Homicide Lawyer Farmington, MO

Homicide lawyer in Farmington, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Farmington, 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 Farmington, 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.

The Different Types of Farmington, MO Homicide Charges

Homicide charges can differ based on the intent and situation surrounding the killing. It’s essential to grasp the various types of homicide charges that may be relevant:

First-Degree Murder

First-degree murder in Farmington, 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.

What Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in Farmington, 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 Farmington, MO, it is a serious matter. Knowing what to do after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is crucial, and our skilled Farmington, MO homicide legal team suggests you take the following steps:

• Contact a Lawyer: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Farmington, MO by your side as soon as possible to help ensure a successful outcome. A qualified attorney can analyze police reports, gather critical evidence, speak with witnesses, and develop 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, believe them. Saying the wrong thing 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 Farmington, MO is critical in this regard, as you would want to tell the truth but in the correct way.
• Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: Sadly, in this day and age, many individuals jump to conclusions, viewing an accusation as a sign of guilt. This perception can significantly impact your mental health and lead to decisions you would not normally make. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte Farmington, MO homicide attorney is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.

The Importance of Hiring a Combs Waterkotte Farmington, MO Homicide Lawyer

If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Farmington, MO. You can’t leave this to chance or to a lawyer found on a billboard or bus stop. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between a lighter sentence or even freedom and spending years in prison. Here’s how the Farmington, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:

• Case Investigation: Our homicide legal team will conduct an exhaustive investigation of the circumstances surrounding your case, examining police reports, forensic data, witness statements, and any other material. They may also work with private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s case.
• Identify Flaws in the Prosecution’s Case: Our relentless homicide lawyers will scrutinize every aspect of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a plea reduction, or an acquittal.
• Ensure Your Rights are Protected: You have protected rights under Farmington, MO and Missouri law, as well as the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution. These rights are essential for ensuring a fair and impartial justice system. Our Farmington, 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 Farmington, 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 throughout the legal system. This means you’re entitled to receive notice 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, and failing to do so infringes on your due process rights.
  • Failure to Read the Miranda Warning: According to Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement must inform you of your rights prior to any conducting any questioning. This includes your right to remain silent, your right to legal representation, as well as a warning that anything you say can be used against you in court. Officers are only required to read your Miranda rights if they detain and question you with the intent to use your statements in court. 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 get in touch online.
  • Illegal Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you and must have probable cause to make an arrest in Farmington, MO and beyond. This means they must present facts justifying their belief that a crime was or is being committed. If evidence is obtained through an illegal search, it may be excluded from court.
• Provide Expert Witnesses: Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of experts in the Farmington, 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 Lesser Charges: A talented and aggressive Farmington, MO homicide lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a plea to a lesser offense, particularly if the evidence against you is overwhelming. 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.

If you’re facing homicide charges in Farmington, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading homicide lawyer in Farmington, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re 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 Farmington and beyond:

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

Reach Out to an Expert Farmington, 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 Farmington, 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 confronted with a homicide charge in or around Farmington, MO, don’t delay.

Get in touch with an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Farmington, 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, no-obligation case review.