Murder Defense Lawyer, Waldo, MO. It’s hard to think of a worse thing to be accused of than murder. Even lower-level murder accusations can result in years in prison. Or in even more serious cases, you could be up against the death penalty. Without a leading murder defense lawyer in Waldo, MO, the risks are high and your odds of a positive outcome are low.
But you’re not alone. Combs Waterkotte is on your side. As one of the premier criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we won’t give up on your case and will explore every avenue to secure a positive outcome. We have defended thousands of cases, including against murder accusations.
With us, you are treated like a person, not a case number. You can start building your defense now by calling (314) 900-HELP or contacting us online. We’re available 24/7 and will keep you regularly updated as your case progresses.
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Actions Your Murder Defense Lawyer in Waldo, MO Will Take to Defend You
The defense process starts as soon as you get in touch with your Waldo, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’ve been placed under arrest, your lawyer can advise you on the best way to interact with the police. Having a lawyer present during questioning goes beyond just telling you to stay silent – it’s defening you against advanced interrogation methods 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 face charges of armed criminal action or other violent crimes in addition to murder. In cases where bail is allowed, the arraignment is also the time when this is arranged. The courts in Waldo, 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 Waldo, MO, homicide defense attorney will recommend you on 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. Whatever defense works best for your case, your lawyer will also be in contact with the prosecutor for plea negotiations to see if your charges and/or sentence can be reduced.
If the state won’t offer a deal that works for you, your case will go to trial. Our lawyers 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 as applicable.
In summary, when you work with a leading Waldo, MO, murder defense lawyer, you can expect them to do the following:
- Protect your rights during interrogations
- Fight for bail and your freedom before the trial
- Help you pick the best defensive strategy for your case
- Negotiate with the state for dropped or reduced charges
- Fight for your freedom at trial
- If needed, advocate for lighter sentencing
Don’t try to go through the Waldo, MO court system alone. An expert team of lawyers like Combs Waterkotte will show you the path to the other side.
What Charges Does a Waldo, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Fight?
Missouri murder charges take a variety of forms, and when you work with a Waldo, 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 Waldo, Missouri. To learn more about what they are, read the breakdowns below.:
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.
The sentence for first-degree murder is either the death penalty 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:
- Intentionally killing someone,
- Attacking someone in an attempt to severely injure them, then going too far and taking their life, and
- Attempting 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 closely related, but normally are distinguished by one thing: Intentions. To find someone guilty of murder, normally the state has to prove that the alleged offender took the alleged victim’s life on purpose, and there was no excuse.
Manslaughter is different in that intentions aren’t as important – if one person takes another’s life, they can be charged with manslaughter. We’ll outline the different types of manslaughter in Waldo, MO, below:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter charges in Missouri fall into one of two categories:
- Killing someone in what would ordinarilybe second-degree murder, except that the supposed offender was reasonably out of control of their emotions.
- Helping someone take their own life.
As a Class B Felony, a person convicted of voluntary manslaughter 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.
Ordinarilly, this is a Class C Felony, but if the alleged victim falls into a specific category (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 (which means being unaware of a risk that a normal person would be aware of) and having someone die as a result.
This crime 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 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, people can face numerous collateral consequences because of a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we have experience defending a variety of murder and manslaughter charges in Missouri. When you work with one of our attorneys, you get a Waldo, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows the system inside and out.
How to Pick the Right Murder Defense Lawyer in Waldo, MO
If you’re looking for a top-tier murder defense lawyer in Waldo, MO, you can’t risk your freedom with someone who won’t give you a stellar defense. Check out the top 4 qualities to look for, and top 4 red flags to avoid:
Top 4 Waldo, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The right homicide attorney will treat you with dignity and have a plan for how to handle your case. When you pick someone to fight for you, you want them to embody the following:
- Expertise with the law you’ve been accused of breaking
- A track record of success
- Someone who treats you like a person, not a paycheck
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Waldo, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Red Flags:
If you notice any of the following red flags, think carefully before moving forward with that attorney:
- Lack of experience with murder charges
- Promises of unrealistic outcomes
- Dismissive or cold 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 Waldo, 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 to match.
Murder charges can become federal in many ways, but here are the typical ways it happens in Waldo, MO:
- The alleged crime took place near a state border or across a border.
- The alleged crime took place on federal land.
- The alleged victim worked for the federal government.
Murder charges can fall under a special circumstance in Waldo, MO: Dual Sovereignty. While you generally can’t be put on trial twice for the same crime, dual sovereignty doctrine allows this for most murder charges, if they are tried once in federal court and once in state court.
If your case can fall under dual sovereignty, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both local connections in Waldo, MO, and a high-level team with the skills needed to take on a federal prosecutor. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Possible Defenses Against Waldo, MO Murder Charges
Although each case is different, there are some criminal defense strategies which your murder defense lawyer will commonly evaluate. At Combs Waterkotte, we will tailor your defense to the circumstances of your case. Below 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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Accused of Murder in Waldo, MO? The Murder Defense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Will Defend Your Rights
Every criminal accusation in Waldo, MO, needs to be taken seriously. And murder even moreso. When you don’t know what to do, Combs Waterkotte is ready to guide you. We are here to give you an expert on your side. We will tell your side of the story and fight for your freedom.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds its case. Talk to an attorney any time of day at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to protect yourself.
