Murder Defense Lawyer, Lawson, MO. It’s hard to think of a worse thing to be accused of than murder. 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 expert murder defense lawyer in Lawson, MO, you could be risking everything.
But you have someone who can help. You can call Combs Waterkotte. As one of the premier criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we fight to protect our clients’ rights and freedom. We have experience fighting thousands of cases, including defending homicide charges.
With us, you’re in good hands. You can start crafting your defense now 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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Ways Your Lawson, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Will Protect Your Freedom
The battle for your case starts as soon as you contact your Lawson, 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 the authorities. Having a lawyer alongside you while the police are interviewing you is more than just advising you when to stay silent – it’s protecting you against pressing 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 alongside 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 Lawson, MO, we don’t just assume it’s a lost cause, and will argue for bail for each of our clients.
Now that you formally know the charges you’re facing, your Lawson, 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. You could have been acting in defense of others, or this is a case of mistaken identity. Regardless of the strategy, your attorney will also talk to the state about 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, when you work with a leading Lawson, MO, murder defense lawyer, you can expect them to do the following:
- Manage your interactions with investigators
- 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
- Fight for your freedom at trial
- If needed, advocate for lighter sentencing
Don’t try to go through the Lawson, MO court system alone. An expert attorney like Combs Waterkotte will help you make it through.
What Cases Will a Lawson, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Take?
There are multiple types of homicide charges in Missouri, and when you work with a Lawson, MO, murder defense lawyer, it’s important that they understand exactly what the accusations are.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are prepared to defend against any types of murder charges in Lawson, Missouri. Here’s a breakdown of how they work:
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 an option for parole.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-Degree Murder has a wider definition than first-degree murder in Missouri. It includes:
- Intentionally killing someone,
- Attacking someone in an attempt to severely injure them, then going too far and taking their life, and
- Attempting 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 closely related, but normally one thing sets them apart: Intentions. To find someone guilty of murder, normally the state has 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. We’ll outline the different types of manslaughter in Lawson, MO, below:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter has two different definitions in Missouri:
- Killing someone in what would 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, 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 still a serious charge in Lawson, MO, but does not consist of killing another person on purpose.
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 is similar to first-degree involuntary manslaughter. Missouri defines it as acting criminally negligent in such a way that causes someone’s death.
Similar to first-degree, second-degree manslaughter 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, 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 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, you can suffer numerous collateral consequences because of a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are ready to fight against any of the above murder and manslaughter charges in Lawson. When you work with our team, you get a Lawson, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows the system inside and out.
What to Look For in Your Lawson, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
If you need a high-quality murder defense lawyer in Lawson, 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 Lawson, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The right homicide attorney will treat you with respect and always be honest with you. Here are the signs to look out for:
- Knowledge about the charge’s specifics
- 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 Lawson, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Red Flags:
If you notice any of the following red flags, think carefully before moving forward with that attorney:
- No experience with your charges
- Unreasonably positive predictions, without accounting for potential problems
- Rude or apathetic attitude
- A lack of planning on ways to fight your charges
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 Lawson, MO, Murder Charge Into a Federal Murder Charge?
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 some of the best prosecutors, and as a result, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to match.
For a federal prosecutor to take a murder case over from the Lawson, MO courts, it’s normally because of one of the following:
- The alleged crime stretched across state lines.
- The alleged crime occurred on federal property.
- The alleged victim was a federal agent.
One other important note to be aware of: Dual Sovereignty. The United States allows several criminal charges, often including murder, to be tried in both state and federal court.
If your case can fall under dual sovereignty, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both local connections in Lawson, MO, and preparations to fight against the United States justice department. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Possible Defenses Against Lawson, MO Murder Charges
While every case is unique, 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. Here are some of the strategies we’ll consider:
- Fourth Amendment Rights Violation
- Battered Spouse Syndrome
- 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 Lawson, MO, Murder Defense Lawyers
Every criminal accusation in Lawson, 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 protect your rights.
Act fast before it’s too late. Contact us right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to start fighting your case.
