Homicide lawyer in Howard County, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Howard 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 Howard County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need to speak with an experienced homicide lawyer right away.
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.
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The Different Types of Howard County, 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 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 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 Should I Do If I’m Charged with Homicide in Howard County, MO?
Homicide occurs when one individual causes 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 Howard County, MO, it is a serious matter. Knowing what to do after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is crucial, and our skilled Howard County, MO homicide legal team suggests you take the following steps:
- Contact a Lawyer: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer on your side in Howard County, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A good lawyer can review police reports, gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and develop a strong defense. They can also explore opportunities to reduce or dismiss charges and devise an effective trial plan. Call us 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 Howard County, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
- Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: Sadly, in our current climate, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. This stigma can negatively affect your mental health and lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte Howard County, MO homicide attorney is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.
Howard County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Howard County and Missouri.
The Significance of Choosing a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Howard County, MO
If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Howard County, MO. It’s critical not to leave your future to chance or to rely on a lawyer whose name you saw 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 Howard County, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide attorneys will initiate a detailed investigation into your case, reviewing police documents, forensic data, witness statements, and all relevant materials. They may also collaborate with private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Spot Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Argument: Our tenacious homicide lawyers will examine every aspect of the case to uncover any flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a plea reduction, or a not-guilty verdict.
- Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: Under Howard County, MO and Missouri law, as well as the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights, you possess specific rights. These rights are essential for ensuring a fair and impartial justice system. Our Howard County, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately encountered numerous instances where our clients’ rights were violated. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and securing your future throughout the Howard County, MO area. Three of the most violated rights in Howard County, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
- Due Process Violations: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, you are entitled to due process, ensuring fair treatment throughout the legal system. This includes being informed of the charges against you and having the chance to respond. You also have the right to an unbiased judge or jury to evaluate 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 Provide the Miranda Warning: In the landmark case of Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court established that police must inform you of your rights prior to 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. 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 against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you and must have probable cause to make an arrest in Howard County, MO and beyond. 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 has access to a diverse network of skilled professionals in the Howard County, MO area, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can enlist these experts to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
- Advocate for Lesser Charges: An experienced and proactive Howard County, MO homicide lawyer 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 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 the Howard County, MO area and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal homicide lawyer in Howard County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Howard County and beyond:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Consult an Experienced Homicide Lawyer in Howard County, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
As homicide in Howard County, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in Howard County, MO immediately. Our experienced legal team understands Missouri laws and is dedicated to working tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If you’re facing a homicide charge anywhere near Howard County, MO, don’t delay.
Contact a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Howard 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, no-obligation case review.
