Missouri First and Second Degree Murder

Missouri separates murder into either first degree or second degree. First Degree Murder A person commits the offense of murder in the first degree if he or she knowingly causes the death of another person after deliberation upon the matter. Murder in the first degree is a Class A Felony. If, at the time of the offense, the offender is 18 years of age or older, the crime is punishable by either death or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Second Degree Murder A person commits the offense of murder in the second degree if he or she: (1) knowingly causes the death of another person or, with the purpose of causing serious physical injury to another person, causes the death of another person; or (2) commits or attempts to commit any felony, and, in the perpetration or the attempted perpetration of such felony or in the flight from the perpetration or attempted perpetration of such felony, another person is killed as a result of the perpetration or attempted perpetration of such felony or immediate flight from the perpetration of such felony or attempted perpetration of such felony. Murder in the second degree is a Class A Felony and punishable to 10-30 years in prison or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Both degrees of murder are extremely serious charges. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney will help you evaluate your case and decide what options you have. Contact Howard Haake at (314) 325-9868 or (636) 332-5555 for a free consultation regarding your manslaughter charge and learn what rights and remedies are best for your situation.