Chesterfield, MO

Homicide lawyer in Chesterfield, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need to speak 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.

Homicide Charges in Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, MO that may apply is crucial:

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 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 charge refers to the act of causing someone’s death through reckless or negligent driving. Charges may range from a misdemeanor to a felony, and the penalties for vehicular manslaughter depend on whether substances like drugs or alcohol, or factors such as extreme recklessness, were involved.

What Steps Should I Take if Accused of Homicide in Chesterfield, MO?

Homicide occurs 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 Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, MO suggests the following steps:

• Consult a Lawyer: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney in Chesterfield, MO by your side as soon as possible to help ensure a successful outcome. A qualified attorney can help review police reports, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and create 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.
• Do Not Say Anything: When police say “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” during the reading of your Miranda rights, take that seriously. Saying the wrong thing 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 Chesterfield, MO who can help you navigate this situation and articulate your side appropriately.
• Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: Unfortunately, in today’s society, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. This perception can significantly impact your mental health and make you consider things that you would never do under better circumstances. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte Chesterfield, MO homicide attorney is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.

The Significance of Choosing a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Chesterfield, MO

If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:

• Case Investigation: Our homicide legal team will conduct an exhaustive investigation of the circumstances surrounding the facts of the case, reviewing police reports, forensic data, witness testimonies, and any other material. They may also work with private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
• Find Gaps in the Prosecution’s Case: Our relentless homicide lawyers will examine every detail 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.
• Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: You have specific rights guaranteed by Chesterfield, 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. Unfortunately, our Chesterfield, MO criminal defense attorneys have witnessed many instances where clients’ rights were compromised. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and securing your future throughout the Chesterfield, MO area. Three of the most violated rights in Chesterfield, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
  • Due Process Violations: When you are accused of homicide or any crime, you have the right to due process, ensuring fair treatment throughout 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 infringes on your due process rights.
  • Failure to Read the Miranda Warning: In Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that police must inform you of your rights before conducting any questioning. This includes your right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, as well as a warning that anything you say can be used against you in court. Police only need 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.
  • Unlawful 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 Chesterfield, MO and beyond. This means they must provide factual justification for 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 collaborates with a broad array of experts in and around Chesterfield, MO, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can call these specialists to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
• Negotiate Lesser Charges: A talented and aggressive Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the best homicide lawyer in Chesterfield, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable homicide lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Chesterfield, MO residents:

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

Contact a Skilled Chesterfield, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte

As homicide in Chesterfield, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in Chesterfield, MO immediately. Our experienced legal team understands Missouri laws and is committed to doing everything possible to have your charges reduced or dropped. If you’re facing a homicide charge anywhere near Chesterfield, MO, don’t wait.

Get in touch with a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Chesterfield, 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, no-obligation case assessment.