Homicide lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, 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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Types of Homicide Charges in Ste. Genevieve, MO and Throughout Missouri
Homicide charges can differ based on the intent and situation surrounding the killing. It’s essential to grasp the various types of homicide charges that may be relevant:
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 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO?
Homicide refers to the act of one individual causing 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 Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO suggests the following steps:
- Hire an Attorney: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer on your side in Ste. Genevieve, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A good lawyer can analyze police reports, collect critical evidence, talk to witnesses, and build 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.
- Keep Quiet: 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, believe them. Saying the wrong thing during an investigation can significantly impact the outcome of your case and provide prosecutors with evidence to establish your guilt. Having a good criminal defense lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, 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 this day and age, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. This stigma can negatively affect your mental well-being and lead to decisions you would not normally make. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte Ste. Genevieve, MO homicide attorney understands what you are going through.
Ste. Genevieve County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Ste. Genevieve County and Missouri.
The Significance of Choosing a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO
If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Ste. Genevieve, MO. You can’t leave this to chance or to a lawyer found on a billboard or bus stop. 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 Combs Waterkotte homicide legal team can support you in Ste. Genevieve, MO:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide attorneys will conduct an exhaustive investigation of the circumstances surrounding your case, examining police reports, forensic data, witness statements, and any other pertinent information. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Spot Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Argument: Our tenacious homicide lawyers will meticulously analyze every aspect 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 Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, 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 means you’re entitled to receive notice 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, and failing to do so constitutes a violation of your due process rights.
- Failure to Read the Miranda Warning: In Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court established 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. Officers are only required 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 get in touch online.
- Illegal Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you and must have probable cause to make an arrest in Ste. Genevieve, MO and beyond. This means they must present factual justification for their belief that a crime has occurred or is in progress. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
- Secure Expert Testimony: Combs Waterkotte works with a wide network of experts in and around Ste. Genevieve, MO, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can call these experts to dispute critical factors in your case, including the cause of death.
- Negotiate for Reduced Charges: A talented and aggressive Ste. Genevieve, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser charge, especially 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 accused of homicide in the Ste. Genevieve, MO area and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best homicide lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable homicide attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Ste. Genevieve and beyond:
Reach Out to an Expert Ste. Genevieve, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte
As homicide in Ste. Genevieve, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO immediately. Our experienced legal team has a deep understanding of Missouri laws and is committed to doing everything possible to have your charges reduced or dropped. If you’re dealing with a homicide charge anywhere near Ste. Genevieve, MO, don’t wait.
Contact an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, 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 review.
