Murder Defense Lawyer, Odessa, MO. Missouri takes murder cases seriously and punishes the alleged offender harshly. First-degree murder can result in a life sentence. Or if the prosecution and jury wish to impose it, you could face capital punishment. Without a expert murder defense lawyer in Odessa, MO, the risks are high and your odds of a positive outcome are low.
But you don’t have to try and fight it without help. You have Combs Waterkotte. 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 against murder accusations.
When you work with our team, you’re in good hands. You can start creating your defense right away by calling (314) 900-HELP or sending us a note online. We’re available 24/7 and are ready to help in emergencies.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
500+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 80 Years
Ways Your Odessa, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Will Protect Your Freedom
The battle for your case starts as soon as you first call your Odessa, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’re worried about being arrested, your lawyer can advise you on how to interact with the authorities. Having a lawyer in your corner when you interact with investigators goes beyond just telling you to stay silent – it’s defening you from pressing interrogation methods and building your defense in multiple stages.
In most Odessa, 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. In many cases, murder won’t be the only charge. Frequently, defendants will also be charged with armed criminal action or other violent crimes alongside murder. In cases where the court sets pretrial release conditions for the defendant, this is usually also done at this time. The courts in Odessa, MO, don’t often allow bail in murder cases, but, we won’t just give in, and will argue for your pretrial release.
Now that you formally know the charges you’re facing, your Odessa, MO, homicide defense attorney will advise you on tactics you can use in your defense, if they haven’t done so already. Castle doctrine could apply in your case, or you could have an alibi. Regardless of the strategy, your lawyer will also talk to the state about plea negotiations to see if they can get the prosecution to lower or drop charges.
If the negotiations don’t work, your case will go to trial. Our lawyers always prepare a trial-ready, ferocious defense and won’t back down in the courtroom. We stand by your side and fight until you get the justice you deserve. This extends to after the trial, where we can also assist with sentencing advocacy if applicable.
In summary, here is how a murder defense lawyer protects your freedom in Odessa, MO:
- 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
- Bargain with the prosecutor for more lenient charges
- Fight for your freedom at trial
- 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 Charges Does a Odessa, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Fight?
“Murder” isn’t just a single charge in Missouri, and when you work with a Odessa, MO, murder defense lawyer, you want one who knows how to defend your specific charges.
At Combs Waterkotte, we will fight against all kinds of murder charges in Odessa, Missouri. Here’s a breakdown of how they work:
First-Degree Murder
First-Degree Murder is defined in Missouri as the deliberate taking of another person’s life, after planning for it. 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 a chance for parole.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-Degree Murder has a wider definition than first-degree murder in Missouri. It includes:
- Killing a person on purpose without a plan,
- Attacking someone in order to seriously hurt them, then going too far and taking their life, and
- Trying to commit a different felony, if someone dies in the process.
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 are distinguished by one thing: Intentions. Murder charges normally require the prosecution 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 – if one person takes another’s life, they can be charged with manslaughter. In the following sections, you can read breakdowns of Odessa, Missouri’s manslaughter charges:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter charges in Missouri fall into one of two categories:
- Taking a life in what would ordinarilybe 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, you may 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.
In most cases, 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 still involves one person killing another person on accident. Missouri defines it as acting criminally negligent and having someone die as a result.
This crime is typically a Class E Felony, but can be a Class D Felony for special 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, 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 |
On top of the formal penalties, alleged offenders can suffer numerous 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 call our team, you get a Odessa, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows how to build you a strong defense.
How to Pick the Right Murder Defense Lawyer in Odessa, MO
If you need a superb murder defense lawyer in Odessa, 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 Odessa, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The right homicide attorney will treat you with respect 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 history of success
- Someone who treats you like a person, not a case number
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Odessa, 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
- Promises of unrealistic outcomes
- Arrogant or apathetic 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.
What Turns a Odessa, MO, Murder Charge Into a Federal Murder Charge?
Whatever court you’re in, being accused of murder is a big deal. But they pale in comparison to federal charges. Federal crimes are prosecuted by some of the best prosecutors, and when you’re facing that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to match.
For a federal prosecutor to take a murder case over from the Odessa, MO courts, it’s normally because of one of the following:
- The alleged crime took place near a state border or across a border.
- The alleged crime occurred on federal property.
- The alleged victim was a federal agent.
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 Odessa, MO, courts and a high-level team with the skills needed to take on a federal prosecutor. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Common Odessa, MO, Murder Charge Defenses
Although each case is different, there are some criminal defense strategies which your murder defense lawyer is likely to pull from. At Combs Waterkotte, look for an option that makes the most sense for you. Follow are some of the defenses we’ll consider:
- Fourth Amendment Rights Violation
- Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
- Castle Doctrine
- Defense of Others
- Self-Defense
- Stand Your Ground
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 …
Accused of Murder in Odessa, MO? The Murder Defense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Will Defend Your Rights
A murder charge can ruin your life. But the right murder defense lawyer can save it. At Combs Waterkotte, we know what it takes to successfully defend murder charges. We are here to give you an expert on your side. We will defend you and battle for the best outcome possible.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds its case. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to start fighting your case.
