Murder Defense Lawyer, Weston, MO. Murder charges are arguably the most serious criminal charges you can face in Missouri. You could end up in prison for the rest of your life. Or if the prosecution and jury wish to impose it, you could be up against the death penalty. Without a leading murder defense lawyer in Weston, MO, the risks are high and your odds of a positive outcome are low.
But you’re not alone. You can call Combs Waterkotte. 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’re in good hands. You can start crafting your defense right away by calling (314) 900-HELP or reaching out to us online. We’re prepared to assist 24/7 and will keep you regularly updated as your case progresses.
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Actions Your Murder Defense Lawyer in Weston, MO Will Take to Defend You
The battle for your case begins the moment you contact your Weston, MO, murder defense lawyer. Whether or not you’ve already been arrested, your lawyer can give you tips on what to do when you interact with the police. Having a lawyer in the room when you interact with investigators is more than just telling you to stay silent – it’s defening you against pressing interrogation techniques and building your defense in multiple stages.
Most of the time in Weston, MO, murder cases go through the same first few steps in the system: Arrest, questioning, and arraignment. The arraignment is a time when the state formally tells you what laws they think you’ve violated. It’s possible that you’ll face charges of armed criminal action or other violent crimes alongside murder. If a bail amount is given, this is usually also done at this time. Bail is commonly denied in Weston, MO, murder cases. However, we won’t just give in, and will argue for your pretrial release.
Once you’ve made it through your arraignment, your Weston, MO, homicide defense attorney will advise you on tactics you can use in your defense, if they haven’t already been talking with you about them. Perhaps it was done in self-defense, or you could have an alibi. Whatever defense works best for your case, your attorney will also be in contact with the prosecutor for 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. 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 stick with you and fight until you get the justice you deserve. This even applies after the verdict, where we can also assist with sentencing advocacy if applicable.
In summary, when you work with a leading Weston, MO, murder defense lawyer, you can expect them to do the following:
- Manage your interactions with investigators
- Argue for bail and pre-trial release
- Craft a tailored defense strategy
- Bargain with the prosecutor for more lenient charges
- Represent you during a trial
- If needed, advocate for lighter sentencing
You don’t want to try and go through the Weston, MO legal process without a guide. An experienced attorney like Combs Waterkotte will help you make it through.
What Cases Will a Weston, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Take?
There are multiple types of homicide charges in Missouri, and when hiring a Weston, 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 Weston, 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 potential punishment after a conviction is either the death sentence or a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-Degree Murder can result from more situations than first-degree murder. These include:
- Taking someone’s life in the heat of the moment,
- Attacking someone with the goal of hurting them badly, then unintentionally killing them, and
- Attempting to commit another 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 normally differ in one key area: Intentions. To find someone guilty of murder, normally the state has to prove that the alleged offender purposely caused the death of 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 – in cases where death resulted but was unintentional, it’s common for the alleged offender to face manslaughter charges. In the following sections, you can read breakdowns of Weston, Missouri’s manslaughter charges:
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary Manslaughter charges in Missouri fall into one of two categories:
- Taking a life in what would normally be 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, 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 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 and having someone die as a result.
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, using a plan. | 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 take their own life | 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 numerous collateral consequences because of a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we can protect Weston clients against all of the above charges. When you ask for help from us, you get a Weston, MO, murder defense lawyer who knows the system inside and out.
How to Pick the Right Murder Defense Lawyer in Weston, MO
If you’re looking for a top-tier murder defense lawyer in Weston, 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 Weston, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The law firm you work with should treat you well and have a plan for how to handle your case. Here are the signs to look out for:
- Expertise with the law you’ve been accused of breaking
- A track record of success
- Someone who treats you like a person, not a case number
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Weston, 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
- 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.
When Do Weston, MO, Murder Charges Become Federal?
Any murder charge is serious. But they pale in comparison to federal charges. Federal crimes are prosecuted by some of the best prosecutors, and because of that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer at your side.
For a federal prosecutor to take a murder case over from the Weston, MO courts, it’s normally because of one of the following:
- The alleged crime took place in two different states.
- 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 Weston, MO: 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 Weston, MO, and a high-level team with the skills needed to take on a federal prosecutor. Fortunately, Combs Waterkotte has both.
Defenses to Murder Accusations in Weston, MO
While every case is unique, there are some criminal defense strategies that your murder defense lawyer is likely to pull from. At Combs Waterkotte, look for an option that makes the most sense for you. Here are some of the options we’ll consider:
- Fourth Amendment Rights Violation
- Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
- Castle Doctrine
- Defense of Others
- Self-Defense
- Stand Your Ground
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This Decision Matters. Don’t Risk Your Life. Work With Combs Waterkotte’s Weston, MO, Murder Defense Lawyers
Being accused of homicide in Weston, MO, can be devestating. Without help, it can derail your entire life. But you do have help available. Combs Waterkotte’s murder defense lawyers will explore every option available to secure a positive outcome for you. We don’t judge; we listen. We will tell your side of the story and fight for your freedom.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds its case. Contact us any time of day at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to protect yourself.
