Murder Defense Lawyer, Holden, MO. Murder charges are arguably the most serious criminal charges you can face in Missouri. You could end up in prison for the rest of your life. Or if the alleged crime was especially heinous, you could be up against the death penalty. Without a leading murder defense lawyer in Holden, MO, it’s hard to fight against these consequences.
But there is another way forward. You can call Combs Waterkotte. As one of the premier 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 defending homicide charges.
When you contact our lawyers, you’re getting expert legal advice from day one. You can start crafting your defense right away by calling (314) 900-HELP or contacting us online. We’re prepared to assist 24/7, because we know emergencies happen outside regular business hours.
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Actions Your Murder Defense Lawyer in Holden, MO Will Take to Defend You
The defense process starts the moment you get in touch with your Holden, MO, murder defense lawyer. Whether or not you’ve already been arrested, your attorney can give you tips on what to do when you interact with investigators. Having a lawyer in the room when you interact with investigators goes beyond just telling you to stay silent – it’s protecting you against interrogation methods and providing responses that strengthen your story.
Most of the time in Holden, 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. In many cases, murder won’t be the only charge. Frequently, defendants will also 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, this is usually also done at this time. Though it’s rare for bail to be allowed in murder cases in Holden, MO, we don’t just assume it’s a lost cause, and will argue for bail for each of our clients.
Once you’ve made it through your arraignment, your Holden, 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 your rights were violated during the investigation. Regardless of the strategy, your attorney will also explore options for plea negotiations to see if they can secure a positive outcome for you.
If the state won’t offer a deal that works for you, your case will go to trial. Our lawyers always prepare a trial-ready, ferocious defense and will use it to defend you all the way to the final verdict. 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 if applicable.
In summary, your Holden, MO, murder defense lawyer will do the following:
- Protect you from mistakes during interviews
- Argue for bail and pre-trial release
- Decide on a defense that best fits the unique factors of your case
- Negotiate with the state for dropped or reduced charges
- Fight for your freedom at trial
- If needed, advocate for lighter sentencing
The legal process can be hard to navigate. An experienced team of lawyers like Combs Waterkotte will help you make it through.
What Cases Will a Holden, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Take?
“Murder” isn’t just a single charge in Missouri, and when hiring a Holden, 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 Holden, 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 can result from more situations than first-degree murder. These include:
- Intentionally killing someone,
- Attacking someone in order to seriously hurt them, then unintentionally killing them, and
- Attempting 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 similar, but normally one thing sets them apart: Intentions. Murder charges normally require the prosecution to prove that the alleged offender deliberately killed the alleged victim, and it wasn’t in self-defense or another special circumstance.
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. In the following sections, you can read breakdowns of Holden, Missouri’s manslaughter charges:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter charges in Missouri fall into one of two categories:
- Committing what would normally be 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, 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.
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 also involves the unintentional taking of human life. Missouri defines it as acting criminally negligent in such a way that causes someone’s death.
A second-degree manslaughter conviction is typically 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, 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 take their own life | 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, you can face countless collateral consequences after a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we have experience defending a variety of murder and manslaughter charges in Missouri. When you call our team, you get a Holden, 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 Holden, MO
If you need a high-quality murder defense lawyer in Holden, MO, it’s important to take the time to ensure you’re going with the right choice. Below, we’ve outlined the main things to keep in mind when making your decision:
Top 4 Holden, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The right homicide attorney will treat you well and tell you your best paths forward. When you pick someone to fight for you, you want them to embody the following:
- 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 Holden, 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
- Rude or apathetic 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 Holden, MO, Murder Charge Into a Federal Murder Charge?
Whatever court you’re in, being accused of murder is a big deal. But federal murder charges are at a whole different level. Federal crimes are prosecuted by some of the best prosecutors, and because of that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to get your back.
Here are common circumstances in Holden, MO, that can lead to a murder charge becoming federal:
- The alleged crime took place in two different states.
- The alleged crime happened in a place owned by the federal government.
- 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. The United States allows several criminal charges, often including murder, to be tried in both state and federal court.
If your case qualifies for this, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both personal connections to the prosecuting office in Holden, MO, and preparations to fight against the United States justice department. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Common Holden, MO, Murder Charge Defenses
Although each case is different, there are some criminal defense strategies which your murder defense lawyer will likely consider. At Combs Waterkotte, we will listen to your story and find something that will fit you the best. Below 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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Accused of Murder in Holden, MO? The Murder Defense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Will Defend Your Rights
Every criminal accusation in Holden, MO, needs to be taken seriously. And murder even moreso. Combs Waterkotte’s murder defense lawyers will explore every option available to secure a positive outcome for you. We don’t judge; we listen. We will tell your side of the story and battle for the best outcome possible.
Build your defense now and maximize your chances for success. Speak with us now at (314) 900-HELP or send us a note online to start fighting your case.
