Homicide
Getting the Results You Deserve-
Manslaughter and Three Counts of Assault by DWI Sentence Significantly Reduced
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Assault and Armed Criminal Action Case Dismissed
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Child Molestation Not Guilty
A man from South County was charged with child molestation in the City of St. Louis for allegedly fondling his stepdaughter.Attorney Muhlenkamp highlighted the inconsistencies in the disclosures, her motive to fabricate the allegation in the first place, and the overall lack of reasonableness/common sense that surrounded each allegation.
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Federal Wire Fraud No Prison Time
A woman charged with fraud in violation of federal law was facing prison time. Attorney Muhlenkamp was able to convince the court to sentence her to probation without prison time.
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Two Counts of Robbery in the First Degree Case Dismissed
A St. Louis County man was charged with two counts of robbery in the first degree and armed criminal action, felonies that carried a potential sentence of life in prison. The alleged victim’s prior identification of Mr. Muhlenkamp’s client was only the product of a Facebook search on his friend’s cellphone that proved to be completely unreliable. The judge dismissed the case and the State agreed not to reissue charges.
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Domestic Assault in the Second Degree Charges Dismissed
A wrongfully accused domestic violence case was dismissed within a month of the charges being filed.
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Stealing a Motor Vehicle Charges Dismissed
A man was charged with a felony for stealing a motor vehicle. The state waited two years to file the charges and Mr. Muhlenkamp filed a motion to dismiss the charges due to a new law that reclassifies this as a misdemeanor instead of a felony. The state also missed the one-year statute of limitations. which means they had no choice but to dismiss the charges.
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Felony Theft Charges Dismissed
A man charged with stealing unemployment benefits from the State of Missouri in 2010 was unaware of this charge until 2016. He was caught off guard and hired Attorney Muhlenkamp. Mr. Muhlenkamp filed a motion to dismiss and the state dismissed the charges two days later.
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Felony Offense of Writing a Bad Check Charges Dismissed
A woman charged with a felony offense of writing a bad check over 20 years ago was recently facing prosecution. Mr. Muhlenkamp filed a motion to dismiss charges due to her speedy trial rights being violated along with the state failing to meet the proper statute of limitations. The court granted Muhlenkamp’s motion and dismissed the case.
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Class D Felony of Unlawful Use of a Weapon Case Dismissed
A South County man was wrongfully charged with a class D felony of Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Attorney Muhlenkamp was able to convince the complaining witness that the Defendant, in fact, never threatened anyone. The hearing lasted approximately 20 minutes, after which the Court dismissed the case.
St. Louis Homicide Attorneys
Homicide Charges in Missouri
In Missouri, homicide is among the most serious violent crimes because it involves the death of another person. A conviction can result in the most severe penalty in our criminal justice system—the death penalty. If you are facing homicide charges, you need a homicide defense attorney with the right knowledge and experience.
At Muhlenkamp & Bernsen, Attorneys at Law, our St. Louis murder attorneys provide aggressive legal representation for clients who are facing the most serious criminal charges.
Understanding Homicide Charges in Missouri
Being charged with homicide in Missouri is a serious matter that requires the expertise of experienced defense attorneys. There are different levels of homicide charges in Missouri, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and manslaughter. It's important to understand the differences between these charges and the potential consequences associated with each.
Our team of St. Louis homicide attorneys has a deep understanding of Missouri's homicide laws and can provide strategic defense strategies to protect your rights and freedom. We will work tirelessly to explore all possible defense options and leverage our experience to provide you with high-quality defense.
Whether you are facing homicide charges or are seeking legal advice on behalf of a loved one, it's crucial to get started on your defense as soon as possible. Contact Muhlenkamp & Bernsen, Attorneys at Law today to schedule a consultation and begin building a strong defense for your case.
Please call (314) 347-3313 or contact us online for immediate assistance from an experienced homicide lawyer in St. Louis.
What is Homicide?
The law recognizes that there are different levels of culpability in the death of another person, so there are different degrees for homicide charges. The most serious is first degree murder, or capital murder.
First-Degree Murder in Missouri
According to Missouri Statute §565.020, a person can be charged with first-degree murder charge when the defendant causes the death of another person by an intentional action that was planned in advance. First-degree murder is charged as a Class A felony and, if convicted, a person could face:
- Death penalty
- Life in prison without the possibility of parole
Second-Degree Murder in Missouri
According to Missouri Statute §565.021, a person commits second degree-murder if:
- The person intentionally, or in attempt to cause serious physical harm to another person, causes the death of another person
- A person was killed as a result of a person committing, or attempting to commit, a felony
If convicted for second-degree murder, a person could face Class A felony charges with penalties that include:
- Life in prison without the possibility of parole
- 10 to 30-years in prison
It is important to note that if the death was caused "under the influence of sudden passion," then it could be considered voluntary manslaughter under Missouri Statute §565.023 and would be charged as a Class B felony.
Murder vs Manslaughter
The main difference between murder and involuntary manslaughter, revolves around the intent of the accused. Murder involves an intentional action that causes the death of another person, whereas involuntary manslaughter occurs when a person's reckless or negligent actions causes the death of another person.
Exploring Possible Defense Strategies
The criminal penalties vary depending on the degree of the homicide charge. Prison sentences can range from seven years for involuntary manslaughter to life in prison or the death penalty for intentional murder. Because the consequences are so severe, you need qualified legal representation. Our St. Louis homicide lawyers explore all possible defense strategies to provide the best possible representation to each client.
Possible murder defenses may include:
- Actual innocence
- Under the influence of sudden passion
- Self-defense
- Defense of others
- Justifiable homicide
- Accident
- Proper exercise of official duties
When you are facing charges for homicide or any other violent crime, it is important to have experienced legal counsel by your side. If you are arrested, politely but firmly refuse to give any statements, answer questions, or consent to any searches before speaking with an attorney. We are available to answer your call at any time of the day or night, so don’t wait to call.
Call (314) 347-3313 for help from our experienced homicide attorneys in St. Louis.
High-Quality Defense
6 Reasons to Choose Us-
Exclusive Focus on Criminal Defense
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Over 25 Years of Combined Experience
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Personalized Representation
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Extensive Experience with Appellate & DWI Cases
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Available 24/7
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Free Initial Consultations
A strong defense begins with a strong offense. At Muhlenkamp & Bernsen, Attorneys at Law, we will scrupulously evaluate all angles of your case in an effort to achieve the best possible outcome and to help you restore your freedom and reputation.
Leverage Our Experience
Meet Your Dedicated Criminal Defense Attorneys-
Anthony Muhlenkamp -
Tory Bernsen
