Homicide lawyer in University City, MO. Facing a homicide charge in University City, MO is probably one of the most critical legal challenges anyone can endure. These accusations carry harsh punishments, including extended jail time or even the possibility of the death penalty. If you’ve been charged with homicide in University City, MO or anywhere in Missouri, speaking with an experienced homicide lawyer right away is essential.
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.
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The Different Types of University City, MO Homicide Charges
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 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.
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What Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in University City, MO?
Homicide refers to the act of one individual causing the death of another. However, not all instances of homicide quality as murder; some may be classified as manslaughter, while others may be deemed lawful, such as cases involving an affirmative defense like self-defense or mental incapacity.
If you are facing homicide charges in University City, MO, it’s a grave situation. Understanding the steps to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is essential. Our experienced University City, MO homicide legal team recommends the following actions:
- Hire an Attorney: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer on your side in University City, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A good lawyer can help review police reports, collect evidence, talk to witnesses, and develop 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.
- 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. Making statements 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 University City, MO who can help you navigate this situation and articulate your side appropriately.
- Understand You are Innocent Until Proven Guilty: Sadly, in this day and age, simply being accused of a crime automatically makes you guilty in the minds of many people. This perception can significantly impact your mental health and lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte University City, MO homicide attorney is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Why You Should Hire a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in University City, MO
If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in University City, MO. 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 University City, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:
- Thorough Case Analysis: Our homicide attorneys will initiate a detailed investigation into the facts of the case, examining police reports, forensic evidence, witness statements, and all relevant materials. They may also collaborate with private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Find Gaps 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 reduction in charges, or a successful acquittal.
- Make Sure Your Rights Weren’t Violated: Under University City, 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 University City, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately encountered numerous instances 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 University City, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
- Due Process Violations: When you are accused of homicide or any crime, 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 infringes on your due process rights.
- Failure to Provide the Miranda Warning: In Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court established that law enforcement must inform you of your rights before conducting any questioning. This includes the right to remain silent, your 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. 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.
- Illegal Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment safeguards against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you and must have probable cause to make an arrest in University City, MO and beyond. This means they need to provide factual evidence to support their belief that a crime was or is being committed. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
- Engage Expert Witnesses: Our team at Combs Waterkotte works with a wide network of skilled professionals in and around University City, 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 Lesser Charges: A skilled and proactive University City, 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 compelling. At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys prioritize your interests, guiding you while allowing you to make the final decision.
If you’re facing homicide charges in the University City, MO area and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best homicide lawyer in University City, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for University City, MO residents:
Contact a Skilled University City, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte
Given the severity of homicide charges, it’s crucial for anyone facing such allegations to consult a University City, MO homicide lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced legal team is well-versed in Missouri laws and is committed to doing everything possible to have your charges reduced or dropped. If you’re dealing with a homicide charge in or around University City, MO, take action now.
Contact a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in University City, 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 assessment.
