MURDER DEFENSE

Murder Defense Attorney

Homicide is one of the biggest charges anyone can face. A guilty verdict for first-degree murder can bring a sentence of life in prison or death.

There is no crime more serious than murder. If you or someone close to you has been charged with homicide, the consequences are serious. Choosing the right defense is critical to ensure the defendant receives the legal representation they deserve. At MRD Lawyer, we understand that everyone deserves a fair trial, and we will work tirelessly to fight for our clients. Learn more about the charges for different degrees of murder or manslaughter.

Missouri Homicide Law

HOMICIDE – FELONY STATUTE

Section 565.020 First degree murder

Citation: MO Rev Stat § 565.020 (2018)

Title XXXVIII CRIMES AND PUNISHMENT; PEACE OFFICERS AND PUBLIC DEFENDERS

Chapter 565

565.020. First degree murder, penalty — person under eighteen years of age, penalty. — 1. A person commits the offense of murder in the first degree if he or she knowingly causes the death of another person after deliberation upon the matter.

2. The offense of murder in the first degree is a class A felony, and, if a person is eighteen years of age or older at the time of the offense, the punishment shall be either death or imprisonment for life without eligibility for probation or parole, or release except by act of the governor. If a person has not reached his or her eighteenth birthday at the time of the commission of the offense, the punishment shall be as provided under section 565.033.

Section 565.021 Second degree murder

Citation: MO Rev Stat § 565.021 (2018)

Title XXXVIII CRIMES AND PUNISHMENT; PEACE OFFICERS AND PUBLIC DEFENDERS

Chapter 565

565.021. Second degree murder, penalty. — 1. A person commits the offense of murder in the second degree if he or she:

(1) Knowingly causes the death of another person or, with the purpose of causing serious physical injury to another person, causes the death of another person; or

(2) Commits or attempts to commit any felony, and, in the perpetration or the attempted perpetration of such felony or in the flight from the perpetration or attempted perpetration of such felony, another person is killed as a result of the perpetration or attempted perpetration of such felony or immediate flight from the perpetration of such felony or attempted perpetration of such felony.

2. The offense of murder in the second degree is a class A felony, and the punishment for second degree murder shall be in addition to the punishment for commission of a related felony or attempted felony, other than murder or manslaughter.
3. Notwithstanding section 556.046 and section 565.029, in any charge of murder in the second degree, the jury shall be instructed on, or, in a jury-waived trial, the judge shall consider, any and all of the subdivisions in subsection 1 of this section which are supported by the evidence and requested by one of the parties or the court.

Section 565.023. Voluntary manslaughter

Citation: MO Rev Stat § 565.023 (2018)

1. A person commits the offense of voluntary manslaughter if he or she:

(1) Causes the death of another person under circumstances that would constitute murder in the second degree under subdivision (1) of subsection 1 of section 565.021, except that he or she caused the death under the influence of sudden passion arising from adequate cause; or

(2) Knowingly assists another in the commission of self-murder.

2. The defendant shall have the burden of injecting the issue of influence of sudden passion arising from adequate cause under subdivision (1) of subsection 1 of this section.
3. The offense of voluntary manslaughter is a class B felony.

Section 565.024 Involuntary manslaughter

Citation: MO Rev Stat § 565.024 (2018)

1. A person commits the offense of involuntary manslaughter in the first degree if he or she recklessly causes the death of another person.
2. The offense of involuntary manslaughter in the first degree is a class C felony, unless the victim is intentionally targeted as a law enforcement officer, as defined in section 556.061, or the victim is targeted because he or she is a relative within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to a law enforcement officer, in which case it is a class B felony.

Section 565.027 Involuntary manslaughter, second degree

Citation: MO Rev Stat § 565.027 (2018)

1. A person commits the offense of involuntary manslaughter in the second degree if he or she acts with criminal negligence to cause the death of any person.
2. The offense of involuntary manslaughter in the second degree is a class E felony, unless the victim is intentionally targeted as a law enforcement officer, as defined in section 556.061, or the victim is targeted because he or she is a relative within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to a law enforcement officer, in which case it is a class D felony.

PENALTY OF CONVICTION

The penalties for murder or manslaughter convictions are extremely serious. A first-degree murder charge can result in the death penalty, while lesser charges can be as little a year in prison. The importance of choosing an excellent legal team during the most high-stakes case cannot be overstated. Trust the team at MRD Lawyer for your criminal defense.

Because so much is on the line, it’s crucial to hire the best legal team possible to understand the charges leveled against you — be they criminally negligent homicide, manslaughter, murder or justifiable homicide — and ensure your case is presented in the best way possible.

We at MRD Lawyers can help you understand the charges brought against you and help you build a defense designed to bring about the best possible outcome. With nearly 20 combined years working as prosecutors, we have insight into how investigations work, how prosecution cases are built and, ultimately, how best to defend you.

If you already have been convicted of a crime, we can work with you to build an appeal. If you are facing charges for the first time, we can help you understand and navigate the legal system.

Whatever your situation, time is crucial. Contact us today for a consultation.