Hazelwood, MO

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

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 Hazelwood, 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

First-degree murder is the most serious homicide charge, involving a deliberate and premeditated act. This offense is classified as a class A felony, often resulting in a life sentence without the possibility of parole, or even the death penalty, depending on the details of the case.

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 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 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 Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in Hazelwood, MO?

Homicide occurs 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.

Being accused of homicide in Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO suggests the following steps:

• Consult a Lawyer: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney in Hazelwood, MO by your side as soon as possible to help ensure a successful outcome. A good lawyer can analyze police reports, collect critical evidence, interview witnesses, and build a robust defense strategy. 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.
• 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, believe them. Making an ill-timed statement 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 Hazelwood, MO who can help you navigate this situation and articulate your side appropriately.
• Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: Sadly, in our current climate, simply being accused of a crime automatically makes you guilty in the minds of many people. This stigma can negatively affect your mental well-being and lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO

If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Hazelwood, MO. You shouldn’t gamble with your future or choose a lawyer based on an advertisement. Securing a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can be the difference between a reduced sentence or freedom and a life behind bars. Here’s how the Combs Waterkotte homicide legal team can support you in Hazelwood, MO:

• Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide lawyers will conduct an exhaustive investigation into the facts of the case, reviewing police reports, forensic evidence, witness accounts, and any other pertinent information. They may also collaborate with private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s case.
• Identify Flaws in the Prosecution’s Case: Our dedicated homicide lawyers will scrutinize every detail of the case to uncover any flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or a not-guilty verdict.
• Make Sure Your Rights Weren’t Violated: Under Hazelwood, 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. Our Hazelwood, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately encountered numerous instances where our clients’ rights were violated. We do everything in our power to protect your rights and future. Here are three frequently violated rights during Hazelwood, 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 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: According to Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that law enforcement must inform you of your rights prior to any conducting any questioning. This includes the right to remain silent, your right to a lawyer, as well as a warning that anything you say can be used against you in court. Officers only need 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.
  • Illegal Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment safeguards against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in Hazelwood, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they need to provide facts justifying their belief that a crime has occurred or is in progress. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
• Engage Expert Witnesses: Our team at Combs Waterkotte has access to a diverse network of experts in and around Hazelwood, MO, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can enlist these specialists to dispute the cause of death or other crucial factors in the case.
• Negotiate for Reduced Charges: A skilled and proactive Hazelwood, 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 overwhelming. 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 the Hazelwood, MO area and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal homicide lawyer in Hazelwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Hazelwood, MO residents:

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

Contact a Skilled Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO homicide attorney right away. Our experienced legal team has a deep understanding of Missouri laws and is committed to doing everything possible to have your charges reduced or dropped. If you’re dealing with a homicide charge in or around Hazelwood, MO, take action now.

Contact a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Hazelwood, 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.