Homicide Lawyer Frontenac, MO

Homicide lawyer in Frontenac, MO. Being charged with homicide in Frontenac, 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 Frontenac, MO or anywhere across Missouri, it’s crucial to consult 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.

Types of Homicide Charges in Frontenac, MO and Throughout Missouri

Homicide charges can differ significantly based on the circumstances surrounding the act and the intent behind it. Understanding the various types of homicide charges in Frontenac, MO that may apply is crucial:

First-Degree Murder

First-degree murder in Frontenac, MO involves a planned and intentional killing. This charge is classified as a class A felony, typically resulting in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, or even the death penalty, depending on the specifics of the case.

Second-Degree Murder

Second-degree murder encompasses intentional killings that occur without premeditation. This charge is also a class A felony and can lead to sentences of 10 to 30 years or life imprisonment. Unlike murder in the first degree, individuals convicted of this crime may qualify 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 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 Frontenac, MO?

Homicide occurs 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.

Being accused of homicide in Frontenac, 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 Frontenac, MO suggests the following steps:

• Hire an Attorney: Having a Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney in Frontenac, MO by your side as soon as possible to help ensure a successful outcome. A good lawyer can analyze 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. Give us a call 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” as they read 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. It’s essential to have a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Frontenac, MO who can help you navigate this situation and articulate your side appropriately.
• Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: Sadly, in our current climate, many individuals jump to conclusions, viewing an accusation as a sign of guilt. This perception can significantly impact your mental well-being and make you consider things that you would never do under better circumstances. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte Frontenac, MO homicide lawyer is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.

Why You Should Hire a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Frontenac, MO

If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Frontenac, MO. You can’t leave this to chance or to a lawyer found 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 Frontenac, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:

• Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide attorneys will launch a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the facts of the case, reviewing police reports, forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and any other material. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s case.
• Find Gaps in the Prosecution’s Case: Our dedicated homicide attorneys will scrutinize every aspect of the case to find 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.
• Ensure Your Rights are Protected: You have protected rights under Frontenac, 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 Frontenac, MO criminal defense attorneys have witnessed many instances where clients’ rights were compromised. We do everything in our power to protect your rights and future. Here are three frequently violated rights during Frontenac, 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 throughout the legal system. This means you’re entitled to receive notice of the charges against you and having the chance 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 infringes on your due process rights.
  • Failure to Read the Miranda Warning: According to Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that police must inform you of your rights before questioning. This includes the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the warning that anything said can be used 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 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.
  • 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 Frontenac, MO and beyond. This means they need to provide facts justifying their belief that a crime was or is being committed. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
• Secure Expert Testimony: Our team at Combs Waterkotte has access to a diverse network of experts in the Frontenac, MO area, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can call these experts to dispute the cause of death or other crucial factors in the case.
• Advocate for Lesser Charges: A skilled and aggressive Frontenac, 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 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 are accused of homicide in the Frontenac, MO area and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the best homicide lawyer in Frontenac, 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 legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Frontenac, MO residents:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney

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

As homicide in Frontenac, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in Frontenac, MO immediately. Our experienced legal team understands Missouri laws and is dedicated to working tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If you’re facing a homicide charge in or around Frontenac, MO, don’t delay.

Get in touch with an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Frontenac, 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 case review.