Wentzville, MO

Homicide lawyer in Wentzville, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, MO or anywhere in Missouri, speaking with an experienced homicide lawyer right away is essential.

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 Wentzville, 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

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 the unlawful killing of someone without the intent to end their life. It can be categorized as voluntary – triggered by a sudden emotional reaction – or involuntary – resulting from careless or reckless actions. This offense is classified 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 Steps Should I Take if Accused of Homicide in Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, MO suggests the following steps:

• Hire an Attorney: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Wentzville, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A good lawyer can review police reports, collect critical evidence, talk to witnesses, and develop a solid defense. They can also explore opportunities to reduce or dismiss charges and devise an effective trial plan. Give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
• Remain Silent: 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 Wentzville, MO who can help you navigate this situation and articulate your side appropriately.
• Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: Sadly, in this day and age, simply being accused of a crime automatically makes you guilty in the minds of many people. This can deeply alter your mental health and lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte Wentzville, MO homicide attorney understands what you are going through.

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

Facing homicide charges in or around Wentzville, MO is a serious matter with significant consequences. You can’t leave this to chance or to a lawyer found on a billboard or bus stop. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney could determine whether you receive a reduced sentence, achieve freedom, or face life imprisonment. Here’s how the Wentzville, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:

• Thorough Case Analysis: Our homicide lawyers will conduct an exhaustive investigation into your case, reviewing police documents, forensic data, witness accounts, and all relevant materials. They may also work with private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s case.
• Spot Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Argument: Our dedicated homicide attorneys will scrutinize 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 an acquittal.
• Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: You have specific rights under Wentzville, 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. Unfortunately, our Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
  • 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 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 Read the Miranda Warning: In Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court established that police must inform you of your rights before questioning. This includes the 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 are only required 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.
  • Unlawful 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 Wentzville, 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.
• Engage Expert Witnesses: Our team at Combs Waterkotte has access to a diverse network of skilled professionals in the Wentzville, MO area, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can enlist these experts to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
• Negotiate for Reduced Charges: A talented and aggressive Wentzville, MO homicide lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser charge, especially if the evidence against you is overwhelming. 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 or around Wentzville, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading homicide lawyer in Wentzville, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte

Since homicide is a serious felony crime, it’s essential for anyone facing these charges to speak with a Wentzville, MO homicide attorney right away. 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 facing a homicide charge anywhere near Wentzville, MO, don’t wait.

Contact an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Wentzville, 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 review.