Homicide lawyer in Savannah, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Savannah, 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 Savannah, 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.
Legal Videos
Types of Homicide Charges in Savannah, 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
First-degree murder in Savannah, 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 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.
-
Protect Your Life
![Image]()
Protect Your Life
A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
Reach Out Now
-
Know Your Next Steps
![Image]()
Know Your Next Steps
Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
Stay Informed
-
Title
![Image]()
Ready to Talk to an Expert?
Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
Get Started
What Should I Do If I’m Charged with Homicide in Savannah, MO?
Homicide is a manner of death, when one individual causes 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.
If you’re accused of homicide in Savannah, MO, it is a serious matter. Knowing what to do after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is crucial, and our skilled Savannah, MO homicide legal team suggests you take the following steps:
- Contact a Lawyer: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney in Savannah, MO by your side as soon as possible to help ensure a successful outcome. A good lawyer can review police reports, collect critical evidence, talk to witnesses, and create a robust defense strategy. They can also explore opportunities to reduce or dismiss charges and devise an effective trial plan. Reach us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
- Remain Silent: When police say “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 an ill-timed statement during an investigation can significantly impact the outcome of your case and provide prosecutors with evidence to establish your guilt. Having a good criminal defense lawyer in Savannah, 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, simply being accused of a crime automatically makes you guilty in the minds of many people. This perception can significantly impact your mental well-being and make you consider things that you would never do under better circumstances. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte Savannah, MO homicide lawyer understands what you are going through.
Andrew County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Andrew County and Missouri.
The Significance of Choosing a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Savannah, MO
Facing homicide charges in or around Savannah, 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 be the difference between a reduced sentence or freedom and a life behind bars. Here’s how the Savannah, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:
- Case Investigation: Our homicide lawyers will launch a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the facts of the case, examining police documents, forensic evidence, witness accounts, and any other material. They may also work with private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Find Gaps 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. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or a successful acquittal.
- Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: Under Savannah, 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 Savannah, 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. Here are three frequently violated rights during Savannah, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
- 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 having the chance 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. Withholding it is a violation of your due process rights.
- Failure to Read the Miranda Warning: In 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, the right to an attorney, and the warning that anything said can be used in court. Officers only need to read your Miranda rights if they are detaining you and intend to use your statements in a court of law. While you can waive these rights, it’s not advisable. Instead, assert your right to remain silent and contact a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer right away at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
- Illegal Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment safeguards you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in Savannah, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they need to present factual justification for their belief that a crime was or is being committed. If evidence is obtained through an illegal search, it may be excluded from court.
- Secure Expert Testimony: Combs Waterkotte has access to a diverse network of experts in and around Savannah, MO, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can call these specialists to dispute the cause of death or other crucial factors in the case.
- Advocate for Lesser Charges: A skilled and proactive Savannah, MO homicide lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution 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.
When you’re facing homicide charges in Savannah, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading homicide lawyer in Savannah, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable homicide attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Savannah, MO residents:
Contact a Skilled Savannah, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte
As homicide in Savannah, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in Savannah, MO immediately. 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 confronted with a homicide charge in or around Savannah, MO, don’t wait.
Get in touch with a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Savannah, MO now to protect your rights and future while ensuring the best possible defense. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a no-obligation case review.
