Laclede County, MO

Homicide lawyer in Laclede County, MO. Being charged with homicide in Laclede 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 Laclede County, MO or anywhere across Missouri, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced homicide lawyer right away.

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.

Types of Homicide Charges in Laclede 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 Laclede County, MO that may apply is crucial:

First-Degree Murder

First-degree murder in Laclede 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 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 refers to the unlawful killing of another individual without the intent to kill. It can be either voluntary – in the heat of passion – or involuntary – due to reckless or negligent behavior. Manslaughter is a class B or class C felony.

Vehicular Manslaughter

This charge refers to the act of causing someone’s death through reckless or negligent driving. Charges may range from a misdemeanor to a felony, and the penalties for vehicular manslaughter depend on whether substances like drugs or alcohol, or factors such as extreme recklessness, were involved.

What Steps Should I Take if Accused of Homicide in Laclede County, MO?

Homicide refers to the act of one individual causing 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 are facing homicide charges in Laclede County, MO, it’s a grave situation. Understanding the steps to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is essential. Our experienced Laclede County, MO homicide legal team recommends the following actions:

• Hire an Attorney: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer on your side in Laclede County, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A good lawyer can analyze police reports, collect evidence, speak with witnesses, and create a robust defense strategy. They can also explore opportunities to reduce or dismiss charges and devise an effective trial plan. 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, take that seriously. Making statements during investigations could potentially change the outcome of your case and give prosecutors ample material to prove guilt. Having a good criminal defense lawyer in Laclede 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: Unfortunately, in today’s society, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. This can deeply alter your mental well-being and lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte Laclede County, MO homicide attorney understands what you are going through.

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

If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Laclede County, MO. You shouldn’t gamble with your future or choose a lawyer based on an advertisement. Securing a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between a lighter sentence or even freedom and spending years in prison. Here’s how the Laclede County, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:

• Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide attorneys will initiate a detailed investigation into your case, reviewing police documents, forensic evidence, witness statements, and any other pertinent information. They may also work with private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
• Spot Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Argument: Our relentless homicide attorneys will meticulously analyze every detail of the case to uncover any flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. This diligent approach may lead to a dismissal of charges, a plea reduction, or a not-guilty verdict.
• Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: You have protected rights guaranteed by Laclede 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. Our Laclede County, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately seen a number of situations where our clients’ rights were violated. We are committed to defending your rights and securing your future throughout the Laclede County, MO area. Here are three frequently violated rights during Laclede County, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
  • Violations of Due Process: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, you have the right to due process, ensuring fair treatment throughout the legal system. This includes being informed 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 constitutes a violation of your due process rights.
  • Failure to Provide the Miranda Warning: In the landmark case of 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 your right to remain silent, your right to legal representation, and the warning that anything said can be used in court. Police are only required to read your Miranda rights if they detain and question you with the intent to use your statements in court. While you can waive these rights, it’s not advisable. Instead, assert your right to remain silent and contact a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer right away at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
  • Illegal Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in Laclede 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 was or is being committed. 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 skilled professionals in and around Laclede County, MO, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can call these experts to dispute the cause of death or other crucial factors in the case.
• Negotiate Lesser Charges: An experienced and aggressive Laclede County, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a plea to a lesser offense, particularly if the evidence against you is overwhelming. At Combs Waterkotte, our lawyers prioritize your interests, guiding you while allowing you to make the final decision.

If you are accused of homicide in the Laclede County, MO area and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best homicide lawyer in Laclede County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Laclede County, MO residents:

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

Contact a Skilled Laclede 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 Laclede County, MO homicide lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced legal team understands Missouri laws and is dedicated to working tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If you’re facing a homicide charge in or around Laclede County, MO, don’t wait.

Contact a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Laclede County, MO now to protect your rights and future while ensuring the best possible defense. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, no-obligation case review.