Homicide Lawyer Shelby County, MO

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

What Should I Do If I’m Charged with Homicide in Shelby County, 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 mental incapacity.

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:

• Contact a Lawyer: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney on your side in Shelby County, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A qualified attorney can help review police reports, collect evidence, talk to witnesses, and create 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.
• 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. Making an ill-timed statement 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.
• Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: Sadly, in this day and age, simply being accused of a crime automatically makes you guilty in the minds of many people. This perception can significantly impact your mental health and lead to decisions you would not normally make. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte Shelby County, MO homicide lawyer understands what you are going through.

The Significance of Choosing a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Shelby County, MO

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 can be the difference between a reduced sentence or freedom and a life behind bars. Here’s how the Shelby County, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:

• Thorough Case Analysis: Our homicide lawyers will launch a thorough investigation into the facts of the case, reviewing police reports, forensic evidence, witness accounts, and all relevant materials. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s case.
• Spot Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Argument: Our dedicated homicide lawyers will meticulously analyze every detail of the case to uncover any flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or a not-guilty verdict.
• Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: You have specific rights under Shelby County, 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. Our Shelby County, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately seen a number of situations where our clients’ rights were violated. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and securing your future throughout the Shelby County, MO area. Here are three frequently violated rights during Shelby County, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
  • 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, and failing to do so infringes on your due process rights.
  • Failure to Read the Miranda Warning: In Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court established that law enforcement must inform you of your rights before questioning. This includes your right to remain silent, the right to legal representation, as well as a warning that anything you say can be used against you in court. Police only need to read your Miranda rights if they are detaining you and intend to use your statements in a court of law. While you can waive these rights, it’s not advisable. Instead, assert your right to remain silent and contact a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
  • Unlawful Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you and must have probable cause to make an arrest in Shelby County, MO and beyond. 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: Combs Waterkotte works with a wide 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 critical factors in your case, including the cause of death.
• Negotiate Lesser Charges: An experienced and proactive Shelby County, 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.

When 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’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable homicide lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Shelby County, MO residents:

• Weapons Crime Attorney
• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer

Consult an Experienced Homicide Lawyer in Shelby County, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

Given the severity of homicide charges, it’s crucial for anyone facing such allegations to consult a Shelby County, MO homicide lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced legal team understands Missouri laws and is committed to doing everything possible to have your charges reduced or dropped. If you’re facing a homicide charge in or around Shelby County, MO, don’t wait.

Contact an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Shelby 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 case assessment.