Murder Attorney in Columbia, MO

If you are currently under investigation for murder, you may be confused about what to expect. You may be dumbfounded by the charges, but incredulity over how law enforcement’s investigation process is no legal defense. Homicide charges are punished amongst the most severely, with exorbitant fines, potential life in prison, and the death penalty all being possible if convicted. If you are facing allegations of murder, the most important step you can take is retaining our experienced Columbia murder attorney at Landon Miller Law.

Types of Murder in Columbia, MO

If you believe that the authorities suspect you of murder, you need a Columbia murder lawyer who can safeguard your rights. Not all forms of homicide are murder, with murder being considered any offense that “knowingly causes the death of another person.”

Missouri recognizes two types of murder:

First-Degree Murder

A person commits first-degree murder when he or she causes the death of another person after deliberating upon the matter. This is commonly referred to as “premeditation.” In Missouri, first-degree murder is a class A felony. If the accused is at least 18 years of age, first-degree murder is punishable by life in prison or the death penalty. If convicted, you have no chance of probation or parole.

If the accused was younger than 18 years of age at the time of the offense, then he or she may be sentenced to life in prison without eligibility for probation or parole, life in prison with eligibility for parole, or 30 to 40 years in prison. When determining punishment, a judge or jury will take into consideration several factors, including the nature and circumstances of the incident, the defendant’s age, maturity, and intellectual capacity, and the defendant’s prior criminal record.

Second-Degree Murder

Second-degree murder is defined as any of the following:

• Intentionally causing another person’s death;
• Intentionally causing another person serious physical injury, thereby causing another person’s death; or
• Causing another person’s death through the commission, or attempted commission, of a felony (felony-murder).

Second-degree murder is a class A felony, with additional punishments applying for the related felony offense performed by, or attempted to be performed by, the defendant.

Not all Murder Cases are the Same

When looking for a lawyer to represent you regarding murder charges, you want someone who explores all potential legal options. With the threat of harsh penalties before many, defendants are inclined to take a plea bargain, even when they are innocent. Punishing the innocent is not the purpose of the criminal court system, but rather bringing justice to light.

The moment you are arrested, charged, or have reason to believe that you are under government investigation is the moment you should contact our Columbia murder lawyer. By obtaining representation early in the process, you will have someone who can investigate your matter thoroughly to gather any and all exculpatory evidence. This type of evidence can mitigate the severity of your punishment and, in some cases, prove a person’s innocence.

Once all pertinent evidence and information are gathered, our murder attorney can begin to craft a defense that identifies weaknesses in the government’s case. Our criminal defense lawyer may present factual or legal issues, creating speed bumps for the prosecution.

Speak with Our Columbia Murder Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been accused of murder, there is no time to waste in retaining knowledgeable representation. At Landon Miller Law, we are committed to helping individuals who are facing allegations for the most heinous crimes. Our dedication will last from the moment we take your case through appeal. To arrange your free consultation with our Columbia murder attorney, reach out to our office online or by calling (573) 658-1919.