DeKalb County, MO

Homicide lawyer in DeKalb County, MO. Facing a homicide charge in DeKalb County, MO is probably one of the most critical legal challenges anyone can endure. These accusations carry harsh punishments, including extended jail time or even the possibility of the death penalty. If you’ve been charged with homicide in DeKalb County, MO or anywhere in Missouri, speaking with an experienced homicide lawyer right away is essential.

Don’t hesitate to call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation. Discuss your case in detail with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our firm has handled more than 10,000 cases like yours with proven results.

The Different Types of DeKalb County, MO Homicide Charges

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 in DeKalb County, MO involves a planned and intentional killing. This charge is classified as a class A felony, typically resulting in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, or even the death penalty, depending on the specifics of the case.

Second-Degree Murder

Second-degree murder encompasses intentional killings that occur without premeditation. This charge is also a class A felony and can lead to sentences of 10 to 30 years or life imprisonment. Unlike murder in the first degree, individuals convicted of this crime may qualify for parole after serving at least 85 percent of their 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 DeKalb County, MO?

Homicide occurs when one individual causes the death of another. Not all homicide is murder though, as some deaths caused by another individual are manslaughter, and some are lawful – like when justified by an affirmative defense, such as insanity or self-defense.

If you’re accused of homicide in DeKalb County, MO, it is a serious matter. Knowing what to do after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is crucial, and our skilled DeKalb County, MO homicide legal team suggests you take the following steps:

• Consult a Lawyer: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney in DeKalb County, MO by your side as soon as possible to help ensure a successful outcome. A good lawyer can help review police reports, collect critical evidence, talk to witnesses, and build a robust defense strategy. They can also look for potential ways to get your charges reduced or outright dismissed, or plan an effective, winning trial strategy. Reach us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
• Do Not Say Anything: 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, heed their warning. Making an ill-timed statement during an investigation could sway the case against you and offer prosecutors evidence to demonstrate your guilt. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in DeKalb County, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
• 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 stigma can negatively affect your mental well-being and lead to decisions you would not normally make. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte DeKalb County, MO homicide lawyer understands what you are going through.

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

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

• Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide legal team will conduct an exhaustive investigation of the circumstances surrounding your case, reviewing police documents, forensic data, witness statements, and any other pertinent information. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
• Spot Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Argument: Our tenacious homicide attorneys will scrutinize every detail of the case to find flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or an acquittal.
• Make Sure Your Rights Weren’t Violated: You have protected rights guaranteed by DeKalb County, MO and Missouri law, as well as by the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution. These rights are essential for ensuring a fair and impartial justice system. Unfortunately, our DeKalb County, MO criminal defense attorneys have witnessed many instances where clients’ rights were compromised. We are dedicated to defending your rights and securing your future throughout the DeKalb County, MO area. Three of the most violated rights in DeKalb County, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
  • Violations of Due Process: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, you have the right to due process, ensuring fair treatment in the legal system. This means you’re entitled to receive notice of the charges against you and having the chance to respond. You also have the right to an unbiased judge or jury to evaluate your guilt or innocence. Prosecutors must provide all exculpatory evidence. Withholding it is a violation of your due process rights.
  • Failure to Read the Miranda Warning: In Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police must inform you of your rights before conducting any questioning. This includes your right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, as well as a warning that anything you say can be used against you in court. Police only need to read your Miranda rights if they detain and question you with the intent to use your statements in court. Although you may waive these rights, it’s advisable to assert your right to remain silent and contact a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
  • Illegal Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in DeKalb County, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they must provide factual justification for their belief that a crime has occurred or is in progress. If evidence is obtained through an illegal search, it may be excluded from court.
• Secure Expert Testimony: Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of experts in and around DeKalb County, MO, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can call these experts to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
• Negotiate for Reduced Charges: A skilled and aggressive DeKalb County, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser charge, especially if the evidence against you is overwhelming. At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys prioritize your interests, guiding you while allowing you to make the final decision.

When you’re facing homicide charges in DeKalb County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the best homicide lawyer in DeKalb County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in DeKalb County and beyond:

• Gun Crime Lawyer
• 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

Consult an Experienced Homicide Lawyer in DeKalb County, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

Given the severity of homicide charges, it’s crucial for anyone facing such allegations to consult a DeKalb County, MO homicide lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced legal team is well-versed in Missouri laws and is committed to doing everything possible to have your charges reduced or dropped. If you’re dealing with a homicide charge in or around DeKalb County, MO, take action now.

Get in touch with an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in DeKalb 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 free, no-obligation case review.