Homicide lawyer in Lexington, MO. Being charged with homicide in Lexington, MO is one of the most serious legal battles you could ever face. The penalties can be life-altering, ranging from long-term imprisonment to capital punishment. If you’ve been accused of homicide in Lexington, MO or anywhere across Missouri, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced homicide lawyer right away.
Contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, one-on-one consultation. You’ll have the chance to discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our seasoned team has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.
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The Different Types of Lexington, 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 refers to the unlawful killing of another individual without the intent to kill. It can be either voluntary – in the heat of passion – or involuntary – due to reckless or negligent behavior. Manslaughter is 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 Steps Should I Take if Accused of Homicide in Lexington, MO?
Homicide is a manner of death, 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 are facing homicide charges in Lexington, MO, it’s a grave situation. Understanding the steps to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is essential. Our experienced Lexington, MO homicide legal team recommends the following actions:
- Contact a Lawyer: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney on your side in Lexington, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A good lawyer can analyze police reports, collect evidence, talk to witnesses, and develop a robust defense strategy. They can also look for potential ways to get your charges reduced or outright dismissed, or plan an effective, winning trial strategy. Call us 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” during the reading of your Miranda rights, take that seriously. Making an ill-timed statement 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 Lexington, MO is critical in this regard, as you would want to tell the truth but in the correct way.
- Understand You are Innocent Until Proven Guilty: Unfortunately, in today’s society, many individuals jump to conclusions, viewing an accusation as a sign of guilt. This stigma can negatively affect your mental well-being and lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte Lexington, MO homicide lawyer is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.
Lafayette County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Lafayette County and Missouri.
Why You Should Hire a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Lexington, MO
If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Lexington, 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 be the difference between a reduced sentence or freedom and a life behind bars. Here’s how the Lexington, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:
- Case Investigation: Our homicide attorneys will launch a thorough investigation into the facts of the case, examining police reports, forensic data, witness statements, and any other pertinent information. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Identify Flaws in the Prosecution’s Case: Our dedicated homicide attorneys will scrutinize every aspect of the case to find flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. This diligent approach may result in the dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or an acquittal.
- Make Sure Your Rights Weren’t Violated: You have specific rights under Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO criminal defense attorneys have witnessed many instances where clients’ rights were compromised. We are committed to defending your rights and securing your future throughout the Lexington, MO area. Three of the most violated rights in Lexington, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
- Due Process Violations: When you are accused of homicide or any crime, you are entitled to due process, ensuring fair treatment throughout the legal system. This includes being informed of the charges against you and the opportunity 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 infringes on your due process rights.
- Failure to Provide the Miranda Warning: In Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police must inform you of your rights prior to any conducting any questioning. This includes your 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. Officers are only required 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 reach out 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 Lexington, MO and beyond. This means they must present factual evidence to support 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.
- Secure Expert Testimony: Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of experts in the Lexington, MO area, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can call these experts to dispute the cause of death or other crucial factors in the case.
- Advocate for Lesser Charges: An experienced and aggressive Lexington, 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 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.
If you’re facing homicide charges in or around Lexington, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading homicide lawyer in Lexington, MO and throughout Missouri – you are 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 Lexington and beyond:
- Felony Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
- Gun Charges Attorney
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plan
- Assault Defense Lawyer
Contact a Skilled Lexington, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte
Given the severity of homicide charges, it’s crucial for anyone facing such allegations to consult a Lexington, MO homicide lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced legal team is well-versed in Missouri laws and is dedicated to working tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If you’re facing a homicide charge anywhere near Lexington, MO, take action now.
Contact a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Lexington, 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 review.
