Murder Defense Lawyer, Windsor, MO. If you were looking for the worst crime penalties in Missouri, you’d want to start with the punishment for murder. You could end up in prison for the rest of your life. Or in even more serious cases, you could face capital punishment. Without a expert murder defense lawyer in Windsor, MO, your future is looking bleak.
But you’re not alone. You have Combs Waterkotte. As one of the premier criminal defense law firms in Missouri, we fight to protect our clients’ rights and freedom. We have fought thousands of cases, including against murder accusations.
With us, you’re getting expert legal advice from day one. You can start creating your defense now by calling (314) 900-HELP or using our contact form online. We’re available 24/7 and will keep you regularly updated as your case progresses.
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What a Murder Defense Lawyer in Windsor, MO, Will Do For You
The defense process starts the moment you first call your Windsor, MO, murder defense lawyer. If you’ve been placed under arrest, your lawyer can train you on how to interact with investigators. Having a lawyer by your side when you interact with investigators goes beyond just advising you when to stay silent – it’s defening you from pressing interrogation techniques and building your defense in multiple stages.
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 Windsor, MO, don’t often allow bail in murder cases, but, we will fight for every opportunity to secure your freedom before trial.
Once you’ve made it through your arraignment, your Windsor, 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. Perhaps it was done in self-defense, or this is a case of mistaken identity. Regardless of the strategy, your attorney will also explore options for plea negotiations to see if they can get the prosecution to lower or drop charges.
If the prosecution refuses to negotiate, your case will go to trial. At Combs Waterkotte, we always prepare a trial-ready, ferocious defense and won’t back down in the courtroom. We stand by your side and fight until you get the justice you deserve. This even applies after the verdict, where we can also assist with sentencing advocacy as applicable.
In summary, your Windsor, MO, murder defense lawyer will 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
- Negotiate with the state for dropped or reduced charges
- Fight for your freedom at trial
- Argue mitigating factors for a lighter sentence
Don’t try to go through the Windsor, MO court system alone. An expert lawyer like Combs Waterkotte will show you the path to the other side.
What Cases Will a Windsor, MO, Murder Defense Attorney Take?
There are multiple types of homicide charges in Missouri, and when hiring a Windsor, 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 Windsor, Missouri. To learn more about what they are, read the breakdowns below.:
First-Degree Murder
First-Degree Murder in Missouri consists of killing another person on purpose, with a plan. 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 a chance for 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:
- Intentionally killing someone,
- Attacking someone in an attempt to severely injure them, then killing them on accident, and
- Attempting to commit a different felony, if someone dies in the process.
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 closely related, but normally are distinguished by one thing: Intentions. In most Windsor, MO, murder cases, it’s on the prosecution to prove that the alleged offender purposely caused the death of the alleged victim, and it wasn’t in self-defense or another special circumstance.
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. In the following sections, you can read breakdowns of Windsor, Missouri’s manslaughter charges:
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 supposed 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 may be sentenced to between 5 and 15 years in prison.
First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter
First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter is still a serious charge in Windsor, MO, but does not consist of killing another person on purpose.
Normally, 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 and having someone die as a result.
A second-degree manslaughter conviction is generally a Class E Felony, but can be a Class D Felony for special 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 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 |
Beyond a prison sentence, alleged offenders can suffer numerous collateral consequences because of a conviction.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are ready to fight against any of the above murder and manslaughter charges in Windsor. When you work with one of our attorneys, you get a Windsor, 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 Windsor, MO
If you need a superb murder defense lawyer in Windsor, MO, you can’t risk your freedom with someone who won’t give you a stellar defense. Below, we’ve outlined the main things to keep in mind when making your decision:
Top 4 Windsor, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Qualities:
The right homicide attorney will treat you with respect 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 track record of victories
- Someone who treats you like a person, not a case number
- Honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
Top 4 Windsor, MO, Murder Defense Lawyer Red Flags:
On the contrary, it’s also important to keep an eye out for red flags that should tell you to think twice before working with a given lawyer:
- Doesn’t have knowledge about the specific law you’ve been accused of violating
- Promises of unrealistic outcomes
- Arrogant or disinterested attitude
- A lack of planning on ways to fight your charges
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 Windsor, MO, Murder Charges Become Federal?
Any murder charge is serious. But federal murder charges are at a whole different level. Federal crimes are prosecuted by high-level prosecutors, and because of that, you need a high-level federal murder defense lawyer at your side.
Here are common circumstances in Windsor, MO, that can lead to a murder charge becoming federal:
- 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.
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 you’re facing these types of charges, you need a murder defense lawyer who has both intimate knowledge of local Windsor, MO, courts 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 Windsor, MO
Although each case is different, there are some criminal defense strategies which your murder defense lawyer is likely to pull from. At Combs Waterkotte, we will tailor your defense to the circumstances of your case. Below are some of the options we’ll consider:
- Fourth Amendment Rights Violation
- Battered Spouse Syndrome
- Castle Doctrine
- Defense of Others
- Self-Defense
- Stand Your Ground
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Accused of Murder in Windsor, MO? The Murder Defense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Will Defend Your Rights
Every criminal accusation in Windsor, 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 don’t judge; we listen. We will defend you and fight for your freedom.
Build your defense now and maximize your chances for success. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to get started now.
