Navigating Serious Charges Murder And Manslaughter Charges
IMPORTANT: If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged, or if you think they will be charged with any type of murder or manslaughter charges in the state of Missouri please call an attorney immediately before you talk to anyone else. If you are being questioned by police, politely decline to answer any questions and request to speak to your attorney. Please call our experienced Missouri criminal attorneys at Boehmer Law at 636-549-8300 as soon as possible to avoid saying anything that may be used in a court of law against you. Do not speak to anyone you know about the charges or situation as they can be called to testify against you in criminal proceedings.
Understanding The Charges
There are several terms that can be used to describe homicide cases in Missouri such as murder, manslaughter, voluntary manslaughter, or involuntary manslaughter. All of these charges are very serious and should be discussed with an experienced attorney who has handled these types of charges in court, especially if you have to go to trial. At Boehmer Law, our lawyers have worked on these types of cases and can help you. We offer free consultations to discuss your case. You can sit down one-on-one with the criminal attorney and talk about the circumstances surrounding the charges or potential charges you or a loved one is facing. Please call to make your appointment today. Let us get fighting for you now!
What Is The Difference Between Murder And Manslaughter?
Understanding the distinction between murder and manslaughter charges is crucial when facing homicide allegations in Missouri. These charges differ primarily in the level of intent and circumstances surrounding the death.
Murder charges require proof of intent to kill or cause serious bodily harm, while manslaughter charges typically involve deaths that occur without premeditation or malicious intent.
Murder Charges And Penalties
Missouri recognizes two degrees of murder charges, each requiring different levels of intent and carrying distinct penalties based on the severity of the offense.
First-degree murder represents the most serious homicide charge in Missouri, requiring proof of deliberate premeditation and intent to kill. Common scenarios that result in first-degree murder charges include:
- Planned killings carried out with cool deliberation and advance preparation
- Deaths that occur during the commission of certain felonies such as robbery or kidnapping
- Contract killings or murders for hire involving financial compensation
First-degree murder convictions carry penalties of life imprisonment without possibility of parole or the death penalty in capital cases.
Second-degree murder involves intentional killing without premeditation, or deaths caused by reckless actions that show extreme indifference to human life. Second-degree murder convictions result in sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment, depending on the specific circumstances and defendant’s criminal history.
Manslaughter Charges And Penalties
Manslaughter charges involve deaths that occur without malicious intent or premeditation.
Voluntary manslaughter occurs when someone kills another person in the heat of passion following adequate provocation. Common circumstances include deaths resulting from sudden fights that escalate quickly, killings that occur after discovering a spouse in adultery and deaths caused during emotional confrontations without premeditation. Voluntary manslaughter is a Class B felony in Missouri, carrying penalties of five to 15 years in prison.
Involuntary manslaughter involves deaths caused by reckless or negligent conduct without intent to kill. This includes deaths resulting from drunk driving incidents, fatalities caused by gross negligence or disregard for safety, and deaths occurring during misdemeanor offenses. Involuntary manslaughter is classified as a Class C felony, carrying penalties of up to seven years in prison and substantial fines.
Contact Us Now
Contact our attorneys at Boehmer Law by calling 636-549-8300 or filling out this short online form to schedule your free consultation. Don’t delay – let us begin advocating for you immediately.