Homicide lawyer in Franklin County, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Franklin County, 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 Franklin County, MO or anywhere in Missouri, speaking with an experienced homicide lawyer right away is essential.
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.
Legal Videos
What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in Illinois?
What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in Illinois? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman discusses the key differences …
What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in Illinois?
What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in Illinois? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman discusses the key differences …
The Different Types of Franklin County, 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 Franklin County, 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 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 charge involves causing the death of another through reckless or negligent driving. The charges can vary from a misdemeanor to a felony, with penalties depending on whether drugs, alcohol, or extreme recklessness were factors.
-
Protect Your Life
![Image]()
Protect Your Life
A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
Reach Out Now
-
Know Your Next Steps
![Image]()
Know Your Next Steps
Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
Stay Informed
-
Title
![Image]()
Ready to Talk to an Expert?
Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
Get Started
What Steps Should I Take if Accused of Homicide in Franklin County, MO?
Homicide is a manner of death, when one individual causes 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 insanity.
If you’re accused of homicide in Franklin County, MO, it is a serious matter. Knowing what to do after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is crucial, and our skilled Franklin County, MO homicide legal team suggests you take the following steps:
- Hire an Attorney: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney in Franklin County, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A qualified attorney can review police reports, collect critical evidence, interview 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.
- Keep Quiet: 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, believe them. Making statements 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 Franklin County, MO is critical in this regard, as you would want to tell the truth but in the correct way.
- Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: Sadly, in our current climate, simply being accused of a crime automatically makes you guilty in the minds of many people. This perception can significantly impact your mental well-being and make you consider things that you would never do under better circumstances. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte Franklin County, MO homicide lawyer understands what you are going through.
Franklin County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Franklin County and Missouri.
Why You Should Hire a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Franklin County, MO
Facing homicide charges in or around Franklin County, MO is a serious matter with significant consequences. 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 be the difference between a reduced sentence or freedom and a life behind bars. Here’s how the Franklin County, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:
- Case Investigation: Our homicide lawyers will conduct an exhaustive investigation into your case, examining police documents, forensic data, witness testimonies, and any other pertinent information. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Find Gaps in the Prosecution’s Case: Our relentless homicide lawyers will scrutinize every aspect of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. This diligent approach may result in the dismissal of charges, a plea reduction, or a not-guilty verdict.
- Make Sure Your Rights Weren’t Violated: You have certain rights under Franklin County, MO and Missouri law, as well as the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution. These rights protect you and help ensure that our justice system remains fair and impartial. Unfortunately, our Franklin County, MO criminal defense attorneys have witnessed many instances where clients’ rights were compromised. We do everything in our power to protect your rights and future. Here are three frequently violated rights during Franklin County, 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 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 before conducting any questioning. This includes your right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, as well as a warning that anything you say can be used against you in court. Officers 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 get in touch online.
- Illegal Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in Franklin County, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they must provide factual evidence to support their belief that a crime has occurred or is in progress. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
- Secure Expert Testimony: Combs Waterkotte has access to a diverse network of skilled professionals in the Franklin County, MO area, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can enlist these experts to dispute the cause of death or other crucial factors in the case.
- Negotiate Lesser Charges: An experienced and proactive Franklin County, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a plea to a lesser offense, especially 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.
If you are facing homicide charges in Franklin County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal homicide lawyer in Franklin County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable homicide lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Franklin County and beyond:
Reach Out to an Expert Franklin County, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte
As homicide in Franklin County, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in Franklin County, MO immediately. Our experienced legal team understands 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 Franklin County, MO, don’t wait.
Get in touch with a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Franklin County, MO today to protect your rights and future while ensuring the best possible defense. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case assessment.
