Homicide Lawyer Liberty, MO

Homicide lawyer in Liberty, MO. Being charged with homicide in Liberty, 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 Liberty, 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.

The Different Types of Liberty, MO Homicide Charges

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 Liberty, MO that may apply is crucial:

First-Degree Murder

First-degree murder in Liberty, MO involves a planned and intentional killing. This charge is classified as a class A felony, typically resulting in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, or even the death penalty, depending on the specifics of the case.

Second-Degree Murder

Second-degree murder involves an intentional killing that was not premeditated. Also a class A felony, this offense can carry prison sentences ranging from 10 to 30 years, or even life. This differs from the first degree in that you may qualify for parole after serving more than 85 percent of the 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.

What Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in Liberty, 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 Liberty, MO, it is a serious matter. Knowing what to do after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is crucial, and our skilled Liberty, MO homicide legal team suggests you take the following steps:

• Contact a Lawyer: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Liberty, MO by your side as soon as possible to help ensure a successful outcome. A qualified attorney can analyze police reports, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and develop a robust defense strategy. They can also seek ways to have charges reduced or dismissed and formulate an effective trial strategy. Give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
• Keep Quiet: 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, believe them. Saying the wrong thing during an investigation can significantly impact the outcome of your case and provide prosecutors with evidence to establish your guilt. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Liberty, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
• Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: Sadly, in our current climate, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. This can deeply alter your mental well-being and lead to decisions you would not normally make. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte Liberty, MO homicide lawyer understands your situation and is here to help you find clarity and strength during this difficult time.

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. You shouldn’t gamble with your future or choose a lawyer based on an advertisement. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney could determine whether you receive a reduced sentence, achieve freedom, or face life imprisonment. Here’s how the Liberty, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:

• Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide legal team will launch a thorough investigation into the facts of the case, reviewing police documents, forensic evidence, witness statements, and any other material. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
• Find Gaps in the Prosecution’s Case: Our tenacious homicide lawyers will meticulously analyze every detail of the case to uncover any flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. This diligent approach may lead to a dismissal of charges, a plea reduction, or a not-guilty verdict.
• Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: Under Liberty, MO and Missouri law, as well as the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights, you possess specific rights. These rights protect you and help ensure that our justice system remains fair and impartial. 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. Three of the most violated rights in Liberty, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
  • 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 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 constitutes a violation of your due process rights.
  • Failure to Read the Miranda Warning: In Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that police must inform you of your rights before questioning. This includes the right to remain silent, your right to an attorney, and the warning that anything said can be used in court. Police only need 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 reach out online.
  • Unlawful Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects 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 provide factual evidence to support their belief that a crime was or is being committed. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
• Secure Expert Testimony: Our team at Combs Waterkotte works with a wide network of skilled professionals in and around Liberty, MO, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can call these specialists to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
• Negotiate for Reduced Charges: An experienced and proactive Liberty, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser charge, 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.

When you are facing homicide charges in or around Liberty, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading homicide lawyer in Liberty, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing 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 Liberty, MO residents:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney
• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer

Contact a Skilled Liberty, MO Homicide Lawyer Now 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 dedicated to working tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If you’re confronted with a homicide charge in or around Liberty, MO, don’t delay.

Get in touch with an expert 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 assessment.