Homicide lawyer in Meramec Township, MO. Being charged with homicide in Meramec Township, 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 Meramec Township, 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.
Types of Homicide Charges in Meramec Township, 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 in Meramec Township, 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 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.
What Should I Do If I’m Charged with Homicide in Meramec Township, MO?
Homicide refers to the act of one individual causing 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 Meramec Township, MO, it is a serious matter. Knowing what to do after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is crucial, and our skilled Meramec Township, MO homicide legal team suggests you take the following steps:
- Consult a Lawyer: Having a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Meramec Township, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A good lawyer can help review police reports, gather 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. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
- Remain Silent: 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, believe them. 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 Meramec Township, MO is critical in this regard, as you would want to tell the truth but in the correct way.
- Understand You are Innocent Until Proven Guilty: 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 well-being and lead to decisions you would not normally make. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte Meramec Township, MO homicide lawyer is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.
St. Charles County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Charles County and Missouri.
Why You Should Hire a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Meramec Township, MO
Facing homicide charges in or around Meramec Township, MO is a serious matter with significant consequences. You can’t leave this to chance or to a lawyer found on a billboard or bus stop. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can be the difference between a reduced sentence or freedom and a life behind bars. Here’s how the Combs Waterkotte homicide legal team helps in Meramec Township, MO:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide legal team will launch a thorough investigation into your case, examining police documents, forensic data, witness accounts, 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 attorneys will scrutinize every aspect of the case to find flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. This diligent approach may lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or a not-guilty verdict.
- Make Sure Your Rights Weren’t Violated: Under Meramec Township, 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. Our Meramec Township, 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 Meramec Township, MO area. Three of the most violated rights in Meramec Township, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
- Violations of Due Process: When you are accused of homicide or any crime, you are entitled to due process, ensuring fair treatment in the legal system. This includes being informed of the charges against you and having the chance 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 Provide the Miranda Warning: In Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police must inform you of your rights prior to any questioning. This includes your right to remain silent, your right to an attorney, as well as a warning that anything you say can be used against you in court. Officers are only required 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 reach out online.
- Illegal 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 Meramec Township, MO and beyond. This means they must provide factual evidence to support 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: Our team at Combs Waterkotte has access to a diverse network of experts in the Meramec Township, MO area, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can enlist these experts to dispute critical factors in your case, including the cause of death.
- Negotiate for Reduced Charges: A talented and proactive Meramec Township, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser charge, 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’re facing homicide charges in or around Meramec Township, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal homicide lawyer in Meramec Township, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Meramec Township, MO residents:
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
Reach Out to an Expert Meramec Township, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte
As homicide in Meramec Township, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in Meramec Township, 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 in or around Meramec Township, MO, don’t delay.
Contact a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Meramec Township, MO today to protect your rights and future while ensuring the best possible defense. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case assessment.