Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO

Homicide lawyer in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO Homicide Charges

Homicide charges vary depending on the circumstances and intent behind the killing. It’s important to understand the different types of homicide charges that could apply:

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 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 Should I Do If I’m Charged with Homicide in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO?

Homicide refers to the act of one individual causing 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.

If you’re accused of homicide in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, it is a serious matter. Knowing what to do after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is crucial, and our skilled Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO homicide legal team suggests you take the following steps:

• Consult a Lawyer: Having a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer on your side in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A good lawyer can review police reports, collect evidence, talk to witnesses, and develop a robust defense strategy. They can also explore opportunities to reduce or dismiss charges and devise an effective trial plan. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
• Remain Silent: When police advise you that “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” as they read your Miranda rights, heed their warning. Making statements 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO who can help you navigate this situation and articulate your side appropriately.
• Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: Unfortunately, in today’s society, 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. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO homicide attorney understands what you are going through.

Why You Should Hire a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO

Facing homicide charges in or around Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO is a serious matter with significant consequences. You shouldn’t gamble with your future or choose a lawyer based on an advertisement. 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO:

• Thorough Case Analysis: Our homicide lawyers will conduct an exhaustive investigation of the circumstances surrounding your case, reviewing police documents, forensic data, witness accounts, and all relevant materials. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
• Identify Flaws in the Prosecution’s Case: Our relentless homicide attorneys will scrutinize every aspect of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. This diligent approach may result in the dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or a successful acquittal.
• Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: Under Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
  • Due Process Violations: 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 Provide the Miranda Warning: According to Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court established that law enforcement must inform you of your rights before conducting any questioning. This includes the right to remain silent, your right to a lawyer, 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 reach out online.
  • Unlawful Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they must provide factual evidence to support 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 has access to a diverse network of skilled professionals in and around Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can enlist these experts to dispute the cause of death or other crucial factors in the case.
• Advocate for Lesser Charges: An experienced and aggressive Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO homicide lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser charge, 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’re facing homicide charges in the Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO area and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the best homicide lawyer in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable homicide lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Bellefontaine Neighbors and beyond:

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

Contact a Skilled Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte

Given the severity of homicide charges, it’s crucial for anyone facing such allegations to consult a Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO homicide lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced legal team understands Missouri laws and is dedicated to working tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If you’re dealing with a homicide charge in or around Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, take action now.

Get in touch with an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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 no-obligation case assessment.