Murder Defense Lawyer, Riverside, MO. Missouri takes murder cases seriously and punishes the alleged offender harshly. First-degree murder can result in a life sentence. Or if the alleged crime was especially heinous, you could face capital punishment. Without a expert murder defense lawyer in Riverside, MO, you could be risking everything.
But there is another way forward. Combs Waterkotte is on your side. As one of the premier criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we are prepared to fight against any charges. We have experience fighting thousands of cases, including defending homicide charges.
When you work with our team, you’re in good hands. You can start building 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.
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Actions Your Murder Defense Lawyer in Riverside, MO Will Take to Defend You
The defense process starts as soon as you contact your Riverside, MO, murder defense lawyer. Whether or not you’ve already been arrested, your attorney can advise you on how to interact with the authorities. Having a lawyer present when you interact with investigators goes beyond just advising you when to stay silent – it’s protecting you from pressing interrogation methods and providing responses that strengthen your story.
In most Riverside, 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 face charges of armed criminal action or other violent crimes in addition to murder. If a bail amount is given, the arraignment is also the time when this is arranged. Though it’s rare for bail to be allowed in murder cases in Riverside, MO, we won’t just give in, and will argue for your pretrial release.
After the arraignment, your Riverside, MO, homicide defense attorney will advise you on tactics you can use in your defense, 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 your rights were violated during the investigation. Whatever method you go with, your attorney will also talk to the state about 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, powerful 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 needed.
In summary, here is how a murder defense lawyer protects your freedom in Riverside, MO:
- Protect you from mistakes during interviews
- Fight for bail and your freedom before the trial
- Craft a tailored defense strategy
- Negotiate with the state for dropped or reduced charges
- Fight for your freedom at trial
- If needed, advocate for lighter sentencing
You don’t want to try and go through the Riverside, MO legal process without a guide. An expert team of lawyers like Combs Waterkotte will show you the path to the other side.
What Charges Does a Riverside, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Fight?
There are multiple types of homicide charges in Missouri, and when you work with a Riverside, MO, murder defense lawyer, it’s important that they understand exactly what the accusations are.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are prepared to defend against any types of murder charges in Riverside, Missouri. Here’s a breakdown of how they work:
First-Degree Murder
First-Degree Murder has three specific elements in Missouri: 1. Someone was killed, 2. It was on purpose, and 3. The alleged killer planned to do so ahead of time. Accidental deaths or impulsive actions do not qualify for first-degree murder charges in Missouri.
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 has a wider definition than first-degree murder in Missouri. It includes:
- Taking someone’s life in the heat of the moment,
- Attacking someone in an attempt to severely injure them, 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 similar, but generally one thing sets them apart: Intentions. Murder charges normally require the prosecution to prove that the alleged offender deliberately killed the alleged victim, 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 – even if someone accidentally caused the death of another person, they can still be convicted of manslaughter. We’ll outline the different types of manslaughter in Riverside, MO, below:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter in Missouri occurs when someone takes one of the following actions:
- Taking a life in what would 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, the alleged offender 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.
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 also involves the unintentional taking of human life. Missouri defines it as acting criminally negligent in such a way that causes someone’s death.
Similar to first-degree, second-degree manslaughter 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 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 |
Beyond a prison sentence, you can suffer countless 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 work with us, you get a Riverside, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows all the approaches to take in search of a positive outcome for your case.
What You Need in a Riverside, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer
When you’re looking for a top-tier murder defense lawyer in Riverside, MO, it’s important to take the time to ensure you’re going with the right choice. Check out the top 4 qualities to look for, and top 4 red flags to avoid:
Top 4 Riverside, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The right homicide attorney will treat you well and always be honest with you. Below are the main qualities you want to see:
- Prior experience with your charges
- A history of victories
- Someone who treats you like a person, not a case number
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Riverside, 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
- Unreasonably positive predictions, without accounting for potential problems
- Rude 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.
What Turns a Riverside, MO, Murder Charge Into a Federal Murder Charge?
State murder charges are dangerous on their own. But federal murder charges are at a whole different level. Federal crimes are prosecuted by the top prosecutors, and because of that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer to match.
Here are common circumstances in Riverside, MO, that can lead to a murder charge becoming federal:
- The alleged crime stretched across state lines.
- The alleged crime happened in a place owned by the federal government.
- 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 local connections in Riverside, MO, and the strength to take on the United States government. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Common Riverside, MO, Murder Charge Defenses
While every case is unique, 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. Follow are some of the strategies we’ll consider:
- Alibi
- Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
- Castle Doctrine
- Defense of Others
- Self-Defense
- Stand Your Ground
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If You Need a Murder Defense Lawyer in Riverside, MO, You Need Combs Waterkotte
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 tell your side of the story and protect your rights.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds its case. Contact us today at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to protect yourself.
