St. Louis, MO

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

Types of Homicide Charges in St. Louis, MO and Throughout Missouri

Homicide charges can differ significantly based on the circumstances surrounding the act and the intent behind it. Understanding the various types of homicide charges in St. Louis, MO that may apply is crucial:

First-Degree Murder

First-degree murder in St. Louis, MO involves a planned and intentional killing. This charge is classified as a class A felony, typically resulting in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, or even the death penalty, depending on the specifics 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 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 involves causing the death of another through reckless or negligent driving. The charges can vary from a misdemeanor to a felony, with penalties depending on whether drugs, alcohol, or extreme recklessness were factors.

What Steps Should I Take if Accused of Homicide in St. Louis, 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.

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

• Consult a Lawyer: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in St. Louis, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A good lawyer can help review police reports, collect evidence, speak with witnesses, and create a robust defense strategy. 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” as they read your Miranda rights, take that seriously. 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 St. Louis, MO is critical in this regard, as you would want to tell the truth but in the correct way.
• Remember You Are Presumed Innocent: Sadly, in this day and age, many individuals jump to conclusions, viewing an accusation as a sign of guilt. This stigma can negatively affect your mental well-being and lead to decisions you would not normally make. Thankfully, your Combs Waterkotte St. Louis, MO homicide attorney understands your situation and is here to help you find clarity and strength during this difficult time.

The Significance of Choosing a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in St. Louis, MO

If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in St. Louis, MO. You can’t leave this to chance or to a lawyer found on a billboard or bus stop. Securing a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between a lighter sentence or even freedom and spending years in prison. Here’s how the Combs Waterkotte homicide legal team helps in St. Louis, MO:

• Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide attorneys will initiate a detailed investigation of the circumstances surrounding your case, reviewing police documents, forensic data, witness accounts, and any other pertinent information. They may also collaborate with private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
• Spot Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Argument: Our dedicated homicide lawyers will meticulously analyze every detail of the case to uncover any flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. This could lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or a not-guilty verdict.
• Make Sure Your Rights Weren’t Violated: You have protected rights guaranteed by St. Louis, MO and Missouri law, as well as by the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution. These rights are essential for ensuring a fair and impartial justice system. Unfortunately, our St. Louis, MO criminal defense attorneys have witnessed many instances where clients’ rights were compromised. We do everything in our power to protect your rights and future. Here are three frequently violated rights during St. Louis, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
  • Violations of Due Process: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, 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: According to Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that police must inform you of your rights before 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. 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 safeguards against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in St. Louis, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they must provide factual evidence to support their belief that a crime has occurred or is in progress. Evidence gathered through unlawful searches may be deemed inadmissible in court.
• Provide Expert Witnesses: Our team at Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of skilled professionals in and around St. Louis, MO, from forensic scientists and ballistics experts to medical examiners and crime scene analysts. Our attorneys can call these specialists to dispute critical factors in your case, including the cause of death.
• Negotiate Lesser Charges: A skilled and proactive St. Louis, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with prosecutors 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.

If you’re facing homicide charges in St. Louis, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading homicide lawyer in St. Louis, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte

As homicide in St. Louis, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in St. Louis, MO immediately. Our experienced legal team understands Missouri laws and is dedicated to working tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If you’re facing a homicide charge in or around St. Louis, MO, don’t wait.

Get in touch with a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in St. Louis, MO today to protect your rights and future while ensuring the best possible defense. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case review.