When a person is charged with a crime, he or she faces a variety of different decisions, most of which will likely have a significant impact on the rest of his or her life. Unfortunately, few people feel prepared to make these decisions on their own. In fact, a man in Missouri is now likely wondering about his options after he was accused of murder.
The incident that led to the 28-year-old man’s arrest reportedly happened on a day in mid-September. It involves the shooting death of a 19-year-old male. According to reports, both men were riding in the back seat of a vehicle. Police claim that they and the driver of their vehicle were shooting at another vehicle.
Unfortunately, police believe that the defendant shot the other back seat occupant. Though that individual was transported to the hospital, he ultimately passed away from his injuries. No charges were filed against the driver.
The defendant now faces multiple charges. In addition to second degree murder, he is charged with armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon. A conviction on the charges could carry serious consequences, and the Missouri man will have to make critical decisions without the benefit of legal training. As such, he may choose to seek guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney. Such a professional can carefully examine the details of the man’s case and help him choose a course of action that is most appropriate to the individual circumstances of his case, including whether to accept a plea bargain, if offered, or fight the charges in court.