Homicide Lawyer Putnam County, MO

Homicide lawyer in Putnam County, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Putnam 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 Putnam 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.

Types of Homicide Charges in Putnam County, MO and Throughout 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

The most serious of homicide charges, first-degree murder involves a premeditated, intentional killing. This is class A felony, often carrying life imprisonment without eligibility for probation or parole, or even the death penalty depending on the circumstances.

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 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 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 Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in Putnam County, 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 Putnam County, MO, it’s a grave situation. Understanding the steps to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is essential. Our experienced Putnam County, MO homicide legal team recommends the following actions:

• Consult a Lawyer: Having a Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney on your side in Putnam County, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A qualified attorney can analyze police reports, collect critical evidence, talk to witnesses, and build a strong defense. 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 law enforcement informs you that “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” as they read your Miranda rights, believe them. Making statements during an investigation can significantly impact the outcome of your case and provide prosecutors with evidence to establish your guilt. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Putnam County, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
• Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: Unfortunately, in today’s society, many individuals jump to conclusions, viewing an accusation as a sign of guilt. This stigma can negatively affect your mental well-being and make you consider things that you would never do under better circumstances. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte Putnam County, MO homicide lawyer understands what you are going through.

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

Facing homicide charges in or around Putnam County, MO is a serious matter with significant consequences. You shouldn’t gamble with your future or choose a lawyer based on an advertisement. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney could determine whether you receive a reduced sentence, achieve freedom, or face life imprisonment. Here’s how the Putnam County, 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 documents, forensic evidence, witness statements, and all relevant materials. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s case.
• Identify Flaws in the Prosecution’s Case: Our tenacious homicide lawyers will meticulously analyze 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 a not-guilty verdict.
• Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: Under Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO criminal defense attorneys have witnessed many instances where clients’ rights were compromised. We are committed to protecting your rights and securing your future throughout the Putnam County, MO area. Three of the most violated rights in Putnam County, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
  • Violations of Due Process: When you are accused of homicide or any crime, 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 ruled that police must inform you of your rights before questioning. This includes the right to remain silent, your right to a lawyer, and the warning that anything said can be used in court. Officers only need 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.
  • Unlawful 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 Putnam County, MO and beyond. This means they must provide facts justifying their belief that a crime was or is being committed. If evidence is obtained through an illegal search, it may be excluded from court.
• Provide Expert Witnesses: Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of skilled professionals in and around Putnam County, MO, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can call these experts to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
• Advocate for Lesser Charges: A skilled and aggressive Putnam County, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a plea to a lesser offense, particularly 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.

If you’re accused of homicide in Putnam County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading homicide lawyer in Putnam County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Putnam County and beyond:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney

Reach Out to an Expert Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO homicide attorney right away. Our experienced legal team understands 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 Putnam County, MO, take action now.

Contact an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Putnam County, 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.