Union, MO

Homicide lawyer in Union, MO. Being charged with homicide in Union, 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 Union, 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.

The Different Types of Union, 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

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 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 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 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 Union, 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 mental incapacity.

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

• Hire an Attorney: Having a Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney in Union, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A good lawyer can help review police reports, gather critical evidence, interview witnesses, and create a solid defense. 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.
• Keep Quiet: When law enforcement informs 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. Making statements 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 Union, MO who can help you navigate this situation and articulate your side appropriately.
• Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: Sadly, in our current climate, simply being accused of a crime automatically makes you guilty in the minds of many people. This stigma can negatively affect your mental health and make you consider things that you would never do under better circumstances. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte Union, MO homicide lawyer understands your situation and is here to help you find clarity and strength during this difficult time.

The Significance of Choosing a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Union, MO

If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Union, 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 can mean the difference between a lighter sentence or even freedom and spending years in prison. Here’s how the Union, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:

• Case Investigation: Our homicide lawyers will conduct an exhaustive investigation of the circumstances surrounding your case, examining police reports, forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and any other pertinent information. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
• Identify Flaws in the Prosecution’s Case: 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 plea reduction, or a successful acquittal.
• Ensure Your Rights are Protected: You have certain rights under Union, 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 Union, 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. Three of the most violated rights in Union, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
  • Due Process Violations: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, 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 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, and failing to do so constitutes a violation of your due process rights.
  • Failure to Read the Miranda Warning: According to Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court established that law enforcement 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. 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.
  • Unlawful Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment safeguards against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in Union, 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. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
• Engage Expert Witnesses: Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of experts in and around Union, MO, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can call these experts to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
• Negotiate Lesser Charges: A skilled and aggressive Union, MO homicide attorney 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 compelling. 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 Union, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal homicide lawyer in Union, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable homicide attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Union and beyond:

• 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

Contact a Skilled Union, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte

Given the severity of homicide charges, it’s crucial for anyone facing such allegations to consult a Union, MO homicide lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced legal team has a deep understanding of Missouri laws and is dedicated to working tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If you’re confronted with a homicide charge in or around Union, MO, don’t wait.

Contact an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Union, MO now 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 assessment.