Homicide lawyer in Hazelwood, MO. Being charged with homicide in Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO or anywhere across Missouri, it’s crucial to consult 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 Hazelwood, MO and Across Missouri
Homicide charges can differ based on the intent and situation surrounding the killing. It’s essential to grasp the various types of homicide charges that may be relevant:
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 involves causing the death of another through reckless or negligent driving. The charges can vary from a misdemeanor to a felony, with penalties depending on whether drugs, alcohol, or extreme recklessness were factors.
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What Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in Hazelwood, 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 mental incapacity.
Being accused of homicide in Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO suggests the following steps:
- Contact a Lawyer: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney in Hazelwood, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A good lawyer can help review police reports, collect critical evidence, speak with witnesses, and create 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.
- Keep Quiet: 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 Hazelwood, 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 to decisions you would not normally make. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte Hazelwood, MO homicide lawyer understands your situation and is here to help you find clarity and strength during this difficult time.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Why You Should Hire a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Hazelwood, MO
Facing homicide charges in or around Hazelwood, MO is a serious matter with significant consequences. It’s critical not to leave your future to chance or to rely on a lawyer whose name you saw on a billboard or bus stop. 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 Hazelwood, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:
- Case Investigation: Our homicide attorneys will conduct an exhaustive investigation of the circumstances surrounding the facts of the case, reviewing police documents, forensic data, witness accounts, and any other material. They may also work with private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Find Gaps in the Prosecution’s Case: Our dedicated homicide attorneys 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 plea reduction, or a not-guilty verdict.
- Make Sure Your Rights Weren’t Violated: You have protected rights under Hazelwood, 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. Unfortunately, our Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO area. Here are three frequently violated rights during Hazelwood, 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 in the legal system. This means you’re entitled to receive notice 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 Provide the Miranda Warning: In Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police must inform you of your rights before questioning. This includes the right to remain silent, your right to a lawyer, 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 detain and question you with the intent to use your statements in court. 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 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 Hazelwood, 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: Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of experts in and around Hazelwood, MO, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can call these experts to dispute critical factors in your case, including the cause of death.
- Negotiate Lesser Charges: A talented and aggressive Hazelwood, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a plea to a lesser offense, especially 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 or around Hazelwood, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading homicide lawyer in Hazelwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you are 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 residents in Hazelwood and beyond:
Reach Out to an Expert Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO homicide attorney right away. Our experienced legal team has a deep understanding of 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 Hazelwood, MO, take action now.
Contact an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Hazelwood, MO today to protect your rights, your future, and to secure the best possible defense. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a no-obligation case review.
