Homicide lawyer in Fulton, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Fulton, 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 Fulton, 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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The Different Types of Fulton, MO Homicide Charges
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 Fulton, 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 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.
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What Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in Fulton, MO?
Homicide refers to the act of one individual causing 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 Fulton, MO, it’s a grave situation. Understanding the steps to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is essential. Our experienced Fulton, MO homicide legal team recommends the following actions:
- Consult a Lawyer: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney in Fulton, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A good lawyer can help review police reports, collect evidence, interview 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.
- Do Not Say Anything: When police say “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” while reading you your Miranda rights, believe them. Making an ill-timed statement during an investigation could sway the case against you and offer prosecutors evidence to demonstrate your guilt. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Fulton, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
- Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: Sadly, in our current climate, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. This stigma can negatively affect your mental well-being and make you consider things that you would never do under better circumstances. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte Fulton, MO homicide attorney is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.
Callaway County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Callaway County and Missouri.
Why You Should Hire a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Fulton, MO
Facing homicide charges in or around Fulton, 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. Securing a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between a lighter sentence or even freedom and spending years in prison. Here’s how the Combs Waterkotte homicide legal team helps in Fulton, MO:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide legal team will launch a thorough investigation into your case, examining police reports, forensic evidence, witness statements, and any other pertinent information. They may also work with private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
- Spot Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Argument: Our relentless homicide attorneys 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 a successful acquittal.
- Ensure Your Rights are Protected: You have protected rights guaranteed by Fulton, 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 Fulton, MO criminal defense attorneys have witnessed many instances where clients’ rights were compromised. We are dedicated to defending your rights and securing your future throughout the Fulton, MO area. Here are three frequently violated rights during Fulton, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
- Violations of Due Process: When you are accused of homicide or any crime, you have the right to due process, ensuring fair treatment throughout 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, and failing to do so infringes on your due process rights.
- Failure to Read the Miranda Warning: In the landmark case of Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court established that law enforcement must inform you of your rights before questioning. This includes the right to remain silent, your 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 are detaining you and intend to use your statements in a court of law. 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.
- Unlawful Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you and must have probable cause to make an arrest in Fulton, MO and beyond. This means they must provide factual justification for 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: Our team at Combs Waterkotte works with a wide network of experts in and around Fulton, MO, 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: A skilled and proactive Fulton, MO homicide lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors 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.
When you’re accused of homicide in or around Fulton, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading homicide lawyer in Fulton, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Fulton, MO residents:
Consult an Experienced Homicide Lawyer in Fulton, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
Given the severity of homicide charges, it’s crucial for anyone facing such allegations to consult a Fulton, MO homicide lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced legal team understands 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 in or around Fulton, MO, don’t delay.
Get in touch with a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Fulton, 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.
