Homicide lawyer in Rolla, MO. Being charged with homicide in Rolla, MO is one of the most serious legal battles you could ever face. The penalties can be life-altering, ranging from long-term imprisonment to capital punishment. If you’ve been accused of homicide in Rolla, MO or anywhere across Missouri, it’s crucial to consult 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.
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The Different Types of Rolla, 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 Rolla, 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 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 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.
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What Steps Should I Take if Accused of Homicide in Rolla, MO?
Homicide is a manner of death, 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 Rolla, 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 Rolla, MO suggests the following steps:
- Contact a Lawyer: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney on your side in Rolla, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A good lawyer can analyze police reports, collect evidence, speak with 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.
- Remain Silent: When police advise 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 can significantly impact the outcome of your case and provide prosecutors with evidence to establish your guilt. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Rolla, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
- Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: Sadly, in our current climate, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. This perception can significantly impact your mental well-being and lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte Rolla, MO homicide lawyer is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.
Phelps County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Phelps County and Missouri.
The Importance of Hiring a Combs Waterkotte Rolla, MO Homicide Lawyer
If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Rolla, 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 could determine whether you receive a reduced sentence, achieve freedom, or face life imprisonment. Here’s how the Rolla, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:
- Case Investigation: Our homicide attorneys will conduct an exhaustive investigation of the circumstances surrounding your case, examining police documents, forensic data, witness testimonies, and any other pertinent information. They may also collaborate with private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
- Identify Flaws in the Prosecution’s Case: Our dedicated homicide attorneys will scrutinize every detail of the case to find flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a plea reduction, or an acquittal.
- Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: Under Rolla, 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. Our Rolla, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately seen a number of situations where our clients’ rights were violated. We do everything in our power to protect your rights and future. Three of the most violated rights in Rolla, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
- Due Process Violations: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, 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 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. Withholding it is a violation of your due process rights.
- Failure to Read the Miranda Warning: According to Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement must inform you of your rights prior to any conducting 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 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 reach out online.
- Illegal Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in Rolla, 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.
- Provide Expert Witnesses: Combs Waterkotte works with a wide network of experts in and around Rolla, MO, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can enlist these experts to dispute the cause of death or other crucial factors in the case.
- Negotiate for Reduced Charges: A talented and aggressive Rolla, MO homicide lawyer 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 compelling. 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.
If you are facing homicide charges in Rolla, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading homicide lawyer in Rolla, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Rolla, MO residents:
Consult an Experienced Homicide Lawyer in Rolla, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
As homicide in Rolla, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in Rolla, 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 Rolla, MO, don’t delay.
Get in touch with a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Rolla, 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 review.
