Ste. Genevieve, MO

Homicide lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Facing a homicide charge in Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, 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.

Homicide Charges in Ste. Genevieve, MO and Across 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 in Ste. Genevieve, 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 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 the unlawful killing of someone without the intent to end their life. It can be categorized as voluntary – triggered by a sudden emotional reaction – or involuntary – resulting from careless or reckless actions. This offense is classified 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 Should I Do If I’m Charged with Homicide in Ste. Genevieve, MO?

Homicide refers to the act of one individual causing 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO, it’s a grave situation. Understanding the steps to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is essential. Our experienced Ste. Genevieve, MO homicide legal team recommends the following actions:

• Consult a Lawyer: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A good lawyer can help review police reports, collect critical evidence, talk to witnesses, and build a robust defense strategy. They can also seek ways to have charges reduced or dismissed and formulate an effective trial strategy. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
• Keep Quiet: When law enforcement informs you that “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” during the reading of your Miranda rights, believe them. Making statements during an investigation could sway the case against you and offer prosecutors evidence to demonstrate your guilt. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO is crucial to ensuring you communicate effectively.
• Understand You are Innocent Until Proven Guilty: Sadly, in our current climate, being accused of a crime can lead many to presume your guilty. This can deeply alter your mental health and lead to decisions you would not normally make. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte Ste. Genevieve, MO homicide lawyer understands what you are going through.

The Importance of Hiring a Combs Waterkotte Ste. Genevieve, MO Homicide Lawyer

Facing homicide charges in or around Ste. Genevieve, 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 could determine whether you receive a reduced sentence, achieve freedom, or face life imprisonment. Here’s how the Combs Waterkotte homicide legal team can support you in Ste. Genevieve, MO:

• Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our homicide lawyers will launch a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the facts of the case, examining police reports, forensic evidence, witness statements, and any other pertinent information. They may also collaborate with private investigators and expert witnesses to effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
• Identify Flaws in the Prosecution’s Case: Our relentless homicide lawyers will meticulously analyze every aspect of the case to find flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a plea reduction, or a successful acquittal.
• Ensure Your Rights are Protected: You have certain rights guaranteed by Ste. Genevieve, 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. Unfortunately, our Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO area. Here are three frequently violated rights during Ste. Genevieve, MO homicide arrests and interrogations:
  • Violations of Due Process: When accused of homicide, or any crime for that matter, you have the right to due process, ensuring fair treatment throughout the legal system. This includes being informed 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. Withholding it is a violation of your due process rights.
  • Failure to Provide the Miranda Warning: In the landmark case of Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police must inform you of your rights prior to any conducting any questioning. This includes the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the warning that anything said can be used 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. 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 protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in Ste. Genevieve, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they need to present 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.
• Provide Expert Witnesses: Our team at Combs Waterkotte works with a wide network of skilled professionals in the Ste. Genevieve, MO area, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can call these specialists to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
• Negotiate Lesser Charges: A skilled and aggressive Ste. Genevieve, MO homicide lawyer 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. At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys prioritize your interests, guiding you while allowing you to make the final decision.

When you’re accused of homicide in Ste. Genevieve, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the ideal homicide lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Ste. Genevieve 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

As homicide in Ste. Genevieve, MO is a serious felony offense, anyone facing such charges should connect with a homicide lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO immediately. Our experienced legal team has a deep understanding of Missouri laws and is committed to doing everything possible to have your charges reduced or dropped. If you’re dealing with a homicide charge in or around Ste. Genevieve, MO, don’t wait.

Contact a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, 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 no-obligation case review.