Murder Defense Lawyer, Higginsville, MO. Missouri takes murder cases seriously and punishes the alleged offender harshly. First-degree murder can result in a life sentence. Or if the prosecution and jury wish to impose it, you could face capital punishment. Without a leading murder defense lawyer in Higginsville, MO, you could be risking everything.
But you don’t have to try and fight it without help. You have Combs Waterkotte. As one of the top criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we are prepared to fight against any charges. We have experience fighting thousands of cases, including defending homicide charges.
When you work with our team, you’re getting expert legal advice from day one. You can start building your defense today by calling (314) 900-HELP or reaching out to us online. We’re prepared to assist 24/7 and are ready to help in emergencies.
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Ways Your Higginsville, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Will Protect Your Freedom
The defense process begins the moment you get in touch with your Higginsville, MO, murder defense lawyer. Whether or not you’ve already been arrested, your lawyer can train you on what to do when you interact with the authorities. Having a lawyer in your corner while the police are interviewing you is more than just telling you to stay silent – it’s defening you against advanced interrogation techniques and building your defense in multiple stages.
Most of the time in Higginsville, 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 in addition to murder. In cases where the court sets pretrial release conditions for the defendant, the arraignment is also the time when this is arranged. 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 advise you on tactics you can use in your defense, if they haven’t already been talking with you about them. Perhaps it was done in self-defense, or you could have an alibi. Whatever method you go with, your lawyer will also be in contact with the prosecutor for plea negotiations to see if your charges and/or sentence can be reduced.
If the negotiations don’t work, 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 don’t give up 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, when you work with a leading Higginsville, 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
- Argue mitigating factors for a lighter sentence
Don’t try to go through the Higginsville, MO court system alone. An expert team of lawyers 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 you work with a Higginsville, MO, murder defense lawyer, it’s important that they understand exactly what the accusations are.
At Combs Waterkotte, we will fight against all kinds of murder charges in Higginsville, Missouri. To learn more about what they are, read the breakdowns below.:
First-Degree Murder
First-Degree Murder in Missouri consists of killing another person on purpose, with a plan. Accidental deaths or impulsive actions do not qualify for first-degree murder charges in Missouri.
The sentence for first-degree murder is either the death sentence 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:
- Killing a person on purpose without a plan,
- Attacking someone in an attempt to severely injure them, then unintentionally killing them, and
- Trying to commit a different 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 closely related, but normally 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 – in cases where death resulted but was unintentional, it’s common for the alleged offender to face manslaughter charges. We’ll outline the different types of manslaughter in Higginsville, MO, below:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter charges in Missouri fall into one of two categories:
- Taking a life in what would be second-degree murder, except that the supposed offender was in a circumstance where a normal person could not control themselves.
- 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 the first of these charges to not include any form of intentionality in the crime.
Ordinarilly, 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 and having someone die as a result.
Similar to first-degree, second-degree manslaughter is generally 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, 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 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 numerous collateral consequences after 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 Higginsville, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows all the approaches to take in search of a positive outcome for your case.
What You Need in a Higginsville, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
When you need a top-tier murder defense lawyer in Higginsville, MO, you need to carefully evaluate your options. Check out the top 4 qualities to look for, and top 4 red flags to avoid:
Top 4 Higginsville, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
Your murder defense lawyer should treat you with dignity and tell you your best paths forward. Below are the main qualities you want to see:
- Prior experience with your charges
- A history of victories
- Someone who treats you like a person, not a case number
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Higginsville, 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
- 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.
What Turns a Higginsville, MO, Murder Charge Into a Federal Murder Charge?
Any murder charge is serious. But federal murder charges are at a whole different level. Federal crimes are prosecuted by the top prosecutors, and when you’re facing that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to match.
For a federal prosecutor to take a murder case over from the Higginsville, MO courts, it’s normally because of one of the following:
- The alleged crime took place in two different states.
- The alleged crime occurred on federal property.
- The alleged victim was a federal agent.
Murder charges can fall under a special circumstance in Higginsville, MO: 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 intimate knowledge of local Higginsville, MO, courts and preparations to fight against the United States justice department. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Possible Defenses Against Higginsville, MO Murder Charges
Although each case is different, there are some criminal defense strategies that your murder defense lawyer is likely to pull from. At Combs Waterkotte, look for an option that makes the most sense for you. Follow are some of the defenses 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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If You Need a Murder Defense Lawyer in Higginsville, MO, You Need Combs Waterkotte
Fighting a murder charge in Higginsville, MO, isn’t something you can take lightly. You need a team of attorneys that can protect your freedom. When you don’t know what to do, Combs Waterkotte is ready to guide you. We don’t judge; we listen. We will represent you and fight for your freedom.
Build your defense now and maximize your chances for success. Speak with one of our representatives any time of day at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to get started now.
