Homicide lawyer in Marion County, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Marion County, MO is one of the most severe legal challenges anyone can encounter. These charges carry serious consequences, including lengthy prison sentences or even the death penalty. If you have been accused of homicide in Marion County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need to speak 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.
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Types of Homicide Charges in Marion County, MO and Throughout Missouri
Homicide charges can differ significantly based on the circumstances surrounding the act and the intent behind it. Understanding the various types of homicide charges in Marion County, MO that may apply is crucial:
First-Degree Murder
The most serious of homicide charges, first-degree murder involves a premeditated, intentional killing. This is class A felony, often carrying life imprisonment without eligibility for probation or parole, or even the death penalty depending on the circumstances.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-degree murder refers to an intentional killing that lacks premeditation. Also categorized as a class A felony, this crime can lead to prison sentences ranging from 10 to 30 years, or potentially life. Unlike first-degree murder, those convicted may be eligible for parole after serving at least 85 percent of their sentence.
Manslaughter:
Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of someone without the intent to end their life. It can be categorized as voluntary – triggered by a sudden emotional reaction – or involuntary – resulting from careless or reckless actions. This offense is classified 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.
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What Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in Marion County, MO?
Homicide is a manner of death, 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 Marion County, MO, it is a serious matter. Knowing what to do after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is crucial, and our skilled Marion County, MO homicide legal team suggests you take the following steps:
- Consult a Lawyer: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney in Marion County, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A good lawyer can review police reports, collect critical evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong defense. They can also explore opportunities to reduce or dismiss charges and devise an effective trial plan. Reach 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, take that seriously. Making statements during an investigation can significantly impact the outcome of your case and provide prosecutors with evidence to establish your guilt. Having a good criminal defense lawyer in Marion County, MO is critical in this regard, as you would want to tell the truth but in the correct way.
- Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: 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 health and lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte Marion County, MO homicide lawyer understands your situation and is here to help you find clarity and strength during this difficult time.
Marion County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Marion County and Missouri.
The Significance of Choosing a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Marion County, MO
Facing homicide charges in or around Marion County, MO is a serious matter with significant consequences. You can’t leave this to chance or to a lawyer found on a billboard or bus stop. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can be the difference between a reduced sentence or freedom and a life behind bars. Here’s how the Combs Waterkotte homicide legal team helps in Marion County, MO:
- Thorough Case Analysis: Our homicide legal team will conduct an exhaustive investigation of the circumstances surrounding your case, examining police documents, forensic data, witness statements, and all relevant materials. They may also work with private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
- Find Gaps in the Prosecution’s Case: Our dedicated homicide attorneys will scrutinize every detail of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or a not-guilty verdict.
- Ensure Your Rights are Protected: You have protected rights guaranteed by Marion County, MO and Missouri law, as well as by the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution. These rights protect you and help ensure that our justice system remains fair and impartial. Our Marion County, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately encountered numerous instances where our clients’ rights were violated. We do everything in our power to protect your rights and future. Here are three frequently violated rights during Marion County, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
- Violations of Due Process: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, you are entitled to due process, ensuring fair treatment in 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: In Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court established that police must inform you of your rights prior to any conducting any questioning. This includes the right to remain silent, the 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 against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you and must have probable cause to make an arrest in Marion County, MO and beyond. This means they need to present factual evidence to support their belief that a crime was or is being committed. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
- Engage Expert Witnesses: Our team at Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of skilled professionals in and around Marion County, MO, 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 skilled and aggressive Marion County, MO homicide lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a plea to a lesser offense, 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 or around Marion County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal homicide lawyer in Marion County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Marion County, MO residents:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Reach Out to an Expert Marion 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 Marion County, MO homicide lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced legal team is well-versed in Missouri laws and is dedicated to working tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If you’re facing a homicide charge anywhere near Marion County, MO, take action now.
Contact an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Marion County, MO today 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.
