Homicide lawyer in Newton County, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Newton County, 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 Newton County, 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.
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Homicide Charges in Newton County, MO and Across 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
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 charge involves causing the death of another through reckless or negligent driving. The charges can vary from a misdemeanor to a felony, with penalties depending on whether drugs, alcohol, or extreme recklessness were factors.
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What Steps Should I Take if Accused of Homicide in Newton County, MO?
Homicide refers to the act of one individual causing 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 Newton 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 Newton County, MO suggests the following steps:
- Consult a Lawyer: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney in Newton County, MO by your side as soon as possible to help ensure a successful outcome. A good lawyer can help review police reports, gather critical evidence, speak with witnesses, and develop 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, believe them. Making statements during investigations could potentially change the outcome of your case and give prosecutors ample material to prove guilt. Having a good criminal defense lawyer in Newton County, MO is critical in this regard, as you would want to tell the truth but in the correct way.
- Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: Sadly, in our current climate, 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 lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte Newton County, MO homicide lawyer is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.
Newton County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Newton County and Missouri.
The Importance of Hiring a Combs Waterkotte Newton County, MO Homicide Lawyer
If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Newton County, 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 helps in Newton County, MO:
- Case Investigation: Our homicide legal team will initiate a detailed investigation into the facts of the case, examining police reports, forensic evidence, witness accounts, and any other material. They may also collaborate with private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Spot Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Argument: Our relentless 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 plea reduction, or a successful acquittal.
- Ensure Your Rights are Protected: You have specific rights guaranteed by Newton County, MO and Missouri law, as well as by the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution. These rights protect you and help ensure that our justice system remains fair and impartial. Unfortunately, our Newton County, MO criminal defense attorneys have witnessed many instances where clients’ rights were compromised. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and securing your future throughout the Newton County, MO area. Three of the most violated rights in Newton County, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
- Violations of Due Process: 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, and failing to do so constitutes a violation of your due process rights.
- Failure to Provide the Miranda Warning: In Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that law enforcement must inform you of your rights before questioning. This includes your right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, as well as a warning that anything you say can be used against you in court. Police are only required to read your Miranda rights if they are detaining you and intend to use your statements in a court of law. 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 against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in Newton County, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they must provide factual evidence to support 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.
- Engage Expert Witnesses: Combs Waterkotte works with a wide network of skilled professionals in and around Newton County, MO, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can enlist these specialists to dispute critical factors in your case, including the cause of death.
- Negotiate Lesser Charges: A talented and proactive Newton County, 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 compelling. At Combs Waterkotte, our lawyers prioritize your interests, guiding you while allowing you to make the final decision.
When you’re facing homicide charges in or around Newton County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the best homicide lawyer in Newton County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable homicide attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Newton County and beyond:
Consult an Experienced Homicide Lawyer in Newton County, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
Since homicide is a serious felony crime, it’s essential for anyone facing these charges to speak with a Newton County, MO homicide attorney right away. 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 facing a homicide charge anywhere near Newton County, MO, don’t delay.
Get in touch with a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Newton County, 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 free, no-obligation case review.
