Homicide Lawyer Maryville, MO

Homicide lawyer in Maryville, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Maryville, MO is probably one of the most critical legal challenges anyone can endure. These accusations carry harsh punishments, including extended jail time or even the possibility of the death penalty. If you’ve been charged with homicide in Maryville, MO or anywhere in Missouri, speaking with an experienced homicide lawyer right away is essential.

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 Maryville, 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

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 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 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 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 Should I Do If I’m Charged with Homicide in Maryville, 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 Maryville, 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 Maryville, MO suggests the following steps:

• Consult a Lawyer: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney on your side in Maryville, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A qualified attorney can review police reports, gather 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. Reach us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
• Do Not Say Anything: When law enforcement informs you that “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” while reading you your Miranda rights, take that seriously. Saying the wrong thing during an investigation could sway the case against you and offer prosecutors evidence to demonstrate your guilt. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Maryville, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
• Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: Unfortunately, in today’s society, simply being accused of a crime automatically makes you guilty in the minds of many people. This can deeply alter your mental health and make you consider things that you would never do under better circumstances. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte Maryville, MO homicide attorney understands your situation and is here to help you find clarity and strength during this difficult time.

The Importance of Hiring a Combs Waterkotte Maryville, MO Homicide Lawyer

Facing homicide charges in or around Maryville, MO is a serious matter with significant consequences. 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 Maryville, MO:

• Thorough Case Analysis: Our homicide legal team will conduct an exhaustive investigation into the facts of the case, reviewing police reports, forensic evidence, witness accounts, 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 dedicated homicide lawyers will examine every aspect of the case to find flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or an acquittal.
• Make Sure Your Rights Weren’t Violated: Under Maryville, 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 Maryville, 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 Maryville, MO area. Here are three frequently violated rights during Maryville, 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 includes being informed 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. Withholding it is 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 determined that police must inform you of your rights before questioning. This includes your right to remain silent, your right to an attorney, and the warning that anything said can be used in court. Officers are only required 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 safeguards you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in Maryville, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they must present facts justifying their belief that a crime was or is being committed. If evidence is obtained through an illegal search, it may be excluded from court.
• Secure Expert Testimony: Our team at Combs Waterkotte has access to a diverse network of skilled professionals in and around Maryville, MO, 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.
• Negotiate for Reduced Charges: An experienced and aggressive Maryville, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a plea to a lesser offense, 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’re facing homicide charges in the Maryville, MO area and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the leading homicide lawyer in Maryville, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Maryville and beyond:

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

Consult an Experienced Homicide Lawyer in Maryville, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

As homicide in Maryville, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in Maryville, MO immediately. Our experienced legal team has a deep understanding of Missouri laws and will do everything in its power to make sure your charges are dropped or reduced. If you’re dealing with a homicide charge in or around Maryville, MO, don’t wait.

Contact a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Maryville, MO today to protect your rights, your future, and to secure the best possible defense. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case review.