Homicide lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau, 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.
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Types of Homicide Charges in Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau, 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 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 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.
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What Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau, MO, it’s a grave situation. Understanding the steps to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is essential. Our experienced Cape Girardeau, MO homicide legal team recommends the following actions:
- Contact a Lawyer: Having a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer on your side in Cape Girardeau, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A good lawyer can help review police reports, gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and create a solid defense. 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” during the reading of your Miranda rights, heed their warning. Making an ill-timed statement during an investigation could sway the case against you and offer prosecutors evidence to demonstrate your guilt. Having a good criminal defense lawyer in Cape Girardeau, 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, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. This perception can significantly impact your mental well-being and lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte Cape Girardeau, MO homicide lawyer understands your situation and is here to help you find clarity and strength during this difficult time.
Cape Girardeau County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Cape Girardeau County and Missouri.
The Significance of Choosing a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO
If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Cape Girardeau, 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. 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 Cape Girardeau, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide lawyers will launch a thorough investigation into your case, examining police reports, forensic data, witness accounts, and any other material. They may also work with private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Find Gaps in the Prosecution’s Case: Our tenacious homicide attorneys will examine every detail of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. This diligent approach may lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or a not-guilty verdict.
- Ensure Your Rights are Protected: Under Cape Girardeau, MO and Missouri law, as well as the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights, you possess specific rights. These rights are essential for ensuring a fair and impartial justice system. Our Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau, 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 in 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. 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 determined that law enforcement 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 only need to read your Miranda rights if they detain and question you with the intent to use your statements in court. 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.
- Unlawful Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment safeguards against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you and must have probable cause to make an arrest in Cape Girardeau, MO and beyond. This means they need to provide factual evidence to support their belief that a crime was or is being committed. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
- Engage Expert Witnesses: Our team at Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of skilled professionals in the Cape Girardeau, MO area, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can enlist these specialists to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
- Advocate for Lesser Charges: A talented and aggressive Cape Girardeau, 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 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 Cape Girardeau, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal homicide lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable homicide lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Cape Girardeau, MO residents:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Reach Out to an Expert Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau, MO homicide attorney right away. 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 in or around Cape Girardeau, MO, take action now.
Contact an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO now 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 assessment.
