Homicide lawyer in Grandview, MO. Being charged with homicide in Grandview, 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 Grandview, 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.
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Homicide Charges in Grandview, MO and Across Missouri
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 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 involves causing the death of another through reckless or negligent driving. The charges can vary from a misdemeanor to a felony, with penalties depending on whether drugs, alcohol, or extreme recklessness were factors.
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What Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in Grandview, 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 insanity.
If you are facing homicide charges in Grandview, MO, it’s a grave situation. Understanding the steps to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is essential. Our experienced Grandview, MO homicide legal team recommends the following actions:
- Hire an Attorney: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer on your side in Grandview, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A good lawyer can analyze police reports, gather critical evidence, speak with witnesses, and create 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.
- Do Not Say Anything: When police say “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 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 Grandview, MO who can help you navigate this situation and articulate your side appropriately.
- Understand You are Innocent Until Proven Guilty: Unfortunately, in today’s society, many individuals jump to conclusions, viewing an accusation as a sign of guilt. This can deeply alter your mental health and lead to decisions you would not normally make. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte Grandview, MO homicide attorney understands what you are going through.
Jackson County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jackson County and Missouri.
The Importance of Hiring a Combs Waterkotte Grandview, MO Homicide Lawyer
Facing homicide charges in or around Grandview, MO is a serious matter with significant consequences. You shouldn’t gamble with your future or choose a lawyer based on an advertisement. Securing a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can be the difference between a reduced sentence or freedom and a life behind bars. Here’s how the Grandview, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:
- Case Investigation: Our homicide legal team will launch a thorough investigation into the facts of the case, reviewing police documents, forensic data, witness testimonies, and any other material. They may also work with private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Spot Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Argument: Our tenacious homicide lawyers will scrutinize every aspect of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a plea reduction, or a not-guilty verdict.
- Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: You have certain rights under Grandview, MO and Missouri law, as well as 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 Grandview, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately encountered numerous instances where our clients’ rights were violated. We are committed to defending your rights and securing your future throughout the Grandview, MO area. Three of the most violated rights in Grandview, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
- Violations of Due Process: 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 the opportunity 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, and failing to do so infringes on your due process rights.
- Failure to Provide the Miranda Warning: According to Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court established that police must inform you of your rights before conducting any questioning. This includes the 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 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 get in touch online.
- Illegal 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 Grandview, MO and beyond. This means they need to provide factual justification for their belief that a crime was or is being committed. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
- Secure Expert Testimony: Combs Waterkotte works with a wide network of experts in the Grandview, MO area, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can enlist these experts to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
- Negotiate Lesser Charges: An experienced and aggressive Grandview, MO homicide lawyer 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 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 accused of homicide in Grandview, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal homicide lawyer in Grandview, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable homicide lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Grandview and beyond:
Reach Out to an Expert Grandview, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte
Since homicide is a serious felony crime, it’s essential for anyone facing these charges to speak with a Grandview, MO homicide attorney right away. Our experienced legal team has a deep understanding of Missouri laws and will do everything in its power to make sure your charges are dropped or reduced. If you’re confronted with a homicide charge in or around Grandview, MO, don’t delay.
Get in touch with an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Grandview, 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 free, no-obligation case assessment.
