Homicide lawyer in Platte City, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Platte City, 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 Platte City, 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.
Legal Videos
Types of Homicide Charges in Platte City, MO and Throughout Missouri
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 Platte City, MO that may apply is crucial:
First-Degree Murder
First-degree murder is the most serious homicide charge, involving a deliberate and premeditated act. This offense is classified as a class A felony, often resulting in a life sentence without the possibility of parole, or even the death penalty, depending on the details 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 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.
-
Protect Your Life
![Image]()
Protect Your Life
A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
Reach Out Now
-
Know Your Next Steps
![Image]()
Know Your Next Steps
Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
Stay Informed
-
Title
![Image]()
Ready to Talk to an Expert?
Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
Get Started
What Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in Platte City, MO?
Homicide is a manner of death, 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 Platte City, MO, it is a serious matter. Knowing what to do after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is crucial, and our skilled Platte City, MO homicide legal team suggests you take the following steps:
- Hire an Attorney: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Platte City, MO by your side as soon as possible to help ensure a successful outcome. A qualified attorney can help review police reports, collect critical evidence, speak with witnesses, and develop a robust defense strategy. They can also seek ways to have charges reduced or dismissed and formulate an effective trial strategy. Reach us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
- Do Not Say Anything: When police say “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 Platte City, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
- Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: Unfortunately, in today’s society, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. This stigma can negatively affect your mental health and lead to decisions you would not normally make. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte Platte City, MO homicide lawyer understands what you are going through.
Platte County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Platte County and Missouri.
The Significance of Choosing a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Platte City, MO
Facing homicide charges in or around Platte City, 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 could determine whether you receive a reduced sentence, achieve freedom, or face life imprisonment. Here’s how the Platte City, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:
- Case Investigation: Our homicide legal team will launch a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your case, examining police documents, forensic evidence, witness accounts, and all relevant materials. They may also collaborate with private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
- Find Gaps in the Prosecution’s Case: Our relentless homicide lawyers will scrutinize every aspect of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. This diligent approach may lead to a dismissal of charges, a plea reduction, or a successful acquittal.
- Ensure Your Rights are Protected: You have certain rights guaranteed by Platte City, MO and Missouri law, as well as by the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution. These rights are essential for ensuring a fair and impartial justice system. Unfortunately, our Platte City, 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 Platte City, MO area. Here are three frequently violated rights during Platte City, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
- Due Process Violations: 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. 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 infringes on your due process rights.
- Failure to Provide the Miranda Warning: According to Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court established that police must inform you of your rights before questioning. This includes the right to remain silent, your 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 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 get in touch 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 Platte City, MO and beyond. This means they need to present factual justification for their belief that a crime was or is being committed. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
- Provide Expert Witnesses: Our team at Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of experts in the Platte City, MO area, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can call these specialists to dispute critical factors in your case, including the cause of death.
- Negotiate for Reduced Charges: A talented and aggressive Platte City, MO homicide lawyer 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. 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 or around Platte City, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading homicide lawyer in Platte City, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Platte City, MO residents:
Contact a Skilled Platte City, 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 Platte City, MO homicide attorney right away. 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 facing a homicide charge in or around Platte City, MO, don’t wait.
Get in touch with an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Platte City, MO now 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.
