New London, MO

Homicide lawyer in New London, MO. Facing a homicide charge in New London, MO is probably one of the most critical legal challenges anyone can endure. These accusations carry harsh punishments, including extended jail time or even the possibility of the death penalty. If you’ve been charged with homicide in New London, MO or anywhere in Missouri, speaking with an experienced homicide lawyer right away is essential.

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.

The Different Types of New London, 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 in New London, 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 refers to an intentional killing that lacks premeditation. Also categorized as a class A felony, this crime can lead to prison sentences ranging from 10 to 30 years, or potentially life. Unlike first-degree murder, those convicted may be eligible 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 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 New London, 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.

Being accused of homicide in New London, 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 New London, MO suggests the following steps:

• Contact a Lawyer: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney on your side in New London, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A qualified attorney can review police reports, collect evidence, talk to witnesses, and build a robust defense strategy. 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.
• Remain Silent: 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, heed their warning. 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 New London, MO is critical in this regard, as you would want to tell the truth but in the correct way.
• Understand You are Innocent Until Proven Guilty: 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 you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte New London, MO homicide lawyer is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.

The Significance of Choosing a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in New London, MO

If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in New London, MO. You shouldn’t gamble with your future or choose a lawyer based on an advertisement. Securing a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney could determine whether you receive a reduced sentence, achieve freedom, or face life imprisonment. Here’s how the New London, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:

• Case Investigation: Our homicide lawyers will initiate a detailed investigation of the circumstances surrounding your case, examining police documents, forensic evidence, witness accounts, and any other material. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
• Spot Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Argument: Our dedicated homicide attorneys will scrutinize every detail 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 New London, 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 New London, 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 New London, 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 includes being informed 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: According to Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police must inform you of your rights prior to any questioning. This includes your right to remain silent, your right to a lawyer, and the warning that anything said can be used 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 you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you and must have probable cause to make an arrest in New London, 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 has access to a diverse network of skilled professionals in and around New London, MO, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can enlist these experts to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
• Advocate for Lesser Charges: An experienced and aggressive New London, MO homicide attorney 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 attorneys prioritize your interests, guiding you while allowing you to make the final decision.

When you’re facing homicide charges in the New London, MO area and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading homicide lawyer in New London, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for New London, MO residents:

• Assault Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer
• Sex Offense Lawyers
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
• Criminal Lawyer

Reach Out to an Expert New London, 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 New London, MO homicide attorney right away. 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 confronted with a homicide charge in or around New London, MO, take action now.

Contact a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in New London, 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 no-obligation case review.