Murder Defense Lawyer, Orrick, MO. It’s hard to think of a worse thing to be accused of than 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, the risks are high and your odds of a positive outcome are low.
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 defended thousands of cases, including against murder accusations.
With us, you’re getting expert legal advice from day one. You can start crafting your defense right away 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.
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How a Murder Defense Lawyer Protects Your Freedom in Orrick, MO
The fight for your freedom starts as soon as you contact your Orrick, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’re worried about being arrested, your attorney can train you on what to do when you interact with the police. Having a lawyer alongside you during questioning is more than just advising you when to stay silent – it’s protecting you from interrogation techniques and building your defense in multiple stages.
In most Orrick, 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 common in Missouri for defendants to be charged with armed criminal action or other violent crimes alongside murder. If a bail amount is given, the arraignment is also the time when this is arranged. The courts in Orrick, MO, don’t often allow bail in murder cases, but, we will fight for every opportunity to secure your freedom before trial.
After the arraignment, your Orrick, MO, homicide defense attorney will recommend you on a defensive strategy, if they haven’t already been talking with you about them. You could have been acting in defense of others, or this is a case of mistaken identity. Whatever method you go with, your attorney will also be in contact with the prosecutor for plea negotiations to see if they can secure a positive outcome for you.
If the negotiations don’t work, your case will go to trial. Our lawyers always prepare a trial-ready, powerful defense and won’t back down in the courtroom. We stick with you 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, when you work with a leading Orrick, MO, murder defense lawyer, you can expect them to do the following:
- Manage your interactions with investigators
- 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
- Fight for your freedom at trial
- Argue mitigating factors for a lighter sentence
Don’t try to go through the Orrick, MO court system alone. An experienced lawyer like Combs Waterkotte will help you make it through.
What Charges Does a Orrick, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Fight?
There are multiple types of homicide charges in Missouri, and when you work with a Orrick, MO, murder defense lawyer, you want one who knows how to defend your specific charges.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are prepared to defend against any types of murder charges in Orrick, Missouri. Below, we’ve outlined the individual laws and what they mean:
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 sentence 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
- Attempting to commit a different felony, if someone dies in the process.
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 closely related, but generally one thing sets them apart: Intentions. Murder charges normally require the prosecution to prove that the alleged offender took the alleged victim’s life on purpose, without exculpatory circumstances.
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 in Missouri occurs when someone takes one of the following actions:
- 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, you can be sentenced to between 5 and 15 years in prison.
First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter
First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter is still a serious charge in Orrick, MO, but does not consist of killing another person on purpose.
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.
A second-degree manslaughter conviction is typically a Class E Felony, but can be a Class D Felony for certain victims.
Below, we’ve summarized the definitions and penalties for Missouri’s different murder and manslaughter charges:
| 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 |
In addition to going to prison, people can suffer countless 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 all the approaches to take in search of a positive outcome for your case.
How to Pick the Right Murder Defense Lawyer in Orrick, MO
If 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 right homicide attorney will treat you well and have a plan for how to handle your case. Below are the main qualities you want to see:
- Prior experience with your charges
- A history of success
- 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:
- No experience with your charges
- Promises of unrealistic outcomes
- Rude or cold 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.
What Turns a Orrick, MO, Murder Charge Into a Federal Murder Charge?
Any murder charge is serious. 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 get your back.
Here are common circumstances in Orrick, MO, that can lead to a murder charge becoming federal:
- The alleged crime took place near a state border or across a border.
- The alleged crime happened in a place owned by the federal government.
- The alleged victim worked for the federal government.
One other important note to be aware of: 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 personal connections to the prosecuting office in Orrick, MO, and preparations to fight against the United States justice department. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Common Orrick, MO, Murder Charge Defenses
Although each case is different, there are some criminal defense strategies that your murder defense lawyer will commonly evaluate. At Combs Waterkotte, we will listen to your story and find something that will fit you the best. 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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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. At Combs Waterkotte, we know what it takes to successfully defend murder charges. We don’t judge; we listen. We will tell your side of the story and battle for the best outcome possible.
Act fast before it’s too late. Speak with us now at (314) 900-HELP or send us a note online to start fighting your case.
