Lincoln County, MO

Homicide lawyer in Lincoln County, MO. Being charged with homicide in Lincoln County, MO is one of the most serious legal battles you could ever face. The penalties can be life-altering, ranging from long-term imprisonment to capital punishment. If you’ve been accused of homicide in Lincoln County, MO or anywhere across Missouri, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced homicide lawyer right away.

Contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, one-on-one consultation. You’ll have the chance to discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our seasoned team has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.

Homicide Charges in Lincoln County, MO and Across Missouri

Homicide charges can differ based on the intent and situation surrounding the killing. It’s essential to grasp the various types of homicide charges that may be relevant:

First-Degree Murder

First-degree murder is the most serious homicide charge, involving a deliberate and premeditated act. This offense is classified as a class A felony, often resulting in a life sentence without the possibility of parole, or even the death penalty, depending on the details of the case.

Second-Degree Murder

Second-degree murder involves an intentional killing that was not premeditated. Also a class A felony, this offense can carry prison sentences ranging from 10 to 30 years, or even life. This differs from the first degree in that you may qualify for parole after serving more than 85 percent of the sentence.

Manslaughter:

Manslaughter is defined as the unlawful killing of another individual without the intention to take their life. It can be classified as voluntary – occurring in a moment of passion – or involuntary – resulting from reckless or negligent conduct. Manslaughter is categorized as a class B or class C felony.

Vehicular Manslaughter

This involves causing an individual’s death through reckless or negligent driving. Charges range from a misdemeanor to a felony, and penalties for vehicular manslaughter vary depending on whether drugs, alcohol, or extreme recklessness were involved.

What Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in Lincoln County, MO?

Homicide occurs when one individual causes the death of another. However, not all instances of homicide quality as murder; some may be classified as manslaughter, while others may be deemed lawful, such as cases involving an affirmative defense like self-defense or insanity.

If you are facing homicide charges in Lincoln County, MO, it’s a grave situation. Understanding the steps to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is essential. Our experienced Lincoln County, MO homicide legal team recommends the following actions:

• Contact a Lawyer: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Lincoln County, MO by your side as soon as possible to help ensure a successful outcome. A good lawyer can review police reports, gather critical evidence, interview witnesses, and create a robust defense strategy. They can also seek ways to have charges reduced or dismissed and formulate an effective trial strategy. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
• Keep Quiet: When police advise you that “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” as they read your Miranda rights, believe them. Saying the wrong thing during investigations could potentially change the outcome of your case and give prosecutors ample material to prove guilt. It’s essential to have a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Lincoln County, MO who can help you navigate this situation and articulate your side appropriately.
• Understand You are Innocent Until Proven Guilty: Sadly, in this day and age, many individuals jump to conclusions, viewing an accusation as a sign of guilt. This can deeply alter your mental well-being and make you consider things that you would never do under better circumstances. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte Lincoln County, MO homicide attorney is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.

Why You Should Hire a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Lincoln County, MO

If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Lincoln County, MO. You can’t leave this to chance or to a lawyer found on a billboard or bus stop. Securing a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney could determine whether you receive a reduced sentence, achieve freedom, or face life imprisonment. Here’s how the Combs Waterkotte homicide legal team can support you in Lincoln County, MO:

• Case Investigation: Our homicide attorneys will conduct an exhaustive investigation of the circumstances surrounding your case, reviewing police reports, forensic evidence, witness accounts, and all relevant materials. They may also collaborate with private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s case.
• Identify Flaws in the Prosecution’s Case: Our dedicated homicide attorneys will examine every aspect of the case to find flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. This could lead to a dismissal of charges, a plea reduction, or an acquittal.
• Make Sure Your Rights Weren’t Violated: Under Lincoln County, MO and Missouri law, as well as the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights, you possess specific rights. These rights are essential for ensuring a fair and impartial justice system. Our Lincoln County, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately encountered numerous instances where our clients’ rights were violated. We are committed to protecting your rights and securing your future throughout the Lincoln County, MO area. Three of the most violated rights in Lincoln County, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
  • Due Process Violations: When you are accused of homicide or any crime, you are entitled to due process, ensuring fair treatment throughout the legal system. This means you’re entitled to receive notice of the charges against you and the opportunity to respond. Additionally, you have the right to an impartial judge or jury to determine your guilt or innocence. Prosecutors must provide all exculpatory evidence, and failing to do so infringes on your due process rights.
  • Failure to Read the Miranda Warning: According to Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that police must inform you of your rights before questioning. This includes your right to remain silent, your right to a lawyer, as well as a warning that anything you say can be used against you in court. Officers only need to read your Miranda rights if they are detaining you and intend to use your statements in a court of law. While waiving these rights is an option, it’s best to assert your right to remain silent and immediately contact a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
  • Unlawful Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment safeguards you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in Lincoln County, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they need to provide factual evidence to support their belief that a crime has occurred or is in progress. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
• Provide Expert Witnesses: Our team at Combs Waterkotte has access to a diverse network of skilled professionals in the Lincoln County, MO area, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can call these specialists to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
• Advocate for Lesser Charges: A talented and proactive Lincoln County, MO homicide lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser charge, particularly if the evidence against you is overwhelming. The Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers always act in your best interest. While they may provide guidance and expert legal advice, the final decision is yours.

If you are facing homicide charges in or around Lincoln County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best homicide lawyer in Lincoln County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Lincoln County, MO residents:

• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Assault Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer
• Sex Offense Lawyers
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
• Criminal Lawyer

Reach Out to an Expert Lincoln County, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte

Given the severity of homicide charges, it’s crucial for anyone facing such allegations to consult a Lincoln County, MO homicide lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced legal team is well-versed in Missouri laws and will do everything in its power to make sure your charges are dropped or reduced. If you’re facing a homicide charge in or around Lincoln County, MO, don’t delay.

Get in touch with an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Lincoln County, MO now to protect your rights, your future, and to secure the best possible defense. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a no-obligation case review.