Murder, manslaughter, and other violent offenses carry the harshest possible penalties under Missouri law. If you face these charges, your life could be on the line. Even a “lesser” murder or manslaughter charge in Missouri is still a felony and could send you to prison for many years.

Levels of Murder Charges in Missouri

There are five levels of murder or manslaughter charges in Missouri, each with its own penalties. Here are the penalties for the two most serious.

• First-degree murder: First-degree murder involves knowingly killing someone after deliberation, meaning the defendant thought about their actions before they killed the victim. First-degree murder is a Class A felony in Missouri, and the penalties are either life in prison (without parole) or death. Only offenders under age 18 convicted of first-degree murder can avoid the death penalty of life in prison.
• Second-degree murder: Second-degree murder involves either knowingly killing someone without. A defendant could also face a second-degree murder charge if they killed someone while committing a felony or while fleeing after committing or attempting to commit a felony. Like first-degree murder, second-degree murder is a Class A felony in Missouri, though the maximum prison sentence is 30 years instead of life. Second-degree murder is not a death penalty offense.

The less severe charges are, in descending order of seriousness, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter of the first degree, and involuntary manslaughter of the second degree.

Facing Murder or Manslaughter Charges? We Can Help

With so much at stake when facing a violent crime charge like murder or manslaughter in Missouri, you need a lawyer’s help. The team at Frank, Juengel & Radefeld, Attorneys at Law can investigate the case against you to look for prosecutorial weaknesses, negotiate a possible plea bargain to reduce your charges or penalties, and explain every aspect of your case in plain terms. Call us today or reach out online for a consultation.