First-Degree Murder Charges Lawyer in St. Louis

St. Louis First-Degree Murder Lawyers Defending Your Future

Facing a homicide charge is one of the most serious situations a person can encounter in the criminal justice system. Extensive resources are devoted to prosecutors in order to build murder cases, often involving investigators, forensic experts, and aggressive prosecution strategies.

In St. Louis, murder charges are grouped into two categories (degrees) by the two key elements of purposely and intentionally causing the death of another. If the state of Missouri does not believe a person’s death was caused by either of these characteristics and it was truly an accident, then the charge becomes a manslaughter charge, not a murder charge.

If you have been charged with first-degree murder in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri, it is essential to understand the law, the potential penalties, and the defenses that may apply to your case. Combs Waterkotte’s criminal defense lawyers can question evidence, expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and work to protect your constitutional rights.

What Is First-Degree Murder in Missouri?

The Missouri Revised Statute §565.020 states that a person commits first-degree murder if they knowingly cause the death of another person after they have thought through the decision to kill said person. In order for someone to be convicted of this crime prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly caused the death after premeditation or deliberation.

Prosecutors in St. Louis look for evidence that perpetrators planned and carried out a killing in advance, waited on their victim before attacking them, hired another person to commit a killing, or premeditated revenge attacks. The key here is that a person was killed because another person planned to kill them.

First-Degree Murder vs. Other Homicide Offenses

Missouri recognizes several homicide crimes, including:

• First-degree murder – deliberate and premeditated killing
• Second-degree murder – intentional killing without deliberation
• Voluntary manslaughter – killing caused by sudden passion or provocation
• Involuntary manslaughter – death caused by reckless behavior

Possible Consequences of a First-Degree Murder Conviction

First-degree murder is classified as a Class A felony and carries the most severe criminal penalties under Missouri law. Many individuals convicted of first-degree murder will spend the rest of their lives in prison. In certain cases, prosecutors may pursue the death penalty (capital punishment). Even if a lesser sentence is appointed, the consequences of this conviction will most likely remain forever. Other potential consequences include:

Life in Prison Without Parole

First-degree murder is often referred to as “capital murder” and penalties are either life in prison without parole, or the death penalty.

Employment & Housing Consequences

Most employers conduct background checks and may refuse to hire applicants with serious felony convictions. Landlords may also deny rental applications based on violent felony records.

Loss of Civil Rights

Convictions can result in the loss of several civil rights, mainly permanent bans on owning firearms, not being allowed to vote (until sentencing or parole is complete), permanent loss of jury eligibility (unless pardoned by the governor), and inability to run for public office.

What Happens After a First-Degree Murder Arrest in St. Louis?

The criminal process following a murder arrest can be lengthy and complex but in general, the process goes in the following order:

Arrest and Booking

Law enforcement takes fingerprints, mug shots, and documents personal information.

Formal Charges

Prosecutors review the evidence and decide whether to file official charges.

Bail Hearing

Because of the seriousness of the offense, bail is not guaranteed.

Pre-Trial Motions

Attorneys may challenge evidence, request dismissals, or suppress illegally obtained statements.

Plea Negotiations

Trial

If agreements cannot be made, the case will be decided by a judge or jury at trial.

Defenses Against First-Degree Murder Charges in St. Louis

Every case is unique, but an experienced Combs Waterkotte criminal defense lawyer may pursue several defense strategies during your case.

Lack of Deliberation

If the prosecution cannot prove that a person intentionally set out to kill another person, the charge may be reduced.

Self-Defense

People are allowed to use force when protecting themselves from serious harm.

Mistaken Identity

Wrongful accusations can be made if someone misidentifies a perpetrator.

Insufficient Evidence

Guilt beyond a reasonable doubt must be proven by prosecutors for a charge to be convicted.

Constitutional Violations

If law enforcement violated your rights during the investigation, any evidence found may be suppressed.

Additional legal actions can be found through criminal defense strategies used in serious felony cases.

Can First-Degree Murder Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?

Yes. In some circumstances charges may be reduced or dismissed but you would need an attorney for this to be possible. They will research:

• Weak or circumstantial evidence was obtained
• Any key witnesses were unreliable
• If the accused’s personal rights were violated
• A lesser offense, such as manslaughter, would be appropriate or possible

An experienced St. Louis criminal defense lawyer can analyze your case and determine the best path forward.

Key Facts About First-Degree Murder Charges in St. Louis

Frequently Asked Questions About First-Degree Murder Charges

How serious is first-degree murder in Missouri?

Very. It is the most serious criminal charge in the state and can result in life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.

What is the difference between first- and second-degree murder?

First-degree murder requires the offender to plan to end someone else’s life (deliberation or premeditation), while second-degree murder typically involves intentional killing without planning (often spur-of-the-moment).

Can someone be charged with first-degree murder even if the plan happened quickly?

Yes. Missouri law states deliberation can occur in a very short period of time.

Can murder charges be dropped?

Sometimes charges may be dismissed if evidence is insufficient or if constitutional violations occurred during the investigation.

Should I talk to the police if I’m accused of murder?

No. Always request to speak with a criminal defense lawyer before answering any questions.