St. Charles, MO

Homicide lawyer in St. Charles, MO. Facing a homicide charge in St. Charles, 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 St. Charles, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need to speak with an experienced homicide lawyer right away.

Don’t hesitate to call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation. Discuss your case in detail with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our firm has handled more than 10,000 cases like yours with proven results.

The Different Types of St. Charles, MO Homicide Charges

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. Charles, 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 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 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.

What Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in St. Charles, 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 mental incapacity.

If you are facing homicide charges in St. Charles, MO, it’s a grave situation. Understanding the steps to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is essential. Our experienced St. Charles, MO homicide legal team recommends the following actions:

• Consult a Lawyer: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in St. Charles, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A qualified attorney can analyze police reports, collect critical evidence, speak with witnesses, and build a solid defense. They can also look for potential ways to get your charges reduced or outright dismissed, or plan an effective, winning trial strategy. Reach 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. Charles, MO who can help you navigate this situation and articulate your side appropriately.
• Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: Unfortunately, in today’s society, simply being accused of a crime automatically makes you guilty in the minds of many people. This stigma can negatively affect your mental health and lead to decisions you would not normally make. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte St. Charles, MO homicide lawyer understands your situation and is here to help you find clarity and strength during this difficult time.

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

If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in St. Charles, MO. You can’t leave this to chance or to a lawyer found on a billboard or bus stop. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can be the difference between a reduced sentence or freedom and a life behind bars. Here’s how the St. Charles, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:

• Case Investigation: Our homicide attorneys will initiate a detailed investigation into your case, reviewing police reports, forensic evidence, witness accounts, and any other material. They may also collaborate with private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
• Spot Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Argument: Our relentless homicide lawyers will examine every detail of the case to find flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. This diligent approach may result in the dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or a not-guilty verdict.
• Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: You have protected rights under St. Charles, MO and Missouri law, as well as the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution. These rights protect you and help ensure that our justice system remains fair and impartial. Our St. Charles, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately seen a number of situations where our clients’ rights were violated. We are dedicated to defending your rights and securing your future throughout the St. Charles, MO area. Three of the most violated rights in St. Charles, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
  • Violations of Due Process: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, 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 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: According to Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement must inform you of your rights prior to any conducting any questioning. This includes the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the warning that anything said can be used in court. Officers only need to read your Miranda rights if they detain and question you with the intent to use your statements in court. 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 St. Charles, MO and beyond. This means they must present factual evidence to support 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.
• Provide Expert Witnesses: Our team at Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of experts in and around St. Charles, MO, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can enlist these experts to dispute critical factors in your case, including the cause of death.
• Negotiate for Reduced Charges: An experienced and aggressive St. Charles, MO homicide lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors 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 are accused of homicide in the St. Charles, MO area and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal homicide lawyer in St. Charles, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Charles 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

Reach Out to an Expert St. Charles, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte

Given the severity of homicide charges, it’s crucial for anyone facing such allegations to consult a St. Charles, 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 confronted with a homicide charge anywhere near St. Charles, MO, don’t wait.

Get in touch with a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in St. Charles, 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 case review.