Homicide Lawyer Fulton, MO

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

Homicide Charges in Fulton, MO and Across 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 Fulton, MO that may apply is crucial:

First-Degree Murder

First-degree murder in Fulton, 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 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 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 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.

What Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in Fulton, 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.

If you’re accused of homicide in Fulton, MO, it is a serious matter. Knowing what to do after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is crucial, and our skilled Fulton, MO homicide legal team suggests you take the following steps:

• Hire an Attorney: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Fulton, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A qualified attorney can analyze police reports, collect evidence, interview 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.
• Keep Quiet: When police say “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” while reading you your Miranda rights, take that seriously. Saying the wrong thing during an investigation can significantly impact the outcome of your case and provide prosecutors with evidence to establish your guilt. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Fulton, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
• Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: 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 well-being and lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte Fulton, MO homicide lawyer understands what you are going through.

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

Facing homicide charges in or around Fulton, 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 Combs Waterkotte homicide legal team can support you in Fulton, MO:

• Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide attorneys will launch a thorough investigation into the facts of the case, reviewing police reports, forensic data, witness statements, and any other material. They may also work with private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
• Spot Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Argument: Our tenacious homicide lawyers will meticulously analyze 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 reduction in charges, or a not-guilty verdict.
• Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: Under Fulton, MO and Missouri law, as well as the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights, you possess specific rights. These rights are essential for ensuring a fair and impartial justice system. Our Fulton, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately encountered numerous instances where our clients’ rights were violated. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and securing your future throughout the Fulton, MO area. Here are three frequently violated rights during Fulton, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
  • Violations of Due Process: When you are accused of homicide or any crime, you have the right to due process, ensuring fair treatment in the legal system. This includes being informed 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 Read 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 your right to remain silent, the right to legal representation, and the warning that anything said can be used 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 reach out online.
  • Illegal Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment safeguards you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you and must have probable cause to make an arrest in Fulton, MO and beyond. This means they need to present factual justification for their belief that a crime has occurred or is in progress. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
• Provide Expert Witnesses: Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of experts in and around Fulton, 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 for Reduced Charges: A talented and proactive Fulton, MO homicide lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser charge, particularly 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.

If you are accused of homicide in Fulton, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading homicide lawyer in Fulton, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Fulton, MO residents:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney

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

As homicide in Fulton, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in Fulton, MO immediately. Our experienced legal team understands Missouri laws and is committed to doing everything possible to have your charges reduced or dropped. If you’re confronted with a homicide charge in or around Fulton, MO, don’t wait.

Contact a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Fulton, MO now to protect your rights, your future, and to secure the best possible defense. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case review.