Liberty, MO

Homicide lawyer in Liberty, MO. Being charged with homicide in Liberty, 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 Liberty, MO or anywhere across Missouri, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced homicide lawyer right away.

Don’t hesitate to call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation. Discuss your case in detail with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our firm has handled more than 10,000 cases like yours with proven results.

Types of Homicide Charges in Liberty, MO and Throughout 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

First-degree murder in Liberty, 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 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 Steps Should I Take if Accused of Homicide in Liberty, MO?

Homicide is a manner of death, 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 Liberty, MO, it’s a grave situation. Understanding the steps to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is essential. Our experienced Liberty, MO homicide legal team recommends the following actions:

• Consult a Lawyer: Having a Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney on your side in Liberty, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A qualified attorney can help review police reports, gather critical evidence, talk to witnesses, and develop a strong defense. They can also explore opportunities to reduce or dismiss charges and devise an effective trial plan. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
• Do Not Say Anything: When police advise you that “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” while reading you your Miranda rights, take that seriously. Making statements during an investigation could sway the case against you and offer prosecutors evidence to demonstrate your guilt. Having a good criminal defense lawyer in Liberty, MO is critical in this regard, as you would want to tell the truth but in the correct way.
• Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: Sadly, in this day and age, 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 lead to decisions you would not normally make. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte Liberty, MO homicide attorney understands your situation and is here to help you find clarity and strength during this difficult time.

The Importance of Hiring a Combs Waterkotte Liberty, MO Homicide Lawyer

If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Liberty, MO. 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 Liberty, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:

• Case Investigation: Our homicide lawyers will conduct an exhaustive investigation into your case, examining police documents, forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and any other material. They may also collaborate with private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
• Find Gaps in the Prosecution’s Case: Our dedicated homicide lawyers will examine every aspect of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. This could lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or an acquittal.
• Make Sure Your Rights Weren’t Violated: Under Liberty, 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. Our Liberty, 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. Three of the most violated rights in Liberty, 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 Read the Miranda Warning: In the landmark case of Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court established that police must inform you of your rights prior to any conducting any questioning. This includes your 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 only need to read your Miranda rights if they are detaining you and intend to use your statements in a court of law. 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 Liberty, MO and beyond. This means they need to present 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.
• Provide Expert Witnesses: Our team at Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of skilled professionals in the Liberty, 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 for Reduced Charges: A skilled and aggressive Liberty, MO homicide lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a plea to a lesser offense, especially if the evidence against you is overwhelming. 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 accused of homicide in Liberty, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the leading homicide lawyer in Liberty, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting 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 Liberty, MO residents:

• Gun Crime Lawyer
• 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

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

As homicide in Liberty, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in Liberty, MO immediately. Our experienced legal team is well-versed in 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 Liberty, MO, don’t wait.

Get in touch with an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Liberty, 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.