Kirkwood, MO

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

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 Kirkwood, MO and Throughout Missouri

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 refers to an intentional killing that lacks premeditation. Also categorized as a class A felony, this crime can lead to prison sentences ranging from 10 to 30 years, or potentially life. Unlike first-degree murder, those convicted may be eligible for parole after serving at least 85 percent of their 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 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 Kirkwood, MO?

Homicide is a manner of death, 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.

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

• Consult a Lawyer: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide attorney in Kirkwood, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A qualified attorney can review police reports, collect critical evidence, interview witnesses, and create a strong defense. They can also seek ways to have charges reduced or dismissed and formulate an effective trial strategy. Give us a call 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” while reading you 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. Having a good criminal defense lawyer in Kirkwood, MO is critical in this regard, as you would want to tell the truth but in the correct way.
• Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: Sadly, in this day and age, many individuals jump to conclusions, viewing an accusation as a sign of guilt. This perception can significantly impact your mental well-being and lead to decisions you would not normally make. Fortunately, your Combs Waterkotte Kirkwood, MO homicide attorney understands your situation and is here to help you find clarity and strength during this difficult time.

The Importance of Hiring a Combs Waterkotte Kirkwood, MO Homicide Lawyer

Facing homicide charges in or around Kirkwood, MO is a serious matter with significant consequences. It’s critical not to leave your future to chance or to rely on a lawyer whose name you saw on a billboard or bus stop. Hiring an experienced 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 helps in Kirkwood, MO:

• Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide lawyers will launch a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your case, examining police reports, forensic data, witness statements, and all relevant materials. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s case.
• Find Gaps in the Prosecution’s Case: Our dedicated homicide lawyers will examine every aspect of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or an acquittal.
• Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: Under Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, MO criminal defense attorneys have witnessed many instances where clients’ rights were compromised. We are committed to defending your rights and securing your future throughout the Kirkwood, MO area. Three of the most violated rights in Kirkwood, 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 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 Provide the Miranda Warning: In Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that law enforcement must inform you of your rights before conducting any questioning. This includes your right to remain silent, the right to legal representation, and the warning that anything said can be used in court. Police are only required 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 get in touch online.
  • Unlawful Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment safeguards you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you and must have probable cause to make an arrest in Kirkwood, MO and beyond. 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 works with a wide network of skilled professionals in and around Kirkwood, MO, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can enlist these experts to dispute the cause of death or other crucial factors in the case.
• Negotiate for Reduced Charges: A skilled and aggressive Kirkwood, MO homicide attorney 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 overwhelming. At Combs Waterkotte, our lawyers prioritize your interests, guiding you while allowing you to make the final decision.

If you’re accused of homicide in the Kirkwood, MO area and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best homicide lawyer in Kirkwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Kirkwood and beyond:

• 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

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

As homicide in Kirkwood, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in Kirkwood, MO immediately. Our experienced legal team is well-versed in Missouri laws and is committed to doing everything possible to have your charges reduced or dropped. If you’re confronted with a homicide charge in or around Kirkwood, MO, don’t delay.

Get in touch with an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Kirkwood, 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.