Homicide lawyer in Des Peres, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need to speak with an experienced homicide lawyer right away.
Don’t hesitate to call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation. Discuss your case in detail with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our firm has handled more than 10,000 cases like yours with proven results.
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Types of Homicide Charges in Des Peres, MO and Throughout 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
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 refers to the unlawful killing of another individual without the intent to kill. It can be either voluntary – in the heat of passion – or involuntary – due to reckless or negligent behavior. Manslaughter is 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 Should I Do If I’m Charged with Homicide in Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO, it is a serious matter. Knowing what to do after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is crucial, and our skilled Des Peres, MO homicide legal team suggests you take the following steps:
- Hire an Attorney: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Des Peres, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A qualified attorney can review police reports, gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and create a solid defense. They can also explore opportunities to reduce or dismiss charges and devise an effective trial plan. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
- Remain Silent: When law enforcement informs you that “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” as they read your Miranda rights, take that seriously. Making statements during an investigation could sway the case against you and offer prosecutors evidence to demonstrate your guilt. Having a good criminal defense lawyer in Des Peres, MO is critical in this regard, as you would want to tell the truth but in the correct way.
- Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: Sadly, in this day and age, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. This can deeply alter your mental well-being and lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte Des Peres, MO homicide attorney is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.
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 Des Peres, MO
If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Des Peres, MO. 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. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney could determine whether you receive a reduced sentence, achieve freedom, or face life imprisonment. Here’s how the Des Peres, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide legal team will conduct an exhaustive investigation of the circumstances surrounding your case, examining police reports, forensic data, witness statements, and any other material. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Find Gaps in the Prosecution’s Case: Our relentless homicide attorneys will examine every detail of the case to find flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. This diligent approach may result in the dismissal of charges, a plea reduction, or an acquittal.
- Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: Under Des Peres, 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. Unfortunately, our Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO area. Three of the most violated rights in Des Peres, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
- Due Process Violations: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, you are entitled to due process, ensuring fair treatment in 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 Provide the Miranda Warning: In the landmark case of Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that police must inform you of your rights before conducting any questioning. This includes your right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, 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 get in touch online.
- Illegal Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects 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 Des Peres, MO and beyond. This means they need to present factual evidence to support their belief that a crime has occurred or is in progress. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
- Provide Expert Witnesses: Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of skilled professionals in and around Des Peres, MO, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can enlist these specialists to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
- Negotiate Lesser Charges: An experienced and aggressive Des Peres, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a plea to a lesser offense, particularly if the evidence against you is compelling. At Combs Waterkotte, our lawyers prioritize your interests, guiding you while allowing you to make the final decision.
If you’re facing homicide charges in Des Peres, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the leading homicide lawyer in Des Peres, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable homicide attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Des Peres and beyond:
Consult an Experienced Homicide Lawyer in Des Peres, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
Since homicide is a serious felony crime, it’s essential for anyone facing these charges to speak with a Des Peres, MO homicide attorney right away. Our experienced legal team has a deep understanding of Missouri laws and is dedicated to working tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If you’re confronted with a homicide charge in or around Des Peres, MO, take action now.
Contact an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Des Peres, MO now 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 review.
