Montgomery County, MO

Homicide lawyer in Montgomery County, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Montgomery County, 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 Montgomery County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need to speak 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.

The Different Types of Montgomery County, MO Homicide Charges

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 is the most serious homicide charge, involving a deliberate and premeditated act. This offense is classified as a class A felony, often resulting in a life sentence without the possibility of parole, or even the death penalty, depending on the details 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 charge refers to the act of causing someone’s death through reckless or negligent driving. Charges may range from a misdemeanor to a felony, and the penalties for vehicular manslaughter depend on whether substances like drugs or alcohol, or factors such as extreme recklessness, were involved.

What Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in Montgomery 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.

Being accused of homicide in Montgomery County, 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 Montgomery County, MO suggests the following steps:

• Hire an Attorney: Having a Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney in Montgomery County, MO by your side as soon as possible to help ensure a successful outcome. A qualified attorney can review police reports, collect evidence, speak with witnesses, and develop a solid defense. They can also look for potential ways to get your charges reduced or outright dismissed, or plan an effective, winning trial strategy. Call us 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” during the reading of 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. It’s essential to have a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Montgomery County, MO who can help you navigate this situation and articulate your side appropriately.
• Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: Sadly, in our current climate, many individuals jump to conclusions, viewing an accusation as a sign of guilt. This stigma can negatively affect your mental health and lead to decisions you would not normally make. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte Montgomery County, MO homicide attorney understands what you are going through.

The Significance of Choosing a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Montgomery County, MO

If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Montgomery County, MO. You shouldn’t gamble with your future or choose a lawyer based on an advertisement. Securing a knowledgeable 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 Montgomery County, MO:

• Case Investigation: Our homicide legal team will conduct an exhaustive investigation of the circumstances surrounding the facts of the case, reviewing police documents, forensic data, witness statements, and any other pertinent information. They may also work with private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s case.
• Spot Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Argument: Our relentless homicide lawyers 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 an acquittal.
• Make Sure Your Rights Weren’t Violated: Under Montgomery County, 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 Montgomery 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. Three of the most violated rights in Montgomery County, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
  • Due Process Violations: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, 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 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 Provide the Miranda Warning: In Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court established that police must inform you of your rights before questioning. This includes your right to remain silent, your right to legal representation, and the warning that anything said can be used in court. Police are only required to read your Miranda rights if they are detaining you and intend to use your statements in a court of law. 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 protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in Montgomery County, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they must provide factual evidence to support their belief that a crime has occurred or is in progress. If evidence is obtained through an illegal search, it may be excluded from court.
• Secure Expert Testimony: Our team at Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of skilled professionals in and around Montgomery County, MO, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can call these experts to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
• Negotiate for Reduced Charges: An experienced and proactive Montgomery County, MO homicide lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a plea to a lesser offense, especially 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 facing homicide charges in or around Montgomery County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the best homicide lawyer in Montgomery County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Montgomery County, 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

Reach Out to an Expert Montgomery County, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte

Since homicide is a serious felony crime, it’s essential for anyone facing these charges to speak with a Montgomery County, MO homicide attorney right away. Our experienced legal team is well-versed in Missouri laws and is dedicated to working tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If you’re facing a homicide charge in or around Montgomery County, MO, don’t delay.

Contact an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Montgomery County, MO now to protect your rights, your future, and to secure the best possible defense. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case review.