Practice Area

Violent Crime Defense in Missouri

Violent crime charges carry some of the harshest penalties in Missouri law. Jeff Goldfarb brings 30 years of trial experience to your defense.

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Missouri Violent Crime Charges

Violent crimes in Missouri include assault, robbery, armed criminal action, murder, manslaughter, and weapons offenses. These charges are prosecuted aggressively, and convictions carry mandatory minimum sentences, lengthy prison terms, and permanent criminal records. Missouri also has a prior and persistent offender statute that can dramatically increase sentences for repeat offenders.

Armed Criminal Action

Missouri has a unique armed criminal action statute that allows prosecutors to add a separate charge — carrying a mandatory 3-year minimum sentence — any time a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon is used in the commission of a felony. This charge runs consecutive to the underlying offense, meaning sentences stack. Challenging the armed criminal action charge is often a critical part of the defense strategy.

Self-Defense and Stand Your Ground

Missouri is a Stand Your Ground state. You have the right to use force, including deadly force, to defend yourself or others when you reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death or serious physical injury. Jeff has successfully defended clients on self-defense grounds in assault and homicide cases, presenting evidence that the client acted lawfully to protect themselves.

Building a Defense

Jeff investigates every violent crime case from the ground up — reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, analyzing forensic evidence, and scrutinizing the conduct of law enforcement. Many cases turn on credibility, identification, or whether the government can prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.