wish to impose it, you could be up against the death penalty. Without a leading murder defense lawyer in Higginsville, MO, the risks are high and your odds of a positive outcome are low.
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 defended thousands of cases, including defending homicide charges.
When you work with our team, you are treated like a person, not a case number. You can start crafting your defense right away by calling (314) 900-HELP or sending us a note online. We’re prepared to assist 24/7 and will keep you regularly updated as your case progresses.
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What a Murder Defense Lawyer in Higginsville, MO, Will Do For You
The fight for your freedom starts as soon as you first call your Higginsville, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’re worried about being arrested, your attorney can give you tips on what to do when you interact with investigators. Having a lawyer present during questioning is more than just telling you to stay silent – it’s protecting you from advanced 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 in addition to murder. In cases where bail is allowed, this is usually also done at this time. Though it’s rare for bail to be allowed in murder cases in Higginsville, MO, we won’t just give in, and will argue for your pretrial release.
After the arraignment, your Higginsville, MO, homicide defense attorney will recommend you on a defensive strategy, if they haven’t picked out one previously that is a good fit for your case. Perhaps it was done in self-defense, or this is a case of mistaken identity. Regardless of the strategy, 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 prosecution refuses to negotiate, your case will go to trial. Our lawyers always prepare a trial-ready, fearless defense and are prepared to go all the way to protect your freedom. 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 needed.
In summary, here is how a murder defense lawyer protects your freedom in Higginsville, MO:
- Manage your interactions with investigators
- Argue for bail and pre-trial release
- Craft a tailored defense strategy
- Negotiate with the state for dropped or reduced charges
- Represent you during a trial
- If needed, advocate for lighter sentencing
Don’t try to go through the Higginsville, MO court system alone. An expert attorney like Combs Waterkotte will help you make it through.
What Cases Will a Higginsville, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Take?
There are multiple types of homicide charges in Missouri, and when hiring a Higginsville, MO, murder defense lawyer, you want one who knows how to defend your specific charges.
At Combs Waterkotte, we will fight against all kinds of murder charges in Higginsville, 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 Higginsville, MO, sometimes will hinge on whether or not the death was intentional or preplanned.
If convicted, you can face either the death penalty or a life sentence in prison without an option for parole.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-Degree Murder can result from more situations than first-degree murder. These include:
- Taking someone’s life in the heat of the moment,
- Attacking someone in order to seriously hurt 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, you can face a prison sentence of 10 to 30 years, or life.
Murder vs. Manslaughter in Missouri
Murder and manslaughter are similar, but normally are distinguished by one thing: Intentions. To find someone guilty of murder, normally the state has to prove that the alleged offender deliberately killed the alleged victim, without exculpatory circumstances.
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 Higginsville, Missouri’s manslaughter charges:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter in Missouri occurs when someone takes one of the following actions:
- Taking a life in what would ordinarilybe second-degree murder, except that the alleged 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 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 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 (which means being unaware of a risk that a normal person would be aware of) and having someone die as a result.
A second-degree manslaughter conviction is ordinarily 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 |
In addition to going to prison, people can suffer numerous collateral consequences as a result of a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are ready to fight against any of the above murder and manslaughter charges in Higginsville. When you call us, you get a Higginsville, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows how to build you a strong defense.
What to Look For in Your Higginsville, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
If you’re looking for a superb murder defense lawyer in Higginsville, MO, you can’t risk your freedom with someone who won’t give you a stellar defense. Here are the things you want (and don’t want) in your attorney:
Top 4 Higginsville, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
Your murder defense lawyer should treat you with dignity and have a plan for how to handle your case. Here are the signs to look out for:
- Prior experience with your charges
- A history of success
- Someone who treats you like a person, not a paycheck
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Higginsville, 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
- Promises of unrealistic outcomes
- Rude or disinterested 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.
What Turns a Higginsville, MO, Murder Charge Into a Federal Murder Charge?
Whatever court you’re in, being accused of murder is a big deal. But they pale in comparison to federal charges. Federal crimes are prosecuted by the top prosecutors, and when you’re facing that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer at your side.
Here are common circumstances in Higginsville, MO, that can lead to a murder charge becoming federal:
- The alleged crime stretched across state lines.
- 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. Under the United States’ dual sovereignty doctrine, you can be charged with some crimes in both federal and state courts.
If your case qualifies for this, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both local connections in Higginsville, MO, and preparations to fight against the United States justice department. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Common Higginsville, MO, Murder Charge Defenses
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. Below are some of the strategies we’ll consider:
- Fourth Amendment Rights Violation
- Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
- Castle Doctrine
- Defense of Others
- Self-Defense
- Stand Your Ground
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This Decision Matters. Don’t Risk Your Life. Work With Combs Waterkotte’s Higginsville, MO, Murder Defense Lawyers
Every criminal accusation in Higginsville, MO, needs to be taken seriously. And murder even moreso. 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 represent you and protect your rights.
Build your defense now and maximize your chances for success. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to start fighting your case.
