Jefferson County, MO

Homicide lawyer in Jefferson County, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Jefferson County, 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 Jefferson County, 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 Jefferson County, 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

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 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 Jefferson County, 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.

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

• Hire an Attorney: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney on your side in Jefferson County, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A qualified attorney can analyze police reports, gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and build a robust defense strategy. They can also explore opportunities to reduce or dismiss charges and devise an effective trial plan. Reach us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
• Do Not Say Anything: 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 investigations could potentially change the outcome of your case and give prosecutors ample material to prove guilt. Having a good criminal defense lawyer in Jefferson County, MO is critical in this regard, as you would want to tell the truth but in the correct way.
• Understand You are Innocent Until Proven Guilty: Sadly, in our current climate, 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 to decisions you would not normally make. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte Jefferson County, MO homicide attorney is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.

Why You Should Hire a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in Jefferson County, MO

If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in Jefferson County, MO. You shouldn’t gamble with your future or choose a lawyer based on an advertisement. Securing a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney could determine whether you receive a reduced sentence, achieve freedom, or face life imprisonment. Here’s how the Combs Waterkotte homicide legal team helps in Jefferson County, MO:

• Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide legal team will launch a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your case, reviewing police documents, forensic data, witness statements, and any other material. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s case.
• Find Gaps in the Prosecution’s Case: Our tenacious homicide attorneys will examine every aspect of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. This could lead to a dismissal of charges, a plea reduction, or a successful acquittal.
• Ensure Your Rights are Protected: Under Jefferson County, 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 Jefferson County, 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. Three of the most violated rights in Jefferson County, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
  • Due Process Violations: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, 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 the opportunity 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 Provide the Miranda Warning: According to Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that police must inform you of your rights prior to any conducting any questioning. This includes your 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. Police only need to read your Miranda rights if they are detaining you and intend to use your statements in a court of law. 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.
  • Illegal Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in Jefferson County, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they need to provide factual justification for their belief that a crime was or is being committed. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
• Provide Expert Witnesses: Combs Waterkotte has access to a diverse network of skilled professionals in and around Jefferson County, 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 for Reduced Charges: An experienced and proactive Jefferson County, MO homicide attorney 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 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 are facing homicide charges in Jefferson County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading homicide lawyer in Jefferson County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing 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 residents in Jefferson County and beyond:

• Gun Crime Lawyer
• 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

Consult an Experienced Homicide Lawyer in Jefferson County, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

Since homicide is a serious felony crime, it’s essential for anyone facing these charges to speak with a Jefferson County, MO homicide attorney right away. Our experienced legal team is well-versed in Missouri laws and is dedicated to working tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If you’re dealing with a homicide charge anywhere near Jefferson County, MO, take action now.

Contact a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Jefferson County, MO now to protect your rights and future while ensuring the best possible defense. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case assessment.