Homicide Lawyer St. Louis County, MO

Homicide lawyer in St. Louis County, MO. Facing a homicide charge in St. Louis 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. Louis 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.

Types of Homicide Charges in St. Louis County, 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 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 Should I Do If I’m Charged with Homicide in St. Louis 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.

Being accused of homicide in St. Louis County, 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 St. Louis County, MO suggests the following steps:

• Consult a Lawyer: Having a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in St. Louis County, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A qualified attorney can review police reports, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and create a solid defense. 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.
• Do Not Say Anything: 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, take that seriously. Making statements during an investigation could sway the case against you and offer prosecutors evidence to demonstrate your guilt. It’s essential to have a skilled criminal defense lawyer in St. Louis County, MO who can help you navigate this situation and articulate your side appropriately.
• Understand You are Innocent Until Proven Guilty: Unfortunately, in today’s society, many individuals jump to conclusions, viewing an accusation as a sign of guilt. This can deeply alter your mental well-being and lead to decisions you would not normally make. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte St. Louis County, MO homicide attorney is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.

The Significance of Choosing a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in St. Louis County, MO

If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in St. Louis County, MO. 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 mean the difference between a lighter sentence or even freedom and spending years in prison. Here’s how the Combs Waterkotte homicide legal team helps in St. Louis County, MO:

• Case Investigation: Our homicide attorneys will conduct an exhaustive investigation into the facts of the case, examining police documents, forensic evidence, witness testimonies, 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 examine every detail of the case to uncover any 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.
• Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: Under St. Louis 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. Louis County, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately encountered numerous instances where our clients’ rights were violated. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and securing your future throughout the St. Louis County, MO area. Here are three frequently violated rights during St. Louis County, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
  • Due Process Violations: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, you are entitled to due process, ensuring fair treatment in the legal system. This includes being informed 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 Provide the Miranda Warning: According to Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court established that law enforcement must inform you of your rights before conducting any questioning. This includes your right to remain silent, the right to legal representation, and the warning that anything said can be used in court. Police are only required to read your Miranda rights if they are detaining you and intend to use your statements in a court of law. 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 you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in St. Louis County, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. 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 skilled professionals in and around St. Louis County, MO, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can call these specialists to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
• Negotiate for Reduced Charges: A skilled and proactive St. Louis County, MO homicide lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors 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’re facing homicide charges in the St. Louis County, MO area and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal homicide lawyer in St. Louis County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for St. Louis County, MO residents:

• Weapons Crime Attorney
• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer

Reach Out to an Expert St. Louis County, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte

As homicide in St. Louis County, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in St. Louis County, 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 confronted with a homicide charge in or around St. Louis County, MO, take action now.

Contact a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in St. Louis County, 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.