Homicide lawyer in St. Joseph, MO. Being charged with homicide in St. Joseph, MO is one of the most serious legal battles you could ever face. The penalties can be life-altering, ranging from long-term imprisonment to capital punishment. If you’ve been accused of homicide in St. Joseph, MO or anywhere across Missouri, it’s crucial to consult 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 St. Joseph, MO Homicide Charges
Homicide charges can differ significantly based on the circumstances surrounding the act and the intent behind it. Understanding the various types of homicide charges in St. Joseph, MO that may apply is crucial:
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 encompasses intentional killings that occur without premeditation. This charge is also a class A felony and can lead to sentences of 10 to 30 years or life imprisonment. Unlike murder in the first degree, individuals convicted of this crime may qualify 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.
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What Steps Should I Take if Accused of Homicide in St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO, it’s a grave situation. Understanding the steps to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is essential. Our experienced St. Joseph, MO homicide legal team recommends the following actions:
- Consult a Lawyer: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in St. Joseph, MO by your side as soon as possible to help ensure a successful outcome. A qualified attorney can help review police reports, collect evidence, talk to witnesses, and develop 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 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, take that seriously. Making statements during investigations could potentially change the outcome of your case and give prosecutors ample material to prove guilt. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in St. Joseph, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
- Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: Sadly, in this day and age, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. This can deeply alter your mental well-being and make you consider things that you would never do under better circumstances. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte St. Joseph, MO homicide lawyer is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.
Andrew County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Andrew County and Missouri.
The Importance of Hiring a Combs Waterkotte St. Joseph, MO Homicide Lawyer
If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in St. Joseph, MO. It’s critical not to leave your future to chance or to rely on a lawyer whose name you saw on a billboard or bus stop. Securing a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney could determine whether you receive a reduced sentence, achieve freedom, or face life imprisonment. Here’s how the St. Joseph, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:
- Case Investigation: Our homicide attorneys will launch a thorough investigation into your case, examining police reports, forensic evidence, witness statements, and any other pertinent information. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Identify Flaws in the Prosecution’s Case: Our relentless homicide lawyers will examine every detail of the case to uncover any flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or a not-guilty verdict.
- Make Sure Your Rights Weren’t Violated: Under St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
- Due Process Violations: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, you have the right 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 constitutes 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 a lawyer, 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 safeguards you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in St. Joseph, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they must present 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 works with a wide network of experts in the St. Joseph, MO area, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can call these specialists to dispute critical factors in your case, including the cause of death.
- Negotiate for Reduced Charges: An experienced and aggressive St. Joseph, MO homicide attorney 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 overwhelming. At Combs Waterkotte, our lawyers prioritize your interests, guiding you while allowing you to make the final decision.
If you’re accused of homicide in or around St. Joseph, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal homicide lawyer in St. Joseph, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Joseph and beyond:
Consult an Experienced Homicide Lawyer in St. Joseph, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
As homicide in St. Joseph, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in St. Joseph, MO immediately. Our experienced legal team is well-versed in 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 anywhere near St. Joseph, MO, take action now.
Get in touch with an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in St. Joseph, MO today 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 assessment.
