Homicide lawyer in Maryville, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Maryville, 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 Maryville, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need to speak 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.
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Homicide Charges in Maryville, MO and Across 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
First-degree murder in Maryville, 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 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 refers to the unlawful killing of another individual without the intent to kill. It can be either voluntary – in the heat of passion – or involuntary – due to reckless or negligent behavior. Manslaughter is a class B or class C felony.
Vehicular Manslaughter
This charge involves causing the death of another through reckless or negligent driving. The charges can vary from a misdemeanor to a felony, with penalties depending on whether drugs, alcohol, or extreme recklessness were factors.
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What Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in Maryville, 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.
Being accused of homicide in Maryville, 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 Maryville, MO suggests the following steps:
- Hire an Attorney: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney on your side in Maryville, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A good lawyer can analyze police reports, gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and build a robust defense strategy. They can also seek ways to have charges reduced or dismissed and formulate an effective trial strategy. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
- Keep Quiet: 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, believe them. 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 Maryville, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
- Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: Unfortunately, in today’s society, simply being accused of a crime automatically makes you guilty in the minds of many people. This perception can significantly impact your mental health and lead to decisions you would not normally make. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte Maryville, MO homicide lawyer understands your situation and is here to help you find clarity and strength during this difficult time.
Nodaway County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Nodaway County and Missouri.
Why You Should Hire a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Maryville, MO
If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Maryville, 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 can be the difference between a reduced sentence or freedom and a life behind bars. Here’s how the Maryville, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide lawyers will initiate a detailed investigation of the circumstances surrounding the facts of the case, reviewing police reports, forensic evidence, witness statements, and any other pertinent information. They may also work with private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Identify Flaws in the Prosecution’s Case: Our tenacious homicide lawyers will meticulously analyze every detail of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. This diligent approach may lead to a dismissal of charges, a plea reduction, or a not-guilty verdict.
- Make Sure Your Rights Weren’t Violated: You have protected rights guaranteed by Maryville, MO and Missouri law, as well as by the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution. These rights protect you and help ensure that our justice system remains fair and impartial. Unfortunately, our Maryville, MO criminal defense attorneys have witnessed many instances where clients’ rights were compromised. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and securing your future throughout the Maryville, MO area. Here are three frequently violated rights during Maryville, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
- Violations of Due Process: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, you have the right to due process, ensuring fair treatment throughout the legal system. This means you’re entitled to receive notice of the charges against you and the opportunity 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, 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 determined that police must inform you of your rights before 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 are only required 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.
- Illegal Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you and must have probable cause to make an arrest in Maryville, MO and beyond. This means they need to present facts justifying their belief that a crime has occurred or is in progress. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
- Engage Expert Witnesses: Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of experts in and around Maryville, 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.
- Advocate for Lesser Charges: A skilled and aggressive Maryville, MO homicide lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser charge, particularly if the evidence against you is compelling. 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 the Maryville, MO area and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading homicide lawyer in Maryville, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Maryville, MO residents:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Contact a Skilled Maryville, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte
Given the severity of homicide charges, it’s crucial for anyone facing such allegations to consult a Maryville, MO homicide lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced legal team understands Missouri laws and is committed to doing everything possible to have your charges reduced or dropped. If you’re facing a homicide charge in or around Maryville, MO, don’t delay.
Get in touch with a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Maryville, MO today to protect your rights, your future, and to secure the best possible defense. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, no-obligation case review.
