Homicide lawyer in Smithville, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Smithville, 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 Smithville, 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.
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The Different Types of Smithville, 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 Smithville, 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 is defined as the unlawful killing of another individual without the intention to take their life. It can be classified as voluntary – occurring in a moment of passion – or involuntary – resulting from reckless or negligent conduct. Manslaughter is categorized as 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 Smithville, 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.
If you are facing homicide charges in Smithville, MO, it’s a grave situation. Understanding the steps to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is essential. Our experienced Smithville, MO homicide legal team recommends the following actions:
- Consult a Lawyer: Having a Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney in Smithville, MO by your side as soon as possible to help ensure a successful outcome. A good lawyer can analyze police reports, collect 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 advise you that “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” during the reading of 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. It’s essential to have a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Smithville, MO who can help you navigate this situation and articulate your side appropriately.
- Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: Sadly, in our current climate, simply being accused of a crime automatically makes you guilty in the minds of many people. This stigma can negatively affect your mental well-being and lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte Smithville, MO homicide lawyer understands what you are going through.
Platte County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Platte County and Missouri.
The Importance of Hiring a Combs Waterkotte Smithville, MO Homicide Lawyer
Facing homicide charges in or around Smithville, MO is a serious matter with significant consequences. You can’t leave this to chance or to a lawyer found on a billboard or bus stop. Securing a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between a lighter sentence or even freedom and spending years in prison. Here’s how the Smithville, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide lawyers will conduct an exhaustive investigation of the circumstances surrounding the facts of the case, examining police documents, forensic evidence, witness accounts, and all relevant materials. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- 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 a successful acquittal.
- Make Sure Your Rights Weren’t Violated: You have certain rights guaranteed by Smithville, MO and Missouri law, as well as by the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution. These rights are essential for ensuring a fair and impartial justice system. Our Smithville, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately encountered numerous instances 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 Smithville, 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 throughout the legal system. This means you’re entitled to receive notice 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. Withholding it is a violation of 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 prior to any questioning. This includes your right to remain silent, your right to legal representation, as well as a warning that anything you say can be used against you 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.
- 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 Smithville, MO and beyond. This means they must 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.
- Engage Expert Witnesses: Combs Waterkotte works with a wide network of skilled professionals in the Smithville, MO area, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can enlist these experts to dispute the cause of death or other crucial factors in the case.
- Negotiate Lesser Charges: A talented and aggressive Smithville, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser charge, especially 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 facing homicide charges in Smithville, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the ideal homicide lawyer in Smithville, 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 provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Smithville and beyond:
- Criminal Defense Lawyers With Payment Plans
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- Traffic Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
Consult an Experienced Homicide Lawyer in Smithville, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
Given the severity of homicide charges, it’s crucial for anyone facing such allegations to consult a Smithville, MO homicide lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced legal team understands Missouri laws and will do everything in its power to make sure your charges are dropped or reduced. If you’re facing a homicide charge in or around Smithville, MO, take action now.
Contact an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Smithville, 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 case review.
