Homicide Lawyer Macon County, MO

Homicide lawyer in Macon County, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Macon 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 Macon County, 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.

Homicide Charges in Macon County, MO and Across Missouri

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

The most serious of homicide charges, first-degree murder involves a premeditated, intentional killing. This is class A felony, often carrying life imprisonment without eligibility for probation or parole, or even the death penalty depending on the circumstances.

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 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 involves causing an individual’s death through reckless or negligent driving. Charges range from a misdemeanor to a felony, and penalties for vehicular manslaughter vary depending on whether drugs, alcohol, or extreme recklessness were involved.

What Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in Macon 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.

Being accused of homicide in Macon County, 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 Macon County, MO suggests the following steps:

• Contact a Lawyer: Having a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Macon County, MO by your side as soon as possible to help ensure a successful outcome. A qualified attorney can analyze police reports, gather critical evidence, interview witnesses, and build 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 police say “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” as they read your Miranda rights, heed their warning. Saying the wrong thing during an investigation can significantly impact the outcome of your case and provide prosecutors with evidence to establish your guilt. It’s essential to have a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Macon County, MO who can help you navigate this situation and articulate your side appropriately.
• Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: Sadly, in this day and age, simply being accused of a crime automatically makes you guilty in the minds of many people. This stigma can negatively affect your mental well-being and make you consider things that you would never do under better circumstances. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte Macon County, MO homicide attorney understands what you are going through.

The Significance of Choosing a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Macon County, MO

If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Macon County, MO. You can’t leave this to chance or to a lawyer found on a billboard or bus stop. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can be the difference between a reduced sentence or freedom and a life behind bars. Here’s how the Combs Waterkotte homicide legal team can support you in Macon County, MO:

• Thorough Case Analysis: Our homicide lawyers will conduct an exhaustive investigation of the circumstances surrounding the facts of the case, reviewing police reports, forensic evidence, witness statements, and any other pertinent information. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to 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 identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. This could lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or a successful acquittal.
• Ensure Your Rights are Protected: Under Macon County, 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. Our Macon County, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately encountered numerous instances where our clients’ rights were violated. We are committed to defending your rights and securing your future throughout the Macon County, MO area. Three of the most violated rights in Macon County, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
  • Violations of Due Process: When you are accused of homicide or any crime, 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, and failing to do so infringes on 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 law enforcement must inform you of your rights prior to any questioning. This includes your right to remain silent, the right to legal representation, 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. 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 reach out online.
  • Illegal Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment safeguards against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you and must have probable cause to make an arrest in Macon County, MO and beyond. This means they must provide facts justifying their belief that a crime has occurred or is in progress. 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 experts in the Macon County, MO area, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can call these experts to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
• Advocate for Lesser Charges: A skilled and proactive Macon County, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with the prosecution 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 accused of homicide in Macon County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the best homicide lawyer in Macon County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Macon County, MO residents:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney

Contact a Skilled Macon County, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte

Since homicide is a serious felony crime, it’s essential for anyone facing these charges to speak with a Macon County, MO homicide attorney right away. Our experienced legal team is well-versed in Missouri laws and is committed to doing everything possible to have your charges reduced or dropped. If you’re facing a homicide charge in or around Macon County, MO, take action now.

Get in touch with an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Macon 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 case assessment.