Murder Defense Lawyer, Orrick, MO. If you were looking for the worst crime penalties in Missouri, you’d want to start with the punishment for murder. First-degree murder can result in a life sentence. Or in even more serious cases, you could face capital punishment. Without a expert murder defense lawyer in Orrick, 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 are prepared to fight against any charges. We have fought thousands of cases, including defending homicide charges.
When you contact our lawyers, you are treated like a person, not a case number. You can start crafting your defense now by calling (314) 900-HELP or reaching out to us online. We’re prepared to assist 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
How a Murder Defense Lawyer Protects Your Freedom in Orrick, MO
The defense process starts as soon as you contact your Orrick, MO, murder defense lawyer. Whether or not you’ve already been arrested, your lawyer can give you tips on how to interact with the police. Having a lawyer alongside you when you interact with investigators goes beyond just telling you to stay silent – it’s protecting you against interrogation techniques 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 be charged with armed criminal action or other violent crimes in addition to 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 Orrick, MO, we will fight for every opportunity to secure your freedom before trial.
Now that you formally know the charges you’re facing, your Orrick, 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. You could have been acting in defense of others, or you could have an alibi. Regardless of the strategy, your lawyer will also explore options for 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. At Combs Waterkotte, we always prepare a trial-ready, powerful defense and will use it to defend you all the way to the final verdict. 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 if applicable.
In summary, your Orrick, MO, murder defense lawyer will do the following:
- Protect you from mistakes during interviews
- Argue for bail and pre-trial release
- Craft a tailored defense strategy
- Negotiate with the state for dropped or reduced charges
- Represent you during a trial
- Argue mitigating factors for a lighter sentence
You don’t want to try and go through the Orrick, MO legal process without a guide. An experienced attorney like Combs Waterkotte will see you to the other side.
What Cases Will a Orrick, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Take?
Missouri murder charges take a variety of forms, and when hiring a Orrick, MO, murder defense lawyer, it’s important that they understand exactly what the accusations are.
At Combs Waterkotte, we will fight against all kinds of murder charges in Orrick, 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. It does not include actions done unintentionally or in the heat of the moment.
The sentence for first-degree murder is either the death penalty or a life sentence in prison without the possibility of 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:
- 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
- Trying 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 typically are distinguished by one thing: Intentions. To find someone guilty of murder, normally the state has to prove that the alleged offender deliberately killed 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 – if one person takes another’s life, they can be charged with manslaughter. We’ll outline the different types of manslaughter in Orrick, MO, below:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter has two different definitions in Missouri:
- Committing 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, you 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.
Ordinarilly, 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 still involves one person killing another person on accident. 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 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 commit suicide | 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, you can face numerous collateral consequences after a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we have experience defending a variety of murder and manslaughter charges in Missouri. When you call us, you get a Orrick, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows how to build you a strong defense.
What to Look For in Your Orrick, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
When you need a superb murder defense lawyer in Orrick, 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 Orrick, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The law firm you work with should treat you well and tell you your best paths forward. Here are the signs to look out for:
- Knowledge about the charge’s specifics
- 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 Orrick, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Red Flags:
If you notice any of the following red flags, think carefully before moving forward with that attorney:
- Doesn’t have knowledge about the specific law you’ve been accused of violating
- Unreasonably positive predictions, without accounting for potential problems
- Dismissive or apathetic attitude
- Unorganized or vague plan for how to help you
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 Orrick, 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 some of the best prosecutors, and as a result, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer at your side.
Here are common circumstances in Orrick, MO, that can lead to a murder charge becoming federal:
- The alleged crime took place in two different states.
- The alleged crime happened in a place owned by the federal government.
- The alleged victim was a federal government employee.
Murder charges can fall under a special circumstance in Orrick, MO: Dual Sovereignty. Under the United States’ dual sovereignty doctrine, you can be charged with some crimes in both federal and state courts.
If you’re facing these types of charges, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both personal connections to the prosecuting office in Orrick, MO, and preparations to fight against the United States justice department. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Defenses to Murder Accusations in Orrick, MO
Every client has unique circumstances. That said, there are some criminal defense strategies which your murder defense lawyer will likely consider. At Combs Waterkotte, look for an option that makes the most sense for you. Below are some of the options we’ll consider:
- Fifth Amendment Rights Violation
- Battered Spouse Syndrome
- Castle Doctrine
- Defense of Others
- Self-Defense
- Stand Your Ground
Legal Videos
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …
Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri
Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs answers the most commonly asked questions about Criminal Defense Cases in …
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …
Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri
Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs answers the most commonly asked questions about Criminal Defense Cases in …
Combs Waterkotte’s Orrick, MO, Murder Defense Lawyers are Ready for Your Case
A murder charge can ruin your life. But the right murder defense lawyer can save it. Combs Waterkotte’s murder defense lawyers will explore every option available to secure a positive outcome for you. We will listen to your story. We will work in concert with you and battle for the best outcome possible.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds its case. Speak with one of our representatives right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to get started now.
