Buchanan County, MO

Homicide lawyer in Buchanan County, MO. Being charged with homicide in Buchanan County, 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 Buchanan County, MO or anywhere across Missouri, it’s crucial to consult 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.

Homicide Charges in Buchanan County, MO and Across 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 is the most serious homicide charge, involving a deliberate and premeditated act. This offense is classified as a class A felony, often resulting in a life sentence without the possibility of parole, or even the death penalty, depending on the details 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 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 charge refers to the act of causing someone’s death through reckless or negligent driving. Charges may range from a misdemeanor to a felony, and the penalties for vehicular manslaughter depend on whether substances like drugs or alcohol, or factors such as extreme recklessness, were involved.

What Steps Should I Take if Accused of Homicide in Buchanan County, MO?

Homicide refers to the act of one individual causing 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 Buchanan County, MO, it is a serious matter. Knowing what to do after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is crucial, and our skilled Buchanan County, MO homicide legal team suggests you take the following steps:

• Contact a Lawyer: Having a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer on your side in Buchanan County, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A good lawyer can review police reports, collect evidence, speak with witnesses, and build a strong 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.
• Keep Quiet: When police say “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 could sway the case against you and offer prosecutors evidence to demonstrate your guilt. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Buchanan County, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
• Understand You are Innocent Until Proven Guilty: Sadly, in our current climate, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. This stigma can negatively affect your mental health and lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte Buchanan County, MO homicide attorney understands your situation and is here to help you find clarity and strength during this difficult time.

The Importance of Hiring a Combs Waterkotte Buchanan County, MO Homicide Lawyer

Facing homicide charges in or around Buchanan 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 can be the difference between a reduced sentence or freedom and a life behind bars. Here’s how the Combs Waterkotte homicide legal team helps in Buchanan County, MO:

• Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide lawyers will launch a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your case, reviewing police reports, forensic evidence, witness accounts, and any other pertinent information. 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 dedicated homicide attorneys will examine every aspect of the case to find flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or an acquittal.
• Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: You have protected rights guaranteed by Buchanan County, 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. Unfortunately, our Buchanan County, MO criminal defense attorneys have witnessed many instances where clients’ rights were compromised. We are committed to defending your rights and securing your future throughout the Buchanan County, MO area. Here are three frequently violated rights during Buchanan County, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
  • Violations of Due Process: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, you are entitled to due process, ensuring fair treatment in the legal system. This means you’re entitled to receive notice 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, and failing to do so constitutes a violation of your due process rights.
  • Failure to Read the Miranda Warning: According to Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that police must inform you of your rights prior to any questioning. This includes the 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 detain and question you with the intent to use your statements in court. 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 against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in Buchanan County, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they need to present facts justifying their belief that a crime was or is being committed. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
• Secure Expert Testimony: Combs Waterkotte works with a wide network of experts in the Buchanan County, MO area, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can call these specialists to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
• Negotiate Lesser Charges: An experienced and aggressive Buchanan County, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser charge, particularly if the evidence against you is compelling. 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.

When you’re facing homicide charges in the Buchanan County, MO area and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the leading homicide lawyer in Buchanan County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Buchanan County and beyond:

• Weapons Crime Attorney
• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer
• Drug Crimes Lawyer
• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer

Reach Out to an Expert Buchanan County, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte

Given the severity of homicide charges, it’s crucial for anyone facing such allegations to consult a Buchanan County, MO homicide lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced legal team has a deep understanding of Missouri laws and is committed to doing everything possible to have your charges reduced or dropped. If you’re facing a homicide charge anywhere near Buchanan County, MO, don’t delay.

Get in touch with an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Buchanan 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 no-obligation case assessment.