Homicide lawyer in Liberty, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Liberty, 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 Liberty, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need to speak 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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Types of Homicide Charges in Liberty, MO and Throughout Missouri
Homicide charges can differ based on the intent and situation surrounding the killing. It’s essential to grasp the various types of homicide charges that may be relevant:
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 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 refers to the act of causing someone’s death through reckless or negligent driving. Charges may range from a misdemeanor to a felony, and the penalties for vehicular manslaughter depend on whether substances like drugs or alcohol, or factors such as extreme recklessness, were involved.
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What Steps Should I Take if Accused of Homicide in Liberty, MO?
Homicide is a manner of death, 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 insanity.
Being accused of homicide in Liberty, MO is a serious issue. It’s vital to know what actions to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted. Our knowledgeable homicide legal team in Liberty, MO suggests the following steps:
- Consult a Lawyer: Having a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Liberty, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A good lawyer can help review police reports, gather critical evidence, speak with witnesses, and create a robust defense strategy. 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 say “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” while reading you your Miranda rights, believe them. Saying the wrong thing during investigations could potentially change the outcome of your case and give prosecutors ample material to prove guilt. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Liberty, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
- Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: 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 to decisions you would not normally make. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte Liberty, MO homicide lawyer understands what you are going through.
Clay County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Clay County and Missouri.
The Significance of Choosing a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Liberty, MO
If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Liberty, 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 Combs Waterkotte homicide legal team can support you in Liberty, MO:
- Thorough Case Analysis: Our homicide lawyers will launch a thorough investigation into your case, examining police documents, forensic data, witness accounts, and any other pertinent information. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Spot Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Argument: Our dedicated homicide lawyers will examine every detail of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or a successful acquittal.
- Ensure Your Rights are Protected: Under Liberty, 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. Unfortunately, our Liberty, MO criminal defense attorneys have witnessed many instances where clients’ rights were compromised. We do everything in our power to protect your rights and future. Here are three frequently violated rights during Liberty, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
- Due Process Violations: When you are accused of homicide or any crime, you are entitled to due process, ensuring fair treatment in 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. Withholding it is a violation of 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 police must inform you of your rights prior to any questioning. This includes the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the warning that anything said can be used in court. Officers only need to read your Miranda rights if they detain and question you with the intent to use your statements in court. While you can waive these rights, it’s not advisable. Instead, assert your right to remain silent and contact a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
- Illegal Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment safeguards against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in Liberty, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they need to present factual justification for 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 works with a wide network of skilled professionals in the Liberty, MO area, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can enlist these specialists to dispute critical factors in your case, including the cause of death.
- Negotiate Lesser Charges: A talented and aggressive Liberty, MO homicide lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser charge, especially if the evidence against you is overwhelming. At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys prioritize your interests, guiding you while allowing you to make the final decision.
When you are facing homicide charges in the Liberty, MO area and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best homicide lawyer in Liberty, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Liberty, MO residents:
Consult an Experienced Homicide Lawyer in Liberty, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
Given the severity of homicide charges, it’s crucial for anyone facing such allegations to consult a Liberty, MO homicide lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced legal team has a deep understanding of Missouri laws and is committed to doing everything possible to have your charges reduced or dropped. If you’re confronted with a homicide charge in or around Liberty, MO, take action now.
Get in touch with a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Liberty, 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 no-obligation case review.
