Murder Defense Lawyer, Norborne, 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 face capital punishment. Without a leading murder defense lawyer in Norborne, MO, your future is looking bleak.
But you don’t have to try and fight it without help. You can call Combs Waterkotte. As one of the top 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 defending homicide charges.
With us, you are treated like a person, not a case number. You can start creating your defense today 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.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
500+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 80 Years
Ways Your Norborne, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Will Protect Your Freedom
The fight for your freedom begins as soon as you contact your Norborne, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’re worried about being arrested, your attorney can advise you on the best way to interact with investigators. Having a lawyer alongside you during questioning is more than just advising you when to stay silent – it’s protecting you from advanced interrogation methods and providing responses that strengthen your story.
After the arrest (and typically questioning), you’ll be given an arraignment hearing, where you are formally charged with a crime. It’s common in Missouri for defendants to 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. Bail is commonly denied in Norborne, MO, murder cases. However, 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 Norborne, 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. Perhaps it was done in self-defense, or this is a case of mistaken identity. Whatever defense works best for your case, your lawyer 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. At Combs Waterkotte, we always prepare a trial-ready, ferocious defense and are prepared to go all the way to protect your freedom. We stick with you 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 Norborne, 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
The legal process can be hard to navigate. An experienced lawyer like Combs Waterkotte will help you make it through.
What Cases Will a Norborne, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Take?
Missouri murder charges take a variety of forms, and when you work with a Norborne, 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 will fight against all kinds of murder charges in Norborne, Missouri. Below, we’ve outlined the individual laws and what they mean:
First-Degree Murder
First-Degree Murder in Missouri consists of killing another person on purpose, with a plan. Defenses against first-degree murder in Norborne, MO, sometimes will hinge on whether or not the death was intentional or preplanned.
If convicted, you can face either the death sentence or a life sentence in prison without an option 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 going too far and taking their life, 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 similar, but generally differ in one key area: Intentions. In most Norborne, MO, murder cases, it’s on the prosecution to prove that the alleged offender deliberately killed the alleged victim, and it wasn’t in self-defense or another special circumstance.
For a person to be convicted of manslaughter, whether or not the alleged victim was killed on purpose doesn’t matter as much – if one person takes another’s life, they can be charged with manslaughter. We’ll outline the different types of manslaughter in Norborne, MO, below:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter charges in Missouri fall into one of two categories:
- Killing someone in what would normally 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, the alleged offender 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 Norborne, MO, but does not consist of killing another person on purpose.
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 is similar to first-degree involuntary manslaughter. Missouri defines it as acting criminally negligent (which means being unaware of a risk that a normal person would be aware of) and having someone die as a result.
A second-degree manslaughter conviction is generally a Class E Felony, but can be a Class D Felony for certain 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, 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, alleged offenders can face numerous collateral consequences because of a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we have experience defending a variety of murder and manslaughter charges in Missouri. When you call one of our attorneys, you get a Norborne, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows how to build you a strong defense.
What to Look For in Your Norborne, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
If you need a top-tier murder defense lawyer in Norborne, MO, you can’t risk your freedom with someone who won’t give you a stellar defense. Here are the things you want (and don’t want) in your attorney:
Top 4 Norborne, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
Your murder defense lawyer should treat you well and always be honest with you. Here are the signs to look out for:
- Prior experience with your charges
- A track record of success
- Someone who treats you like a person, not a case number
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Norborne, 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:
- Doesn’t have knowledge about the specific law you’ve been accused of violating
- High promises, to the point of being unrealistic
- Dismissive or disinterested 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 Norborne, MO, Murder Charges Become Federal?
Any murder charge is serious. But they pale in comparison to federal charges. Federal crimes are prosecuted by high-level prosecutors, and because of that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to get your back.
For a federal prosecutor to take a murder case over from the Norborne, MO courts, it’s normally because of one of the following:
- The alleged crime stretched across state lines.
- The alleged crime took place on federal land.
- 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. 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 local connections in Norborne, MO, and preparations to fight against the United States justice department. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Common Norborne, MO, Murder Charge Defenses
Although each case is different, there are some criminal defense strategies which your murder defense lawyer will commonly evaluate. At Combs Waterkotte, look for an option that makes the most sense for you. Below are some of the options we’ll consider:
Legal Videos
Can Federal Charges Be Reduced Or Dismissed?
Can Federal Charges Be Reduced Or Dismissed? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek, lawyers with Combs Waterkotte, a leading federal criminal defense firm, talk about proffers, probation, and federal …
Should I Hire A Lawyer Experienced In Federal Defense?
Should I Hire A Lawyer Experienced In Federal Defense? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek from the leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte discuss the importance of hiring a lawyer with …
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? Andrew Russek, a lawyer with leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses the sex offender registry and federal sex …
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State?
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than …
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …
Can Federal Charges Be Reduced Or Dismissed?
Can Federal Charges Be Reduced Or Dismissed? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek, lawyers with Combs Waterkotte, a leading federal criminal defense firm, talk about proffers, probation, and federal …
Should I Hire A Lawyer Experienced In Federal Defense?
Should I Hire A Lawyer Experienced In Federal Defense? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek from the leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte discuss the importance of hiring a lawyer with …
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? Andrew Russek, a lawyer with leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses the sex offender registry and federal sex …
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State?
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than …
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …
If You Need a Murder Defense Lawyer in Norborne, MO, You Need Combs Waterkotte
Fighting a murder charge in Norborne, MO, isn’t something you can take lightly. You need a team of attorneys that can protect your freedom. 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. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to get started now.
