Homicide Lawyer Webster Groves, MO

Homicide lawyer in Webster Groves, MO. Being charged with homicide in Webster Groves, 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 Webster Groves, MO or anywhere across Missouri, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced homicide lawyer right away.

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.

The Different Types of Webster Groves, MO Homicide Charges

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

The most serious of homicide charges, first-degree murder involves a premeditated, intentional killing. This is class A felony, often carrying life imprisonment without eligibility for probation or parole, or even the death penalty depending on the circumstances.

Second-Degree Murder

Second-degree murder encompasses intentional killings that occur without premeditation. This charge is also a class A felony and can lead to sentences of 10 to 30 years or life imprisonment. Unlike murder in the first degree, individuals convicted of this crime may qualify 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 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.

What Steps Should I Take if Accused of Homicide in Webster Groves, 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’re accused of homicide in Webster Groves, MO, it is a serious matter. Knowing what to do after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is crucial, and our skilled Webster Groves, MO homicide legal team suggests you take the following steps:

• Hire an Attorney: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Webster Groves, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A qualified attorney can review police reports, gather critical evidence, talk to witnesses, and develop a robust defense strategy. They can also look for potential ways to get your charges reduced or outright dismissed, or plan an effective, winning trial strategy. Call 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” while reading you 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 an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Webster Groves, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
• Understand You are Innocent Until Proven Guilty: Sadly, in this day and age, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. This perception can significantly impact your mental health and lead to decisions you would not normally make. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte Webster Groves, MO homicide attorney understands what you are going through.

The Importance of Hiring a Combs Waterkotte Webster Groves, MO Homicide Lawyer

Facing homicide charges in or around Webster Groves, 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 can mean the difference between a lighter sentence or even freedom and spending years in prison. Here’s how the Webster Groves, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:

• Thorough Case Analysis: Our homicide legal team will conduct an exhaustive investigation into your case, reviewing police documents, forensic evidence, witness accounts, and any other pertinent information. They may also collaborate with private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
• Find Gaps in the Prosecution’s Case: Our dedicated homicide attorneys will meticulously analyze every aspect of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. This could result in the dismissal of charges, a plea reduction, or a successful acquittal.
• Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: You have certain rights guaranteed by Webster Groves, 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 Webster Groves, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately seen a number of situations where our clients’ rights were violated. We are committed to defending your rights and securing your future throughout the Webster Groves, MO area. Three of the most violated rights in Webster Groves, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
  • Violations of Due Process: When you are accused of homicide or any crime, 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. 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 infringes on your due process rights.
  • Failure to Read the Miranda Warning: According to Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court established that police must inform you of your rights prior to any questioning. This includes the right to remain silent, your right to a lawyer, and the warning that anything said can be used 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 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 Webster Groves, MO and beyond. This means they need to provide 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.
• Secure Expert Testimony: Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of experts in the Webster Groves, MO area, 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 aggressive Webster Groves, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser charge, particularly 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’re accused of homicide in the Webster Groves, MO area and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal homicide lawyer in Webster Groves, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Webster Groves, MO residents:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney

Reach Out to an Expert Webster Groves, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte

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

Get in touch with an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Webster Groves, 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.