St. Louis County, MO

Homicide lawyer in St. Louis County, MO. Facing a homicide charge in St. Louis County, 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 St. Louis County, 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.

The Different Types of St. Louis County, MO Homicide Charges

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 encompasses intentional killings that occur without premeditation. This charge is also a class A felony and can lead to sentences of 10 to 30 years or life imprisonment. Unlike murder in the first degree, individuals convicted of this crime may qualify for parole after serving at least 85 percent of their 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 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 St. Louis County, 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 St. Louis County, 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 St. Louis County, MO suggests the following steps:

• Hire an Attorney: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer on your side in St. Louis County, MO as early as possible is critical to getting a successful outcome. A good lawyer can analyze police reports, collect critical evidence, interview witnesses, and develop a robust defense strategy. They can also look for potential ways to get your charges reduced or outright dismissed, or plan an effective, winning trial strategy. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
• Remain Silent: 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, 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 an experienced criminal defense lawyer in St. Louis County, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
• Acknowledge Your Presumption of Innocence: Sadly, in our current climate, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. This perception can significantly impact your mental health and lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte St. Louis County, MO homicide lawyer understands what you are going through.

The Importance of Hiring a Combs Waterkotte St. Louis County, MO Homicide Lawyer

Facing homicide charges in or around St. Louis County, MO is a serious matter with significant consequences. 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 be the difference between a reduced sentence or freedom and a life behind bars. Here’s how the St. Louis County, MO Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers can assist you:

• Case Investigation: Our homicide lawyers will conduct an exhaustive investigation into your case, examining police documents, forensic data, witness accounts, and any other material. They may also collaborate with private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s case.
• Spot Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Argument: Our tenacious homicide attorneys will examine every aspect of the case to find flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. This could lead to a dismissal of charges, a plea reduction, or a not-guilty verdict.
• Ensure Your Rights are Protected: You have certain rights under St. Louis County, MO and Missouri law, as well as the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution. These rights protect you and help ensure that our justice system remains fair and impartial. Unfortunately, our St. Louis County, MO criminal defense attorneys have witnessed many instances where clients’ rights were compromised. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and securing your future throughout the St. Louis County, MO area. Three of the most violated rights in St. Louis County, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
  • Violations of Due Process: When you are accused of homicide or any crime, you are entitled to due process, ensuring fair treatment throughout the legal system. This means you’re entitled to receive notice 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 Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police must inform you of your rights before 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. Police only need to read your Miranda rights if they detain and question you with the intent to use your statements in court. While you can waive these rights, it’s not advisable. Instead, assert your right to remain silent and contact a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer right away at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
  • Illegal Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment safeguards against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you and must have probable cause to make an arrest in St. Louis County, MO and beyond. This means they must present factual evidence to support their belief that a crime has occurred or is in progress. If evidence is obtained through an illegal search, it may be excluded from court.
• Provide Expert Witnesses: Combs Waterkotte works with a wide network of experts in the St. Louis County, MO area, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can call these experts to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
• Negotiate Lesser Charges: An experienced and proactive St. Louis 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 accused of homicide in St. Louis County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best homicide lawyer in St. Louis County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Louis County and beyond:

• 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 St. Louis County, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte

Given the severity of homicide charges, it’s crucial for anyone facing such allegations to consult a St. Louis County, MO homicide lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced legal team is well-versed in 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 St. Louis County, MO, don’t wait.

Contact an expert Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in St. Louis 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 no-obligation case review.