St. Louis Murder & Manslaughter Lawyer

Are you facing allegations of murder or manslaughter?

A homicide offense is among the most heavily punished crimes in the country. If you have been accused of killing another person, you could be facing charges of murder or manslaughter. It is extremely important that you obtain representation from a St. Louis criminal defense attorney at The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, because Missouri laws bring very harsh penalties against those convicted.

Our firm has defended clients in more than 100 criminal jury cases in our 60 years of practice, so you can rest assured that we are well prepared to handle your case.

Call (314) 334-3807 or contact us online today for a free consultation.

Murder

An individual can be charged with murder in the first degree if they "knowingly cause the death of another person after deliberation upon the matter." The state must be able to prove that the act was premeditated. Murder in the first degree is considered a Class A felony and is punishable by death or life imprisonment without the eligibility for probation or parole.

Murder in the second degree occurs if an individual "knowingly causes the death of another person or, with the purpose of causing physical injury to another person, causes the death of another person." Murder in the second degree is also considered a Class A felony, but is instead punishable by 10 to 60 years in prison or life imprisonment without the eligibility for probation or parole.

Manslaughter

Manslaughter, on the other hand, may be prosecuted if an individual kills a person without forethought and with provocation. One would be guilty of voluntary manslaughter if they cause another person's death under the influence of sudden passion or knowingly assist another with suicide—also known as euthanasia. Voluntary manslaughter is a Class B felony and punishable by 5 to 15 years in prison.

Involuntary manslaughter is when an individual recklessly causes another person's death or negligently causes another person's death while operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Under these circumstances, the killing is unintentional. Involuntary manslaughter is a Class D felony, punishable by up to 4 years in prison.

Possible Defenses

Below are a few common defenses available for defendants charged with homicide:

Justifiable homicide is excused by the law. If proven, it may allow a defendant to get off with no punishment or sentencing given.

• Self-defense: If the defendant acted out of the honest and reasonable belief that the homicide was necessary for self-defense, they may be able to get off. Usually this means not initiating the violence and using an equal amount of force in responding to the aggressor.
• Defense of property: It usually must be proven that the intruder or trespasser threatened the life of the property owner.
• Crime prevention: If the defendant commits a killing while preventing a crime, it can be a defense if it is proven that the intervention was necessary.

Inability to intentionally kill is when a defendant is unable to understand that they have a duty not to take a life. This defense may not excuse a homicide, but it can reduce charges to voluntary or involuntary manslaughter.

• Insanity: It must be proven that the defendant is not mentally sound and that they lacked the required mental state for homicide.
• Intoxication: This type of defense is usually used to reduce murder charges to less serious charges.

Reasonable Mistake: In order to have the mental state to kill, the defendant must have the knowledge that the killing was illegal and unjustified. A reasonable mistake means that the defendant lacks that knowledge.

• Mistakes of fact: When a defendant mistakenly believes their life is at stake, which helps support self-defense, it can be a mistake of fact.
• Entrapment: If a law enforcement agent or officer encourages a person to commit a homicide, it is entrapment.

St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorneys With Over 60 years of Experience

Because murder and manslaughter are felony offenses, those who are charged with either crime should speak to a St. Louis murder lawyer at our firm immediately. Our legal team has extensive knowledge of the Missouri laws regarding murder and manslaughter, and we will do everything in our power to make sure that your charges are dropped or reduced. Once we have exhausted all negotiation options, our lawyers are not afraid to take a case to trial, whether in the state or federal courts.

Call our firm as soon as possible to receive your free case evaluation, so we can begin to prepare strong defense strategies. Don't wait until it's too late. Contact a St. Louis criminal defense attorney from The Hammer Law Firm, LLC today.

Call (314) 334-3807 to speak with a professional.