Des Peres, MO

Homicide lawyer in Des Peres, MO. Being charged with homicide in Des Peres, MO is one of the most serious legal battles you could ever face. The penalties can be life-altering, ranging from long-term imprisonment to capital punishment. If you’ve been accused of homicide in Des Peres, MO or anywhere across Missouri, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced homicide lawyer right away.

Contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, one-on-one consultation. You’ll have the chance to discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our seasoned team has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.

Types of Homicide Charges in Des Peres, MO and Throughout Missouri

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

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 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 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 Des Peres, 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 insanity.

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

• Hire an Attorney: Having a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer on your side in Des Peres, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A good lawyer can help review police reports, gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and build a strong defense. 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.
• Do Not Say Anything: 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, take that seriously. Making statements during an investigation can significantly impact the outcome of your case and provide prosecutors with evidence to establish your guilt. It’s essential to have a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Des Peres, 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 perception can significantly impact your mental health and lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte Des Peres, MO homicide attorney 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 Des Peres, MO

If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Des Peres, 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 mean the difference between a lighter sentence or even freedom and spending years in prison. Here’s how the Des Peres, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:

• Thorough Case Analysis: Our homicide lawyers will initiate a detailed investigation of the circumstances surrounding the facts of the case, examining police reports, forensic evidence, witness accounts, and all relevant materials. They may also collaborate with private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
• Find Gaps in the Prosecution’s Case: Our dedicated homicide lawyers will scrutinize every aspect of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. This diligent approach may lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or an acquittal.
• Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: You have protected rights guaranteed by Des Peres, MO and Missouri law, as well as by 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 Des Peres, MO criminal defense attorneys have unfortunately seen a number of situations where our clients’ rights were violated. We are committed to defending your rights and securing your future throughout the Des Peres, MO area. Three of the most violated rights in Des Peres, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
  • Due Process Violations: When you are accused of homicide or any crime, you have the right to due process, ensuring fair treatment throughout the legal system. This includes being informed of the charges against you and having the chance to respond. You also have the right to an unbiased judge or jury to evaluate 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 the landmark case of Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court established that police must inform you of your rights before conducting any questioning. This includes the right to remain silent, your right to legal representation, 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 waiving these rights is an option, it’s best to assert your right to remain silent and immediately contact a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
  • Unlawful Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment safeguards against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in Des Peres, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they must provide facts justifying their belief that a crime was or is being committed. 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 experts in and around Des Peres, MO, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can enlist these experts to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
• Negotiate Lesser Charges: A skilled and proactive Des Peres, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a plea to a lesser offense, 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.

When you’re facing homicide charges in Des Peres, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal homicide lawyer in Des Peres, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Des Peres, MO residents:

• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• 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 Des Peres, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte

As homicide in Des Peres, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in Des Peres, MO immediately. Our experienced legal team understands 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 in or around Des Peres, MO, take action now.

Get in touch with a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Des Peres, MO today 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.