Homicide lawyer in Hannibal, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Hannibal, 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 Hannibal, 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 Hannibal, 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 is the most serious homicide charge, involving a deliberate and premeditated act. This offense is classified as a class A felony, often resulting in a life sentence without the possibility of parole, or even the death penalty, depending on the details 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 the unlawful killing of someone without the intent to end their life. It can be categorized as voluntary – triggered by a sudden emotional reaction – or involuntary – resulting from careless or reckless actions. This offense is classified 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 Hannibal, MO?
Homicide occurs 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 mental incapacity.
If you’re accused of homicide in Hannibal, MO, it is a serious matter. Knowing what to do after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is crucial, and our skilled Hannibal, MO homicide legal team suggests you take the following steps:
- Consult a Lawyer: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer on your side in Hannibal, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A qualified attorney can help review police reports, collect critical evidence, talk to witnesses, and create 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 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, heed their warning. Making statements during an investigation could sway the case against you and offer prosecutors evidence to demonstrate your guilt. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Hannibal, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
- Understand You are Innocent Until Proven Guilty: Unfortunately, in today’s society, 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 lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte Hannibal, MO homicide attorney understands what you are going through.
Marion County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Marion County and Missouri.
The Importance of Hiring a Combs Waterkotte Hannibal, MO Homicide Lawyer
If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Hannibal, MO. 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 Hannibal, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide lawyers will conduct an exhaustive investigation into your case, examining police reports, forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and any other material. 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 dedicated homicide lawyers will scrutinize every detail 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.
- Make Sure Your Rights Weren’t Violated: You have specific rights under Hannibal, 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. Unfortunately, our Hannibal, MO criminal defense attorneys have witnessed many instances where clients’ rights were compromised. We are committed to protecting your rights and securing your future throughout the Hannibal, MO area. Here are three frequently violated rights during Hannibal, 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 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. 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 law enforcement must inform you of your rights before questioning. This includes your right to remain silent, your right to an attorney, 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.
- Unlawful Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment safeguards 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 Hannibal, MO and beyond. This means they must present facts justifying 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 works with a wide network of experts in and around Hannibal, MO, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can enlist these specialists to dispute the cause of death or other crucial factors in the case.
- Advocate for Lesser Charges: An experienced and aggressive Hannibal, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser charge, especially 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 are facing homicide charges in Hannibal, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the best homicide lawyer in Hannibal, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Hannibal, MO residents:
Contact a Skilled Hannibal, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte
As homicide in Hannibal, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in Hannibal, MO immediately. Our experienced legal team is well-versed in 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 anywhere near Hannibal, MO, don’t delay.
Get in touch with a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Hannibal, MO today to protect your rights, your future, and to secure the best possible defense. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a no-obligation case assessment.
