Kansas City, MO

Homicide lawyer in Kansas City, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Kansas City, MO is probably one of the most critical legal challenges anyone can endure. These accusations carry harsh punishments, including extended jail time or even the possibility of the death penalty. If you’ve been charged with homicide in Kansas City, MO or anywhere in Missouri, speaking with an experienced homicide lawyer right away is essential.

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 Kansas City, 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

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 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 Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO suggests the following steps:

• Hire an Attorney: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney on your side in Kansas City, 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 explore opportunities to reduce or dismiss charges and devise an effective trial plan. Give us a call 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 an ill-timed statement during an investigation could sway the case against you and offer prosecutors evidence to demonstrate your guilt. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Kansas City, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
• Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: Sadly, in our current climate, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. 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 Kansas City, MO homicide lawyer is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.

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

Facing homicide charges in or around Kansas City, 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 helps in Kansas City, MO:

• Thorough Case Analysis: Our homicide lawyers will conduct an exhaustive investigation into your case, examining police documents, forensic data, witness accounts, and any other material. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s case.
• Spot Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Argument: Our tenacious homicide attorneys will examine every aspect of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or a successful acquittal.
• Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: You have protected rights guaranteed by Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately seen a number of situations where our clients’ rights were violated. We do everything in our power to protect your rights and future. Here are three frequently violated rights during Kansas City, 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 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. Withholding it is 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 prior to any conducting any 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 are only required 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 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 Kansas City, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they must provide facts justifying their belief that a crime was or is being committed. If evidence is obtained through an illegal search, it may be excluded from court.
• Provide Expert Witnesses: Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of skilled professionals in the Kansas City, MO area, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can call these experts to dispute critical factors in your case, including the cause of death.
• Advocate for Lesser Charges: A talented and aggressive Kansas City, 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 lawyers prioritize your interests, guiding you while allowing you to make the final decision.

If you’re accused of homicide in or around Kansas City, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal homicide lawyer in Kansas City, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Kansas City 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

Consult an Experienced Homicide Lawyer in Kansas City, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

Since homicide is a serious felony crime, it’s essential for anyone facing these charges to speak with a Kansas City, MO homicide attorney right away. Our experienced legal team understands 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 anywhere near Kansas City, MO, take action now.

Get in touch with a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Kansas City, 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 assessment.