Macon County, MO

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

Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert criminal defense attorney. Our legal team has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.

Types of Homicide Charges in Macon County, MO and Throughout Missouri

Homicide charges vary depending on the circumstances and intent behind the killing. It’s important to understand the different types of homicide charges that could apply:

First-Degree Murder

First-degree murder in Macon 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 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 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 Should I Do If I’m Charged with Homicide in Macon 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.

Being accused of homicide in Macon County, MO is a serious issue. It’s vital to know what actions to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted. Our knowledgeable homicide legal team in Macon County, MO suggests the following steps:

• Hire an Attorney: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer on your side in Macon County, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A qualified attorney can analyze police reports, collect 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” while reading you your Miranda rights, heed their warning. Saying the wrong thing during an investigation can significantly impact the outcome of your case and provide prosecutors with evidence to establish your guilt. It’s essential to have a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Macon 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 perception can significantly impact your mental health and make you consider things that you would never do under better circumstances. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte Macon County, MO homicide lawyer understands what you are going through.

The Importance of Hiring a Combs Waterkotte Macon County, MO Homicide Lawyer

Facing homicide charges in or around Macon 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 could determine whether you receive a reduced sentence, achieve freedom, or face life imprisonment. Here’s how the Macon County, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:

• Case Investigation: Our homicide legal team will conduct an exhaustive investigation of the circumstances surrounding the facts of the case, examining police documents, forensic evidence, witness accounts, and all relevant materials. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
• Identify Flaws in the Prosecution’s Case: Our tenacious homicide attorneys will scrutinize every detail of the case to uncover any flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a plea reduction, or an acquittal.
• Ensure Your Rights are Protected: You have specific rights under Macon County, MO and Missouri law, as well as the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution. These rights are essential for ensuring a fair and impartial justice system. Our Macon County, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately encountered numerous instances where our clients’ rights were violated. We are dedicated to defending your rights and securing your future throughout the Macon County, MO area. Here are three frequently violated rights during Macon County, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
  • Violations of Due Process: When you are accused of homicide or any crime, you are entitled to due process, ensuring fair treatment in the legal system. This includes being informed of the charges against you and having the chance 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. Withholding it is a violation of your due process rights.
  • Failure to Read the Miranda Warning: In the landmark case of Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that police must inform you of your rights before questioning. This includes the right to remain silent, the right to legal representation, 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 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.
  • Unlawful Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you and must have probable cause to make an arrest in Macon County, MO and beyond. This means they must present facts justifying their belief that a crime has occurred or is in progress. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
• Engage Expert Witnesses: Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of experts in the Macon County, MO area, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can enlist these specialists to dispute critical factors in your case, including the cause of death.
• Negotiate Lesser Charges: A talented and proactive Macon County, MO homicide lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution 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.

When you are facing homicide charges in the Macon County, MO area and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading homicide lawyer in Macon County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Macon 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

Reach Out to an Expert Macon 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 Macon County, MO homicide lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced legal team has a deep understanding of Missouri laws and is committed to doing everything possible to have your charges reduced or dropped. If you’re facing a homicide charge anywhere near Macon County, MO, don’t delay.

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