Murder Defense Lawyer, North Kansas City, MO. It’s hard to think of a worse thing to be accused of than murder. You could end up in prison for the rest of your life. Or if the prosecution and jury wish to impose it, you could face capital punishment. Without a leading murder defense lawyer in North Kansas City, MO, it’s hard to fight against these consequences.
But there is another way forward. You can call Combs Waterkotte. As one of the top criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we fight to protect our clients’ rights and freedom. We have experience fighting thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
When you work with our team, you’re getting expert legal advice from day one. You can start building your defense today by calling (314) 900-HELP or contacting us 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 North Kansas City, MO
The defense process begins as soon as you get in touch with your North Kansas City, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’re worried about being arrested, your attorney can train you on what to do when you interact with investigators. Having a lawyer by your side when you interact with investigators goes beyond just advising you when to stay silent – it’s protecting you against advanced interrogation techniques and providing responses that strengthen your story.
Most of the time in North Kansas City, 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 face charges of armed criminal action or other violent crimes in addition to murder. In cases where bail is allowed, this is usually also done at this time. Bail is commonly denied in North Kansas City, MO, murder cases. However, 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 North Kansas City, MO, homicide defense attorney will start putting together a defensive strategy, if they haven’t already been talking with you about them. Castle doctrine could apply in your case, or this is a case of mistaken identity. Whatever defense works best for your case, your attorney will also be in contact with the prosecutor for plea negotiations to see if your charges and/or sentence can be reduced.
If the prosecution refuses to negotiate, your case will go to trial. Our lawyers always prepare a trial-ready, fearless 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 as applicable.
In summary, your North Kansas City, MO, murder defense lawyer will do the following:
- Protect you from mistakes during interviews
- Fight for bail and your freedom before the trial
- 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
- If needed, advocate for lighter sentencing
Don’t try to go through the North Kansas City, MO court system alone. An expert legal team like Combs Waterkotte will help you make it through.
What Cases Will a North Kansas City, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Take?
There are multiple types of homicide charges in Missouri, and when hiring a North Kansas City, 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 North Kansas City, Missouri. To learn more about what they are, read the breakdowns below.:
First-Degree Murder
First-Degree Murder is defined in Missouri as the deliberate taking of another person’s life, after planning for it. Defenses against first-degree murder in North Kansas City, MO, sometimes will hinge on whether or not the death was intentional or preplanned.
The potential punishment after a conviction is either the death penalty or a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-Degree Murder has a wider definition than first-degree murder in Missouri. It includes:
- Taking someone’s life in the heat of the moment,
- Attacking someone with the goal of hurting them badly, then killing them on accident, and
- Trying 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 generally differ in one key area: Intentions. Murder charges normally require the prosecution to prove that the alleged offender took the alleged victim’s life on purpose, 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 North Kansas City, MO, below:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter charges in Missouri fall into one of two categories:
- Taking a life 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.
- 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 is the first of these charges to not include any form of intentionality in the crime.
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 and having someone die as a result.
A second-degree manslaughter conviction is typically 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, 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 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, alleged offenders can face numerous collateral consequences after a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are ready to fight against any of the above murder and manslaughter charges in North Kansas City. When you work with us, you get a North Kansas City, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows how to build you a strong defense.
What to Look For in Your North Kansas City, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
When you’re looking for a superb murder defense lawyer in North Kansas City, 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 North Kansas City, 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:
- 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 North Kansas City, 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 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 North Kansas City, MO, Murder Charges Become Federal?
State murder charges are dangerous on their own. But federal murder charges are at a whole different level. Federal crimes are prosecuted by high-level prosecutors, and when you’re facing that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer at your side.
Here are common circumstances in North Kansas City, MO, that can lead to a murder charge becoming federal:
- 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 qualifies for this, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both intimate knowledge of local North Kansas City, MO, courts and a high-level team with the skills needed to take on a federal prosecutor. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Defenses to Murder Accusations in North Kansas City, MO
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. Here are some of the defenses we’ll consider:
- Fifth 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 North Kansas City, MO, Murder Defense Lawyers
Fighting a murder charge in North Kansas City, 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 represent 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 protect yourself.
