Homicide lawyer in Overland, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Overland, 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 Overland, 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 Overland, 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 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.
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What Steps Should I Take if Accused of Homicide in Overland, 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 Overland, MO, it is a serious matter. Knowing what to do after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is crucial, and our skilled Overland, MO homicide legal team suggests you take the following steps:
- Consult a Lawyer: Having a Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney on your side in Overland, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A good lawyer can analyze police reports, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and create a robust defense strategy. They can also seek ways to have charges reduced or dismissed and formulate an effective trial strategy. Give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
- Remain Silent: When police say “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” during the reading of your Miranda rights, take that seriously. Saying the wrong thing during an investigation could sway the case against you and offer prosecutors evidence to demonstrate your guilt. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Overland, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
- Understand You are Innocent Until Proven Guilty: Sadly, in this day and age, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. This perception can significantly impact your mental health and lead to decisions you would not normally make. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte Overland, MO homicide lawyer 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 Overland, MO
If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Overland, 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 Overland, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:
- Case Investigation: Our homicide lawyers will initiate a detailed investigation into your case, reviewing police reports, forensic evidence, witness accounts, and any other material. They may also work with private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Identify Flaws in the Prosecution’s Case: Our dedicated homicide lawyers will meticulously analyze every detail 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 Overland, MO and Missouri law, as well as the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights, you possess specific rights. These rights protect you and help ensure that our justice system remains fair and impartial. Our Overland, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately seen a number of situations where our clients’ rights were violated. We do everything in our power to protect your rights and future. Here are three frequently violated rights during Overland, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
- Due Process Violations: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, 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 Read the Miranda Warning: In the landmark case of Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement must inform you of your rights prior to any questioning. This includes the 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 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 reach out online.
- Unlawful 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 Overland, MO and beyond. This means they must 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: Our team at Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of skilled professionals in and around Overland, MO, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can enlist these experts to dispute the cause of death or other crucial factors in the case.
- Negotiate for Reduced Charges: A talented and aggressive Overland, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser charge, 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 accused of homicide in the Overland, MO area and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the leading homicide lawyer in Overland, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Overland, MO residents:
Consult an Experienced Homicide Lawyer in Overland, 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 Overland, MO homicide attorney right away. 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 Overland, MO, don’t wait.
Contact an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Overland, 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 no-obligation case assessment.
