Homicide lawyer in New London, MO. Facing a homicide charge in New London, 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 New London, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need to speak with an experienced homicide lawyer right away.
Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert criminal defense attorney. Our legal team has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.
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The Different Types of New London, 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 New London, MO that may apply is crucial:
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 is the unlawful killing of someone without the intent to end their life. It can be categorized as voluntary – triggered by a sudden emotional reaction – or involuntary – resulting from careless or reckless actions. This offense is classified 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 New London, 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 insanity.
If you’re accused of homicide in New London, MO, it is a serious matter. Knowing what to do after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is crucial, and our skilled New London, MO homicide legal team suggests you take the following steps:
- Hire an Attorney: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney on your side in New London, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A good lawyer can analyze police reports, gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and create a strong defense. 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 law enforcement informs you that “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” during the reading of your Miranda rights, believe them. Making statements during an investigation could sway the case against you and offer prosecutors evidence to demonstrate your guilt. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in New London, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
- Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: Sadly, in this day and age, 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. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte New London, MO homicide lawyer understands your situation and is here to help you find clarity and strength during this difficult time.
Ralls County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Ralls County and Missouri.
Why You Should Hire a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in New London, MO
If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in New London, MO. You can’t leave this to chance or to a lawyer found 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 Combs Waterkotte homicide legal team helps in New London, MO:
- Thorough Case Analysis: Our homicide lawyers will conduct an exhaustive investigation into your case, reviewing police reports, 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.
- Identify Flaws in the Prosecution’s Case: Our tenacious homicide lawyers will scrutinize 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 a successful acquittal.
- Ensure Your Rights are Protected: You have certain rights under New London, MO and Missouri law, as well as the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution. These rights are essential for ensuring a fair and impartial justice system. Unfortunately, our New London, MO criminal defense attorneys have witnessed many instances where clients’ rights were compromised. We are committed to protecting your rights and securing your future throughout the New London, MO area. Here are three frequently violated rights during New London, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
- Violations of Due Process: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, you have the right 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. 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 Provide the Miranda Warning: According to Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that police must inform you of your rights before conducting any questioning. This includes the 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 get in touch online.
- Unlawful Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment safeguards against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in New London, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they must provide facts justifying 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.
- Provide Expert Witnesses: Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of experts in the New London, MO area, 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 Lesser Charges: A talented and proactive New London, 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. At Combs Waterkotte, our lawyers prioritize your interests, guiding you while allowing you to make the final decision.
When you’re accused of homicide in New London, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the leading homicide lawyer in New London, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for New London, MO residents:
Consult an Experienced Homicide Lawyer in New London, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
As homicide in New London, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in New London, MO immediately. Our experienced legal team understands 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 New London, MO, don’t wait.
Contact a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in New London, MO today to protect your rights and future while ensuring the best possible defense. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a no-obligation case assessment.
