Murder Defense Lawyer, Maysville, 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 prosecution and jury wish to impose it, you could be up against the death penalty. Without a expert murder defense lawyer in Maysville, MO, it’s hard to fight against these consequences.
But you don’t have to try and fight it without help. 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 experience fighting thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
When you contact our lawyers, you’re in good hands. You can start crafting your defense now by calling (314) 900-HELP or sending us a note online. We’re ready 24/7 and are ready to help in emergencies.
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How a Murder Defense Lawyer Protects Your Freedom in Maysville, MO
The battle for your case starts the moment you contact your Maysville, MO, murder defense lawyer. Whether or not you’ve already been arrested, your lawyer can train you on the best way to interact with the authorities. Having a lawyer by your side when you interact with investigators is more than just telling you to stay silent – it’s protecting you against advanced interrogation methods and providing responses that strengthen your story.
In most Maysville, MO criminal cases, there will be an arrest, interview, and arraignment. The arraignment is a time when the prosecution officially accuses you of a crime, in this case, murder. It’s possible that you’ll face charges of armed criminal action or other violent crimes alongside murder. If a bail amount is given, this is usually also done at this time. Bail is commonly denied in Maysville, MO, murder cases. However, we will fight for every opportunity to secure your freedom before trial.
After the arraignment, your Maysville, MO, homicide defense attorney will start putting together a defensive strategy, if they haven’t picked out one previously that is a good fit for your case. Castle doctrine could apply in your case, or you could have an alibi. Whatever defense works best for your case, your attorney will also talk to the state about plea negotiations to see if they can secure a positive outcome for you.
If the prosecution refuses to negotiate, your case will go to trial. At Combs Waterkotte, we 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 as needed.
In summary, your Maysville, MO, murder defense lawyer will do the following:
- Protect your rights during interrogations
- Argue for bail and pre-trial release
- Craft a tailored defense strategy
- Bargain with the prosecutor for more lenient charges
- Present your defense before a judge and jury
- If needed, advocate for lighter sentencing
The legal process can be hard to navigate. An expert legal team like Combs Waterkotte will show you the path to the other side.
What Charges Does a Maysville, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Fight?
There are multiple types of homicide charges in Missouri, and when you work with a Maysville, MO, murder defense lawyer, it’s important that they know how to fight the specific law you’re accused of breaking.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are prepared to defend against any types of murder charges in Maysville, Missouri. To learn more about what they are, read the breakdowns below.:
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 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 with the goal of hurting them badly, then going too far and taking their life, and
- Attempting to commit a different 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 purposely caused the death of the alleged victim, and there was no excuse.
For a person to be convicted of manslaughter, whether or not the alleged victim was killed on purpose doesn’t matter as much – even if someone accidentally caused the death of another person, they can still be convicted of manslaughter. We’ll outline the different types of manslaughter in Maysville, MO, below:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter has two different definitions in Missouri:
- Taking a life in what would be second-degree murder, except that the alleged offender was in a circumstance where a normal person could not control themselves.
- 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 still a serious charge in Maysville, MO, but does not consist of killing another person on purpose.
Normally, 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.
This crime 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, 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, alleged offenders can suffer countless collateral consequences because of a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we have experience defending a variety of murder and manslaughter charges in Missouri. When you work with one of our attorneys, you get a Maysville, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows how to build you a strong defense.
What You Need in a Maysville, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
When you’re looking for a superb murder defense lawyer in Maysville, MO, it’s important to take the time to ensure you’re going with the right choice. Here are the things you want (and don’t want) in your attorney:
Top 4 Maysville, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The law firm you work with should treat you with dignity and always be honest with you. 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 paycheck
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Maysville, 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
- High promises, to the point of being unrealistic
- Impolite or cold attitude
- No real ideas on what your defense will look like
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.
When Do Maysville, MO, Murder Charges Become Federal?
State murder charges are dangerous on their own. But they pale in comparison to federal charges. Federal crimes are prosecuted by high-level prosecutors, and when you’re facing that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to get your back.
Murder charges can become federal in many ways, but here are the typical ways it happens in Maysville, MO:
- The alleged crime stretched across state lines.
- The alleged crime happened in a place owned by the federal government.
- The alleged victim worked for the federal government.
Murder charges can fall under a special circumstance in Maysville, MO: 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 Maysville, MO, and a high-level team with the skills needed to take on a federal prosecutor. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Common Maysville, MO, Murder Charge Defenses
Every client has unique circumstances. That said, there are some criminal defense strategies that your murder defense lawyer will likely consider. At Combs Waterkotte, we will tailor your defense to the circumstances of your case. Below are some of the options we’ll consider:
- Alibi
- Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
- Castle Doctrine
- Defense of Others
- Self-Defense
- Stand Your Ground
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You Need a Leading Maysville, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer. You Need Combs Waterkotte. Call Now.
Being accused of homicide in Maysville, MO, can be devestating. Without help, it can derail your entire life. But you do have help available. At Combs Waterkotte, we know what it takes to successfully defend murder charges. We will listen to your story. We will defend you and battle for the best outcome possible.
Act fast before it’s too late. Talk to an attorney right away at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to protect yourself.
