Homicide lawyer in Gentry County, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Gentry County, 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 Gentry County, 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.
Legal Videos
Types of Homicide Charges in Gentry County, MO and Throughout Missouri
Homicide charges can differ significantly based on the circumstances surrounding the act and the intent behind it. Understanding the various types of homicide charges in Gentry County, MO that may apply is crucial:
First-Degree Murder
The most serious of homicide charges, first-degree murder involves a premeditated, intentional killing. This is class A felony, often carrying life imprisonment without eligibility for probation or parole, or even the death penalty depending on the circumstances.
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 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 involves causing an individual’s death through reckless or negligent driving. Charges range from a misdemeanor to a felony, and penalties for vehicular manslaughter vary depending on whether drugs, alcohol, or extreme recklessness were involved.
-
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 Should I Do If I’m Charged with Homicide in Gentry County, 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’re accused of homicide in Gentry County, MO, it is a serious matter. Knowing what to do after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is crucial, and our skilled Gentry County, MO homicide legal team suggests you take the following steps:
- Hire an Attorney: Having a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Gentry County, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A qualified attorney can review police reports, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a solid defense. They can also seek ways to have charges reduced or dismissed and formulate an effective trial strategy. Reach us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
- Do Not Say Anything: When police advise you that “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” during the reading of your Miranda rights, take that seriously. 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 Gentry County, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
- Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: 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 well-being and make you consider things that you would never do under better circumstances. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte Gentry County, MO homicide attorney understands what you are going through.
Gentry County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Gentry County and Missouri.
The Significance of Choosing a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Gentry County, MO
Facing homicide charges in or around Gentry 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 mean the difference between a lighter sentence or even freedom and spending years in prison. Here’s how the Combs Waterkotte homicide legal team can support you in Gentry County, MO:
- Case Investigation: Our homicide legal team will initiate a detailed investigation into the facts of the case, reviewing police documents, 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 evidence.
- Find Gaps in the Prosecution’s Case: Our tenacious homicide attorneys will scrutinize every detail of the case to uncover any flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. This could lead to a dismissal of charges, a plea reduction, or a successful acquittal.
- Ensure Your Rights are Protected: You have certain rights under Gentry County, 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 Gentry County, 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 Gentry County, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
- Due Process Violations: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, you have the right 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. 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 ruled that police must inform you of your rights before conducting any questioning. This includes the right to remain silent, your right to legal representation, and the warning that anything said can be used 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. 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 safeguards you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in Gentry County, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they must provide facts justifying their belief that a crime has occurred or is in progress. 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 skilled professionals in the Gentry County, MO area, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can enlist these experts to dispute the cause of death or other crucial factors in the case.
- Negotiate for Reduced Charges: An experienced and proactive Gentry County, 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 compelling. 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 Gentry County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best homicide lawyer in Gentry County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Gentry County, MO residents:
Contact a Skilled Gentry County, 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 Gentry County, MO homicide attorney right away. Our experienced legal team has a deep understanding of Missouri laws and is dedicated to working tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If you’re dealing with a homicide charge anywhere near Gentry County, MO, don’t delay.
Get in touch with a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Gentry County, 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 review.
