Homicide Lawyer Pevely, MO

Homicide lawyer in Pevely, MO. Being charged with homicide in Pevely, 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 Pevely, 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.

Types of Homicide Charges in Pevely, 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 Pevely, MO that may apply is crucial:

First-Degree Murder

First-degree murder in Pevely, 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 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 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 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.

What Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in Pevely, MO?

Homicide is a manner of death, 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.

If you are facing homicide charges in Pevely, MO, it’s a grave situation. Understanding the steps to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is essential. Our experienced Pevely, MO homicide legal team recommends the following actions:

• Contact a Lawyer: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer on your side in Pevely, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A good lawyer can analyze police reports, gather critical evidence, talk to witnesses, and build 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. Making an ill-timed statement during an investigation could sway the case against you and offer prosecutors evidence to demonstrate your guilt. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Pevely, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
• Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: Unfortunately, in today’s society, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. This perception can significantly impact your mental health and lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte Pevely, MO homicide lawyer understands what you are going through.

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

If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Pevely, MO. You shouldn’t gamble with your future or choose a lawyer based on an advertisement. Securing a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can be the difference between a reduced sentence or freedom and a life behind bars. Here’s how the Pevely, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:

• Case Investigation: Our homicide lawyers will launch a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your case, examining police documents, forensic data, witness testimonies, and any other material. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
• Identify Flaws in the Prosecution’s Case: Our dedicated homicide lawyers will meticulously analyze every aspect of the case to find flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a plea reduction, or a successful acquittal.
• Make Sure Your Rights Weren’t Violated: Under Pevely, 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 Pevely, 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. Three of the most violated rights in Pevely, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
  • 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. 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 constitutes a violation of your due process rights.
  • Failure to Provide the Miranda Warning: In Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that law enforcement 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 are only required to read your Miranda rights if they detain and question you with the intent to use your statements in court. Although you may waive these rights, it’s advisable to assert your right to remain silent and contact a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
  • Illegal Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in Pevely, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. 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: Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of experts in the Pevely, MO area, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can enlist these experts to dispute critical factors in your case, including the cause of death.
• Advocate for Lesser Charges: A talented and proactive Pevely, MO homicide lawyer 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 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.

If you’re facing homicide charges in Pevely, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal homicide lawyer in Pevely, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Pevely, MO residents:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney
• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer

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

Given the severity of homicide charges, it’s crucial for anyone facing such allegations to consult a Pevely, MO homicide lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced legal team understands Missouri laws and is committed to doing everything possible to have your charges reduced or dropped. If you’re confronted with a homicide charge anywhere near Pevely, MO, take action now.

Get in touch with an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Pevely, 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, no-obligation case review.