St. Louis Homicide Attorneys:
Aggressive Defense. Protect Your Future.

St. Louis Homicide Attorneys:
Aggressive Defense. Protect Your Future.

Charged with Murder or Manslaughter?

L&M Law Group Is Ready to Fight for You.

If you or a loved one is facing homicide charges in Missouri, every moment matters.
The stakes couldn’t be higher—your future, your freedom, and your life may hang in the balance.

Call Now for a Free Consultation: 314-949-1515 

Serving clients across the St. Louis Metro and courts within 2 hours.

Missouri Homicide Defense Attorneys

What Are Homicide Charges in Missouri?

Homicide in Missouri isn’t just one charge—it includes multiple offenses based on intent, mental state, and the circumstances. Below is a breakdown of the most common charges:

First-Degree Murder

Premeditated, intentional killing. Requires proof of “deliberation” before the act.
Penalty: Life without parole or death.
RSMo § 565.020

Voluntary Manslaughter

Killing in the “heat of passion” after provocation or assisting suicide.
Penalty: Class B felony – 5 to 15 years.
RSMo § 565.023

Second-Degree Murder

Includes intentional killings without deliberation and felony murder (causing death during a felony).
Penalty: 10–30 years or life with parole.
RSMo § 565.021

Involuntary Manslaughter

Causing death through reckless or criminally negligent behavior (e.g., drunk driving).

Penalty: First Degree: Class C felony (up to 10 years), Second Degree: Class E felony (up to 4 years)
RSMo § 565.024 | RSMo § 565.027

Common Defenses to Homicide in Missouri

We develop a personalized defense strategy based on the facts of your case. Here are some powerful legal defenses recognized in Missouri courts:

Self-Defense

If you reasonably believed deadly force was necessary to prevent death or serious injury, your actions may be completely justified under Missouri’s Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine.

Learn more about Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine laws

“Black Box” Homicides

When there are no eyewitnesses, your version of events may be the only narrative available. Missouri law places the burden on the State to disprove your claim of self-defense beyond a reasonable doubt.

Learn more about McQueen v. State, 475 S.W.2d 654 (Mo. 1971)

Imperfect Self-Defense

You believed you were acting in self-defense—but was the belief or your reaction unreasonable? Missouri courts allow juries to consider manslaughter instead of murder in these cases.

Learn more about Reed v. State, 633 S.W.3d 140 (Mo. App. 2021)

Other Defenses We May Use

  • Insanity or diminished capacity
  • Accidental death (no intent)
  • Mistaken identity or unreliable witnesses
  • Police misconduct or violation of rights

Each case is unique, and we leave no stone unturned when building your defense.

Missouri’s Castle Doctrine & Stand Your Ground Laws

Missouri has some of the strongest self-defense protections in the nation:

  • No duty to retreat in your home, car, or anywhere you’re legally present
  • Deadly force is allowed to stop a forcible felony or home intrusion
  • Legal immunity may apply if force was justified: RSMo § 563.031

Need to know whether Missouri’s self-defense laws apply to your case? We can help.

Why Hire L&M Law Group?

  • Focused on Criminal Defense Only
  • Direct Attorney Access – Not a Call Center
  • Deep Knowledge of Local Courts: St. Louis City, County, St. Charles, Jefferson, and more
  • We handle complex murder cases, domestic homicide, vehicular manslaughter, and more
Homicide-Defense-Lawyers-St-Louis---L&M-Law-Group-9

Schedule a Free Case Review Today

Homicide charges demand a relentless defense. Your side of the story matters—let us help you tell it. We’ll review your charges, explain your options, and start building a plan to protect your future.

Call Now for a Free Consultation: 314-949-1515Â