Lexington, MO

Homicide lawyer in Lexington, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Lexington, MO is one of the most severe legal challenges anyone can encounter. These charges carry serious consequences, including lengthy prison sentences or even the death penalty. If you have been accused of homicide in Lexington, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need to speak 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO that may apply is crucial:

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 Should I Do If I’m Charged with Homicide in Lexington, MO?

Homicide refers to the act of one individual causing 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 Lexington, MO, it’s a grave situation. Understanding the steps to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is essential. Our experienced Lexington, MO homicide legal team recommends the following actions:

• Consult a Lawyer: Having a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Lexington, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A qualified attorney can review police reports, gather critical evidence, speak with witnesses, and create 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. 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 investigations could potentially change the outcome of your case and give prosecutors ample material to prove guilt. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Lexington, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
• Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: Sadly, in our current climate, simply being accused of a crime automatically makes you guilty in the minds of many people. This can deeply alter your mental well-being and make you consider things that you would never do under better circumstances. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO

If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Lexington, 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 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 Lexington, MO:

• Case Investigation: Our homicide lawyers will initiate a detailed investigation of the circumstances surrounding the facts of the case, reviewing police reports, forensic data, witness accounts, and any other material. They may also collaborate with private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
• Identify Flaws in the Prosecution’s Case: Our relentless homicide attorneys will examine every detail of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. This diligent approach may result in the dismissal of charges, a plea reduction, or a not-guilty verdict.
• Make Sure Your Rights Weren’t Violated: Under Lexington, MO and Missouri law, as well as the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights, you possess specific rights. These rights protect you and help ensure that our justice system remains fair and impartial. Unfortunately, our Lexington, 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. Three of the most violated rights in Lexington, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
  • Due Process Violations: When you are accused of homicide or any crime, you are entitled 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 constitutes a violation of your due process rights.
  • Failure to Provide the Miranda Warning: In Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement must inform you of your rights prior to any 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. While waiving these rights is an option, it’s best to assert your right to remain silent and immediately contact a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
  • Unlawful 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 Lexington, MO and beyond. This means they need to provide factual evidence to support their belief that a crime has occurred or is in progress. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
• Secure Expert Testimony: Combs Waterkotte has access to a diverse network of experts in and around Lexington, MO, 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.
• Negotiate Lesser Charges: An experienced and aggressive Lexington, 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 overwhelming. At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys prioritize your interests, guiding you while allowing you to make the final decision.

When you’re facing homicide charges in Lexington, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading homicide lawyer in Lexington, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable homicide lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Lexington, MO residents:

• 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 Lexington, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

As homicide in Lexington, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in Lexington, MO immediately. Our experienced legal team understands Missouri laws and is dedicated to working tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If you’re facing a homicide charge anywhere near Lexington, MO, don’t delay.

Contact an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Lexington, 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, no-obligation case assessment.