Homicide Lawyer Lewis County, MO

Homicide lawyer in Lewis County, MO. Being charged with homicide in Lewis 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 Lewis County, 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 Lewis County, 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

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

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

• Contact a Lawyer: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Lewis County, MO by your side as soon as possible to help ensure a successful outcome. A qualified attorney can help review police reports, collect critical 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 law enforcement informs you that “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” as they read 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. Having a good criminal defense lawyer in Lewis County, MO is critical in this regard, as you would want to tell the truth but in the correct way.
• Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: Unfortunately, in today’s society, simply being accused of a crime automatically makes you guilty in the minds of many people. This stigma can negatively affect your mental well-being and make you consider things that you would never do under better circumstances. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte Lewis County, MO homicide attorney is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.

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

If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Lewis County, MO. It’s critical not to leave your future to chance or to rely on a lawyer whose name you saw on a billboard or bus stop. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can be the difference between a reduced sentence or freedom and a life behind bars. Here’s how the Combs Waterkotte homicide legal team helps in Lewis County, MO:

• Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide legal team will initiate a detailed investigation into your case, reviewing police documents, forensic data, witness testimonies, and all relevant materials. They may also work with private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
• Find Gaps in the Prosecution’s Case: Our relentless homicide lawyers will examine 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 not-guilty verdict.
• Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: You have specific rights guaranteed by Lewis County, 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. Unfortunately, our Lewis County, MO criminal defense attorneys have witnessed many instances where clients’ rights were compromised. We do everything in our power to protect your rights and future. Here are three frequently violated rights during Lewis 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 means you’re entitled to receive notice of the charges against you and having the chance 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. Withholding it is a violation of your due process rights.
  • Failure to Provide the Miranda Warning: According to Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement must inform you of your rights before questioning. This includes your right to remain silent, your right to an attorney, as well as a warning that anything you say can be used against you in court. Police 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.
  • 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 Lewis County, MO and beyond. This means they need to present 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: Our team at Combs Waterkotte has access to a diverse network of experts in and around Lewis County, MO, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can enlist these specialists to dispute the cause of death or other crucial factors in the case.
• Negotiate Lesser Charges: A talented and proactive Lewis County, 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 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.

When you are facing homicide charges in or around Lewis County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading homicide lawyer in Lewis County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Lewis County and beyond:

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

Contact a Skilled Lewis County, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte

As homicide in Lewis County, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in Lewis County, MO immediately. 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 dealing with a homicide charge anywhere near Lewis County, MO, don’t wait.

Contact an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Lewis 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 free case assessment.