Homicide Lawyer Grandview, MO

Homicide lawyer in Grandview, MO. Being charged with homicide in Grandview, 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 Grandview, MO or anywhere across Missouri, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced homicide lawyer right away.

Contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, one-on-one consultation. You’ll have the chance to discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our seasoned team has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.

The Different Types of Grandview, 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 Grandview, 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 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 the unlawful killing of someone without the intent to end their life. It can be categorized as voluntary – triggered by a sudden emotional reaction – or involuntary – resulting from careless or reckless actions. This offense is classified 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 Should I Do If I’m Charged with Homicide in Grandview, 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 Grandview, MO, it’s a grave situation. Understanding the steps to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is essential. Our experienced Grandview, MO homicide legal team recommends the following actions:

• Contact a Lawyer: Having a Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney on your side in Grandview, 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 solid defense. 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.
• 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. Saying the wrong thing during investigations could potentially change the outcome of your case and give prosecutors ample material to prove guilt. Having a good criminal defense lawyer in Grandview, MO is critical in this regard, as you would want to tell the truth but in the correct way.
• Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: 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. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte Grandview, MO homicide attorney understands what you are going through.

Why You Should Hire a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Grandview, MO

Facing homicide charges in or around Grandview, 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 can be the difference between a reduced sentence or freedom and a life behind bars. Here’s how the Grandview, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:

• Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide lawyers will launch a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the facts of the case, examining police reports, forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and any other material. They may also work with private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
• Find Gaps in the Prosecution’s Case: Our tenacious homicide attorneys will scrutinize every detail of the case to find flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. This could lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or a successful acquittal.
• Make Sure Your Rights Weren’t Violated: You have specific rights guaranteed by Grandview, 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 Grandview, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately seen a number of situations where our clients’ rights were violated. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and securing your future throughout the Grandview, MO area. Here are three frequently violated rights during Grandview, 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 in the legal system. This includes being informed of the charges against you and having the chance 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 Read the Miranda Warning: In the landmark case of Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that police must inform you of your rights before conducting any questioning. This includes the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the warning that anything said can be used in court. Police only need to read your Miranda rights if they are detaining you and intend to use your statements in a court of law. 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 must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in Grandview, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they must present facts justifying their belief that a crime was or is being committed. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
• Provide Expert Witnesses: Combs Waterkotte has access to a diverse network of skilled professionals in the Grandview, MO area, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can enlist these experts to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
• Negotiate for Reduced Charges: An experienced and proactive Grandview, MO homicide lawyer 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 overwhelming. At Combs Waterkotte, our lawyers prioritize your interests, guiding you while allowing you to make the final decision.

When you are accused of homicide in or around Grandview, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the ideal homicide lawyer in Grandview, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Grandview and beyond:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney

Contact a Skilled Grandview, 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 Grandview, MO homicide attorney right away. Our experienced legal team has a deep understanding of Missouri laws and will do everything in its power to make sure your charges are dropped or reduced. If you’re dealing with a homicide charge anywhere near Grandview, MO, don’t delay.

Contact a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Grandview, 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.