Homicide Lawyer St. Louis, MO

Homicide lawyer in St. Louis, MO. Being charged with homicide in St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO or anywhere across Missouri, it’s crucial to consult 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.

Homicide Charges in St. Louis, MO and Across 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 St. Louis, MO that may apply is crucial:

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 refers to the unlawful killing of another individual without the intent to kill. It can be either voluntary – in the heat of passion – or involuntary – due to reckless or negligent behavior. Manslaughter is 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 St. Louis, 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, 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, MO suggests the following steps:

• Consult a Lawyer: Having a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in St. Louis, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A good lawyer can help review police reports, collect evidence, talk to witnesses, and develop a solid defense. They can also explore opportunities to reduce or dismiss charges and devise an effective trial plan. Reach 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” as they read your Miranda rights, take that seriously. Making an ill-timed statement during investigations could potentially change the outcome of your case and give prosecutors ample material to prove guilt. It’s essential to have a skilled criminal defense lawyer in St. Louis, 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, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. This stigma can negatively affect your mental well-being and lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte St. Louis, MO homicide attorney understands what you are going through.

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

Facing homicide charges in or around St. Louis, MO is a serious matter with significant consequences. You shouldn’t gamble with your future or choose a lawyer based on an advertisement. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney could determine whether you receive a reduced sentence, achieve freedom, or face life imprisonment. Here’s how the St. Louis, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:

• Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide attorneys will launch a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your case, reviewing police documents, forensic data, witness testimonies, and any other pertinent information. 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 tenacious homicide attorneys will scrutinize every aspect of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a plea reduction, or a not-guilty verdict.
• Make Sure Your Rights Weren’t Violated: You have protected rights guaranteed by St. Louis, MO and Missouri law, as well as by the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution. These rights are essential for ensuring a fair and impartial justice system. Our St. Louis, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately encountered numerous instances where our clients’ rights were violated. We are committed to defending your rights and securing your future throughout the St. Louis, MO area. Here are three frequently violated rights during St. Louis, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
  • Violations of Due Process: When you are accused of homicide or any crime, you have the right to due process, ensuring fair treatment in the legal system. This includes being informed 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. Withholding it is a violation of your due process rights.
  • Failure to Provide the Miranda Warning: In Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement must inform you of your rights before conducting any questioning. This includes your right to remain silent, your right to a lawyer, and the warning that anything said can be used 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. 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 get in touch online.
  • Unlawful Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects 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. Louis, MO and beyond. This means they must provide facts justifying their belief that a crime was or is being committed. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
• Provide Expert Witnesses: Combs Waterkotte has access to a diverse network of experts in and around St. Louis, MO, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can call these experts to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
• Advocate for Lesser Charges: A talented and aggressive St. Louis, MO homicide lawyer 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 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 are facing homicide charges in the St. Louis, MO area and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal homicide lawyer in St. Louis, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Louis and beyond:

• Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans

Contact a Skilled St. Louis, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte

Given the severity of homicide charges, it’s crucial for anyone facing such allegations to consult a St. Louis, MO homicide lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced legal team understands Missouri laws and will do everything in its power to make sure your charges are dropped or reduced. If you’re facing a homicide charge anywhere near St. Louis, MO, don’t delay.

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