If you’ve been accused of homicide, you’re likely in one of the most serious legal situations of your life. Given the stakes, it’s crucial to handle the situation carefully and avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your case. The first thing you should do is speak with an expert homicide lawyer at Combs Waterkotte.
Call us as immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a one-on-one consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys. Our legal team has been successfully handling cases just like yours for more than 40 years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid if You’re Accused of Homicide
In Missouri, homicide charges can range from manslaughter to first-degree murder, with potential penalties including life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Here are some of the most common mistakes our homicide lawyers have seen people make when accused of homicide and how to best avoid them:
Talking to Police Without an Attorney
One of the biggest mistakes is speaking to law enforcement without legal representation. Anything and everything you say can and will be used against you. Even if you think explaining your side of the story is all it’ll take to clear things up, it can actually provide the prosecution with evidence to build a case against you. Police are skilled at interrogating – they can even outright lie to you – and even well-intended comments can be misconstrued or twisted to fit the narrative of guilt.
What You Should Do Instead: As soon as you’re questioned or arrested for homicide, assert your right to remain silent and request an attorney. A skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer can guide you on what to say and make sure your rights are protected.
Discussing Your Case With Others
Talking about your homicide case with friends, family, or even on social media can be damaging. Even well-meaning and seemingly innocent conversations can result in something being taken out of context, and it’s common for prosecutors to use statements made outside of court as evidence. Anything you say to others can come back to haunt you during trial, particularly if those individuals are called as witnesses.
What You Should Do Instead: Keep your case private and avoid discussing any details of the incident or investigation with anyone except your lawyer. This will ensure that nothing you say can be misinterpreted or used against you in court.
Underestimating the Seriousness of the Homicide Charge
Some individuals might believe that because they know they’re innocent, they don’t need to take the charge seriously. Others might believe that if it was an accident or self-defense, the law will be lenient. Unfortunately, prosecutors are aggressive in homicide cases, and even unintentional or accidental killings can lead to severe penalties.
What You Should Do Instead: Treat any homicide allegation as a serious matter, no matter the circumstances. The sooner you retain professional legal help, the better your chances of minimizing the damage. You need some tenacity of your own. Contact an aggressive homicide lawyer at Combs Waterkotte right away to start building the best possible defense strategy. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Ignoring the Legal Process or Missing Deadlines
Homicide charges involve a complex legal process with specific timelines and procedures that must be followed. Missing court appearances, showing up late, or failing to meet filing deadlines can lead to additional charges, bail revocation, a default judgment against you, or, at the very least, an upset judge.
What You Should Do Instead: Stay on top of your case and make sure you are aware of all deadlines and court dates. Your Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer will help keep track of all filing deadlines and represent you at all proceedings, but make sure you communicate openly and follow instructions.
Assuming You Don’t Have a Defense
Being accused of homicide can feel overwhelming, and you might be tempted to think that if the evidence looks bad, you have no defense. This is a dangerous mindset. The Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers have numerous possible defenses in their collective arsenal, including self-defense or the defense of others, mistaken identity, lack of intent, or even police misconduct.
What You Should Do Instead: Never give up hope. Even if the evidence seems stacked against you, an experienced homicide defense lawyer can find holes in the prosecution’s case, challenge forensic evidence, or present a compelling alternative explanation. Our homicide lawyers have handled over 10,000 cases just like yours. Don’t assume you’re out of options until the Combs Waterkotte legal team has thoroughly reviewed the case.
Failing to Provide Your Attorney With Complete Information
Some individuals hold back information from their attorneys, either because they’re embarrassed or because they think certain details aren’t important. This can cripple your defense. Your homicide lawyer needs to know everything, even uncomfortable or minor facts, to prepare the best possible defense strategy.
What You Should Do Instead: Be completely honest with your lawyer. They’re here to help protect your rights, and the more they know, the better they can help. Remember, anything you tell your lawyer is confidential, so don’t hesitate to share all the details of the case, no matter how small.
Reach Out to Combs Waterkotte Now to Learn the Common Mistakes to Avoid if You’re Accused of Homicide
Facing a homicide charge is a stressful and life-altering event, but avoiding these common mistakes can substantially improve your chances of a favorable outcome. As can hiring an expert homicide lawyer at Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible. We are dedicated to defending our clients and ensuring they get the legal representation they deserve.
Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review.
