Homicide lawyer in Shelby County, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Shelby County, 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 Shelby County, 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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Homicide Charges in Shelby County, MO and Across Missouri
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 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 Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in Shelby County, 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 Shelby County, MO, it is a serious matter. Knowing what to do after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is crucial, and our skilled Shelby County, MO homicide legal team suggests you take the following steps:
- Consult a Lawyer: Having a Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney on your side in Shelby County, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A good lawyer can review police reports, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and create 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.
- Do Not Say Anything: When police advise you that “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 an investigation could sway the case against you and offer prosecutors evidence to demonstrate your guilt. It’s essential to have a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Shelby County, MO who can help you navigate this situation and articulate your side appropriately.
- Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: Sadly, in this day and age, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. This stigma can negatively affect your mental health and lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte Shelby County, MO homicide lawyer understands your situation and is here to help you find clarity and strength during this difficult time.
Shelby County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Shelby County and Missouri.
The Importance of Hiring a Combs Waterkotte Shelby County, MO Homicide Lawyer
Facing homicide charges in or around Shelby County, MO is a serious matter with significant consequences. You shouldn’t gamble with your future or choose a lawyer based on an advertisement. Securing a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney could determine whether you receive a reduced sentence, achieve freedom, or face life imprisonment. Here’s how the Combs Waterkotte homicide legal team can support you in Shelby County, MO:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide lawyers will initiate a detailed investigation of the circumstances surrounding the facts of the case, examining police documents, forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and any other material. They may also work with private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
- Spot Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Argument: Our dedicated homicide lawyers will scrutinize every aspect of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or a successful acquittal.
- Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: You have protected rights under Shelby County, MO and Missouri law, as well as 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 Shelby County, 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 Shelby County, MO area. Three of the most violated rights in Shelby County, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
- Violations of Due Process: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, 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 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, 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 established that law enforcement must inform you of your rights before conducting any questioning. This includes your right to remain silent, your right to legal representation, 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. 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.
- Unlawful Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in Shelby County, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they must provide factual justification for 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: Our team at Combs Waterkotte has access to a diverse network of experts in the Shelby County, MO area, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can enlist these specialists to dispute the cause of death or other crucial factors in the case.
- Negotiate for Reduced Charges: An experienced and proactive Shelby County, MO homicide attorney 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 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 accused of homicide in Shelby County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the best homicide lawyer in Shelby 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 lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Shelby County and beyond:
Reach Out to an Expert Shelby County, 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 Shelby County, MO homicide attorney right away. Our experienced legal team understands Missouri laws and is dedicated to working tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If you’re dealing with a homicide charge anywhere near Shelby County, MO, take action now.
Get in touch with an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Shelby County, MO today to protect your rights and future while ensuring the best possible defense. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, no-obligation case assessment.
