Murder Defense Lawyer, Kearney, MO. Missouri takes murder cases seriously and punishes the alleged offender harshly. First-degree murder can result in a life sentence. Or if the alleged crime was especially heinous, you could be up against the death penalty. Without a leading murder defense lawyer in Kearney, MO, your future is looking bleak.
But you don’t have to try and fight it without help. Combs Waterkotte is on your side. As one of the premier criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we fight to protect our clients’ rights and freedom. We have fought thousands of cases, including defending homicide charges.
When you work with our team, you’re in good hands. You can start crafting your defense right away by calling (314) 900-HELP or using our contact form online. We’re ready 24/7 and are ready to help in emergencies.
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Actions Your Murder Defense Lawyer in Kearney, MO Will Take to Defend You
The battle for your case begins as soon as you contact your Kearney, MO, murder defense lawyer. Whether or not you’ve already been arrested, your attorney can give you tips on the best way to interact with investigators. Having a lawyer by your side while the police are interviewing you goes beyond just advising you when to stay silent – it’s defening you against 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. It’s possible that you’ll face charges of armed criminal action or other violent crimes alongside murder. If a bail amount is given, the arraignment is also the time when this is arranged. Though it’s rare for bail to be allowed in murder cases in Kearney, MO, we will fight for every opportunity to secure your freedom before trial.
After the arraignment, your Kearney, MO, homicide defense attorney will recommend you on a defensive strategy, if they haven’t done so already. You could have been acting in defense of others, or this is a case of mistaken identity. Whatever method you go with, your attorney will also talk to the state about 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 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, your Kearney, MO, murder defense lawyer will do the following:
- Protect your rights during interrogations
- Fight for bail and your freedom before the trial
- Decide on a defense that best fits the unique factors of your case
- Negotiate with the state for dropped or reduced charges
- Represent you during a trial
- Argue mitigating factors for a lighter sentence
Don’t try to go through the Kearney, MO court system alone. An expert attorney like Combs Waterkotte will show you the path to the other side.
What Charges Does a Kearney, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Fight?
“Murder” isn’t just a single charge in Missouri, and when hiring a Kearney, 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 Kearney, 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. 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 a chance for 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 with the goal of hurting them badly, then unintentionally killing them, and
- Attempting 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 similar, but typically differ in one key area: Intentions. Murder charges normally require the prosecution to prove that the alleged offender deliberately killed the alleged victim, without exculpatory circumstances.
For a person to be convicted of manslaughter, whether or not the alleged victim was killed on purpose doesn’t matter as much – 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 Kearney, MO, below:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter in Missouri occurs when someone takes one of the following actions:
- Taking a life in what would be second-degree murder, except that the supposed offender was reasonably out of control of their emotions.
- Assisting someone in the commission of suicide.
As a Class B Felony, a person convicted of voluntary manslaughter can 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 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 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.
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, 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 |
On top of the formal penalties, people can suffer countless collateral consequences as a result of a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we have experience defending a variety of murder and manslaughter charges in Missouri. When you work with our team, you get a Kearney, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows the system inside and out.
What to Look For in Your Kearney, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
If you’re looking for a high-quality murder defense lawyer in Kearney, MO, you need to carefully evaluate your options. Here are the things you want (and don’t want) in your attorney:
Top 4 Kearney, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The right homicide attorney will treat you well and have a plan for how to handle your case. 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 paycheck
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Kearney, 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 apathetic 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 Kearney, MO, Murder Charge Into a Federal Murder Charge?
State murder charges are dangerous on their own. But they pale in comparison to federal charges. Federal crimes are prosecuted by the top prosecutors, and because of that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to match.
Here are common circumstances in Kearney, 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 worked for the federal government.
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. Under the United States’ dual sovereignty doctrine, you can be charged with some crimes in both federal and state courts.
If your case can fall under dual sovereignty, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both personal connections to the prosecuting office in Kearney, MO, and a high-level team with the skills needed to take on a federal prosecutor. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Possible Defenses Against Kearney, MO Murder Charges
While every case is unique, there are some criminal defense strategies that your murder defense lawyer will likely consider. At Combs Waterkotte, look for an option that makes the most sense for you. Follow are some of the strategies we’ll consider:
- Fifth Amendment Rights Violation
- Battered Spouse Syndrome
- Castle Doctrine
- Defense of Others
- Self-Defense
- Stand Your Ground
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If You Need a Murder Defense Lawyer in Kearney, MO, You Need Combs Waterkotte
Every criminal accusation in Kearney, MO, needs to be taken seriously. And murder even moreso. When you don’t know what to do, Combs Waterkotte is ready to guide you. We will listen to your story. We will defend you and battle for the best outcome possible.
Build your defense now and maximize your chances for success. Speak with an attorney right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to start fighting your case.
