Murder Defense

Located in the heart of the United States, Scrivner Law Firm is committed to providing zealous defense for those facing accusation or charges of murder. Faced with such challenging circumstances, defendants require a relentless team who is adept at navigating the complex legal system. Our Taney County murder defense lawyer and former prosecutor, Dayrell Scrivner, is competent in handling these situations, breaking down the intricacies of the law, and providing firm support to navigate these difficult times. We invest unparalleled strength, time and dedication to investigate every angle of your case and devise a comprehensive defense strategy. Regardless of the magnitude of the charge, our team faces each case with unwavering resolve. Reach out to us at (417) 699-0074 to open a line of communication with our team. Together, we can strive toward obtaining the most favorable outcome achievable in your situation.

Offenses Related to Murder

When entangled in a serious crime like murder in the state of Missouri, it’s not just the accusation bearing that word alone that can have life-altering effects, but also what our legal system terms as related crimes. These include:

• Manslaughter: Defined as the unintentional killing of another person. Unlike murder, this crime usually lacks malice aforethought, but could be due to recklessness or criminal negligence.
• Vehicular Homicide: Under Missouri law, unintentionally causing the death of another person while operating a motor vehicle in a criminally negligent manner can lead to charges of vehicular homicide, an offense often related to DUIs or reckless driving.
• Assault: This crime involves intentionally causing physical injury to another person. When extreme enough, such as causing serious bodily harm, it can be associated with a murder charge.
• Battery: Closely related to assault, battery encompasses the actual physical contact or harm to another individual. This could range from slight harm all the way to life-threatening injuries, which could serve as an introduction to a murder charge.

Understanding these charges requires not just a knowledge of law, but an extensive familiarity with the court system and effective defense strategies. Our law firm fervently represents those accused of these crimes, fighting tirelessly for your rights as a criminal defendant in Taney, Stone and Christian counties. Our proficient attorney, with his comprehensive understanding of Missouri law, can guide you through this difficult time and work towards the most favorable outcome. Please remember that no information substitutes real legal advice and it’s essential to consult with an attorney if you or someone you know is facing any of these serious charges.

Defenses to Murder

When facing a murder charge under Missouri law, it’s crucial to explore possible legal defenses which can be raised to challenge said charge. As part of your legal team, our Taney County homicide defense lawyer, Dayrell Scrivner, is committed to representing criminal defendants robustly and skillfully, utilizing various defenses based on the circumstances surrounding your case.

• Self-defense: Missouri law allows for the use of force to protect oneself from immediate danger. If you believed your life was in imminent danger or fear of serious physical injury, you could argue that any action taken was in self-defense.
• Defense of Others: Missouri law extends the right of self-defense to the defense of others under specific conditions. If you used lethal force to protect another individual who was at immediate risk of serious bodily harm or death, this defense could be used.
• Lack of Intent: For a murder conviction, the prosecution must establish that you intended to cause the death of the victim. If there is a reasonable doubt that you acted with the specific intent to kill, the charge could potentially be reduced or dismissed.
• Insanity Defense: If it can be adequately proven that you were legally insane at the time of the alleged murder, you may be acquitted on those grounds. This often involves rigorous psychological evaluations and evidence of mental history.
• Alibi Defense: If you have verifiable evidence proving that you were elsewhere when the alleged murder took place, it could substantiate your innocence.

Remember, every case is unique and many factors can influence the outcome of your case. It is always prudent to seek knowledgeable and experienced legal representation to navigate the complexities of a murder charge.

Penalties for Murder

As a leader in the legal community, our Taney County murder defense law firm has a deep understanding of the gravity and complexity surrounding murder cases under Missouri law. Murder charges can lead to severe consequences, and discussing these potential outcomes can be difficult but necessary for our clients. In Missouri, murder can be charged in the first degree, which is a Class A felony and can result in a term of life imprisonment without the opportunity for probation or parole. Moreover, the court may also impose large fines.

There are certain circumstances that can escalate the severity of the charges and penalties. For instance, if the murder is committed in conjunction with another crime, such as a felony or in the process of escape from lawful custody, the penalties could be significantly increased. Moreover, in some instances, the death penalty may be pursued by the prosecution. This typically occurs when the murder was premeditated, and carried out in an especially heinous, cruel, or depraved manner.

Our law firm is here to provide the necessary guidance and representation to individuals who are facing these serious charges. While we understand the emotions that such charges elicit, our primary goal is to safeguard the rights of our clients, looking into every minute detail of their case, and working with tireless dedication to construct their defense. It should be noted, however, that our law firm represents individuals accused of crimes and does not represent victims. We believe fair representation is the cornerstone of the American judicial system, and we are here to ensure that right is upheld.

Ready to Battle the Prosecution for You

In a courtroom, the stakes are always high, but more so when one is up against a murder charge. This underscores the need for relentless, aggressive legal representation. Our Taney County homicide defense law firm is well-versed in challenging such allegations, rigorously scrutinizing the evidence brought forth by the prosecution, probing for weaknesses, and coming up with comprehensive defense strategies. We firmly believe in the principle of “innocent until proven guilty,” and as such, extend unyielding commitment to uphold this right, tirelessly pushing back against potential biases and preconceptions. Moreover, we understand that your life turns on the outcome of the legal proceedings, and therefore, we put every ounce of our dedication, tenacity, and strategic legal thinking to work for you. Whether forming a solid alibi, testing the validity of forensic evidence, or cross-examining prosecution witnesses, we have what it takes to provide you with robust representation needed in your fight for justice. Remember, your choice of defense attorney can make a difference in the trajectory of your case. Consider Scrivner Law Firm when taking that critical step.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help defend your rights and your future.