Homicide lawyer in Springfield, MO. Being charged with homicide in Springfield, 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 Springfield, 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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Types of Homicide Charges in Springfield, MO and Throughout 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
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 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 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 Springfield, 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.
If you’re accused of homicide in Springfield, MO, it is a serious matter. Knowing what to do after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is crucial, and our skilled Springfield, MO homicide legal team suggests you take the following steps:
- Hire an Attorney: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney on your side in Springfield, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A qualified attorney can review police reports, collect evidence, speak with witnesses, and develop a strong defense. They can also look for potential ways to get your charges reduced or outright dismissed, or plan an effective, winning trial strategy. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
- Keep Quiet: 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 an ill-timed statement during an investigation could sway the case against you and offer prosecutors evidence to demonstrate your guilt. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Springfield, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
- Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: Sadly, in this day and age, many individuals jump to conclusions, viewing an accusation as a sign of guilt. This can deeply alter your mental well-being and lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte Springfield, MO homicide attorney is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.
Greene County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Greene County and Missouri.
Why You Should Hire a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Springfield, MO
If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Springfield, MO. You shouldn’t gamble with your future or choose a lawyer based on an advertisement. 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 can support you in Springfield, MO:
- Thorough Case Analysis: Our homicide attorneys will initiate a detailed investigation into your case, reviewing police documents, forensic data, witness testimonies, and any other pertinent information. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
- Find Gaps in the Prosecution’s Case: Our relentless homicide lawyers will scrutinize every detail of the case to uncover any flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. This could lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or a not-guilty verdict.
- Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: You have certain rights under Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO criminal defense attorneys have witnessed many instances where clients’ rights were compromised. We are dedicated to defending your rights and securing your future throughout the Springfield, MO area. Three of the most violated rights in Springfield, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
- Violations of Due Process: When you are accused of homicide or any crime, you have the right to due process, ensuring fair treatment throughout the legal system. This includes being informed of the charges against you and the opportunity 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 constitutes a violation of your due process rights.
- Failure to Read the Miranda Warning: In the landmark case of Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that law enforcement must inform you of your rights prior to any questioning. This includes the 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 are only required to read your Miranda rights if they detain and question you with the intent to use your statements in court. 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 get in touch online.
- Illegal Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment safeguards you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you and must have probable cause to make an arrest in Springfield, MO and beyond. This means they need to 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.
- Secure Expert Testimony: Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of skilled professionals in the Springfield, 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 Lesser Charges: An experienced and aggressive Springfield, MO homicide lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser charge, especially if the evidence against you is overwhelming. 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’re accused of homicide in or around Springfield, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the leading homicide lawyer in Springfield, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Springfield, MO residents:
Consult an Experienced Homicide Lawyer in Springfield, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
As homicide in Springfield, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in Springfield, MO immediately. Our experienced legal team is well-versed in Missouri laws and is dedicated to working tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If you’re facing a homicide charge anywhere near Springfield, MO, don’t delay.
Get in touch with an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Springfield, 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.
