St. Francois County, MO

Homicide lawyer in St. Francois County, MO. Being charged with homicide in St. Francois County, 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. Francois County, 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.

Types of Homicide Charges in St. Francois County, MO and Throughout 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. Francois County, MO that may apply is crucial:

First-Degree Murder

First-degree murder in St. Francois County, MO involves a planned and intentional killing. This charge is classified as a class A felony, typically resulting in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, or even the death penalty, depending on the specifics 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 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 Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in St. Francois County, MO?

Homicide is a manner of death, when one individual causes 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 insanity.

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

• Hire an Attorney: It’s essential to have a competent Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney on your side in St. Francois County, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A qualified attorney can analyze police reports, collect critical evidence, speak with witnesses, and build a strong defense. 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.
• Keep Quiet: When law enforcement informs 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 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. Francois County, MO who can help you navigate this situation and articulate your side appropriately.
• Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: Sadly, in this day and age, many individuals jump to conclusions, viewing an accusation as a sign of guilt. This perception can significantly impact your mental health and make you consider things that you would never do under better circumstances. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte St. Francois County, MO homicide attorney is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.

Why You Should Hire a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in St. Francois County, MO

If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in St. Francois County, MO. It’s critical not to leave your future to chance or to rely on a lawyer whose name you saw 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 St. Francois County, MO:

• Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide attorneys will conduct an exhaustive investigation into your case, reviewing police documents, forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and any other material. They may also collaborate with private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
• Identify Flaws in the Prosecution’s Case: Our relentless homicide lawyers will examine every detail 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.
• Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: Under St. Francois County, 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. Unfortunately, our St. Francois County, MO criminal defense attorneys have witnessed many instances where clients’ rights were compromised. We do everything in our power to protect your rights and future. Here are three frequently violated rights during St. Francois County, 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 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. Withholding it is a violation of your due process rights.
  • Failure to Provide the Miranda Warning: According to Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court determined 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, 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 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 get in touch online.
  • Unlawful Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in St. Francois County, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they need to present facts justifying their belief that a crime has occurred or is in progress. 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 skilled professionals in and around St. Francois County, MO, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can enlist these specialists to dispute critical factors in your case, including the cause of death.
• Negotiate for Reduced Charges: A talented and aggressive St. Francois County, 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. At Combs Waterkotte, our lawyers prioritize your interests, guiding you while allowing you to make the final decision.

If you are facing homicide charges in or around St. Francois County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the leading homicide lawyer in St. Francois County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Francois County and beyond:

• Assault Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer
• Sex Offense Lawyers
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
• Criminal Lawyer

Consult an Experienced Homicide Lawyer in St. Francois County, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

Since homicide is a serious felony crime, it’s essential for anyone facing these charges to speak with a St. Francois County, MO homicide attorney right away. Our experienced legal team is well-versed in 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 St. Francois County, MO, take action now.

Get in touch with an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in St. Francois County, 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 free case review.