Homicide lawyer in St. Charles County, MO. Facing a homicide charge in St. Charles County, 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 St. Charles County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need to speak 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.
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Homicide Charges in St. Charles County, MO and Across 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 St. Charles County, 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 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 St. Charles County, 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 St. Charles County, MO, it’s a grave situation. Understanding the steps to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is essential. Our experienced St. Charles County, MO homicide legal team recommends the following actions:
- Consult a Lawyer: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in St. Charles County, MO by your side as soon as possible to help ensure a successful outcome. A good lawyer can help review police reports, collect critical evidence, speak with witnesses, and build 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.
- Do Not Say Anything: 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, heed their warning. Making an ill-timed statement during an investigation could sway the case against you and offer prosecutors evidence to demonstrate your guilt. Having a good criminal defense lawyer in St. Charles County, MO is critical in this regard, as you would want to tell the truth but in the correct way.
- Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: Sadly, in our current climate, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. This stigma can negatively affect your mental health and lead to decisions you would not normally make. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte St. Charles County, MO homicide attorney understands your situation and is here to help you find clarity and strength during this difficult time.
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.
The Importance of Hiring a Combs Waterkotte St. Charles County, MO Homicide Lawyer
If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in St. Charles County, MO. You shouldn’t gamble with your future or choose a lawyer based on an advertisement. 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 St. Charles County, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide lawyers will conduct an exhaustive investigation into your case, reviewing police reports, forensic evidence, witness statements, and any other pertinent information. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Find Gaps in the Prosecution’s Case: Our tenacious homicide attorneys will meticulously analyze every detail 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: Under St. Charles County, 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 St. Charles County, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately encountered numerous instances where our clients’ rights were violated. We are dedicated to defending your rights and securing your future throughout the St. Charles County, MO area. Three of the most violated rights in St. Charles County, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
- Violations of Due Process: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, you have the right to due process, ensuring fair treatment throughout 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. Withholding it is 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 established that police must inform you of your rights prior to any conducting any questioning. This includes your 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. Officers 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 safeguards 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 St. Charles County, MO and beyond. This means they need to present factual justification for their belief that a crime was or is being committed. If evidence is obtained through an illegal search, it may be excluded from court.
- Engage Expert Witnesses: Combs Waterkotte works with a wide network of experts in the St. Charles County, MO area, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can call these specialists to dispute the cause of death or other crucial factors in the case.
- Advocate for Lesser Charges: A talented and proactive St. Charles County, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a plea to a lesser offense, especially if the evidence against you is overwhelming. At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys prioritize your interests, guiding you while allowing you to make the final decision.
When you are accused of homicide in or around St. Charles County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the best homicide lawyer in St. Charles County, 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 staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Charles County and beyond:
Consult an Experienced Homicide Lawyer in St. Charles County, 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 St. Charles County, MO homicide attorney right away. 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 anywhere near St. Charles County, MO, don’t delay.
Get in touch with a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in St. Charles County, 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.
