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Oakville Violent Crimes Defense Attorney

Violent Crimes Defense Lawyers Serving Oakville, MO

Violent crimes like battery, armed robbery, and murder are some of the most serious criminal charges you can face in Oakville. Missouri law imposes harsh penalties for these offenses, including the death penalty in some cases. Building a strong defense against charges for these crimes requires time, swift action, and an attorney with substantial resources.

Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. has over 50 years of combined legal experience and has handled over 25,000 cases in Missouri and Illinois. Our violent crimes defense lawyers serving Oakville have successfully represented many people accused of serious offenses, including a case involving a client accused of killing an off-duty sheriff’s officer. We prepare every case as if it’s headed to trial and won’t urge you to accept a plea bargain if there are other viable options. Call us immediately for a free phone consultation, and let us defend your rights.

 

Why You Need a Lawyer for Violent Crimes Charges in Oakville

If you’re accused of a violent crime in Oakville or south St. Louis County, you can expect the full weight of the Missouri justice system to crash down on you. The police and prosecutors dedicate significant resources to these cases, so you’ll be fighting an uphill legal battle. Furthermore, public defenders often don’t have the time or resources to build an effective defense.

Hiring an experienced and dedicated defense attorney is your best shot at avoiding the drastic consequences of a criminal conviction. Your lawyer can protect you from abusive tactics by the police or prosecutors, walk you through the legal process, and find the best approach to minimize the potential consequences for your future.

What Our Violent Crimes Defense Lawyers Can Do for You

We’re here to make this turbulent time as painless as possible while fiercely defending your rights. Here are some specific steps we can take on your behalf:
  • Explaining legal procedures – There’s a lot of legal jargon and complicated rules in criminal cases. We believe clients should always understand what’s happening with their cases, and we can explain what you can expect or answer your questions.
  • Making your case for bail – No one wants to spend more time in jail than necessary. You’ll appear in court for your bail hearing soon after your arrest, and we can help you find the resources to pay your bond. We can also demonstrate your family and community ties to show the judge why you’re not a flight risk.
  • Protecting you during meetings with the police or prosecutors – The police and prosecutors want a quick conviction if they can get one. They’ll pressure you to confess or accept a plea deal, and they might violate your rights if you don’t have someone to protect you. We can represent you during any meetings with the police, coach you on what to say (or not say), and review any potential plea agreements to see if they’re in your interest. If the police or prosecutors violate your rights, we can present arguments to a judge to have your charges reduced or dropped.
  • Challenging unlawful evidence – The police must respect your Fourth Amendment rights regarding unreasonable searches and seizures. If they obtained any evidence through an illegal search, we can file a motion to exclude that evidence. Prosecutors might reduce or drop your charges if they don’t have sufficient evidence to support their case.
  • Negotiating plea agreements – A plea agreement isn’t always your best option, as there may be other ways to reach a better outcome. Nevertheless, we can review any plea deals to make sure they’re fair and decide whether they are in your best interests.
  • Representing you at trial – Many criminal cases don’t reach the trial stage, but yours might. If so, we’ll be ready to present arguments and evidence in your favor while questioning and challenging the prosecution’s witnesses and evidence. We can also challenge any violations of your civil rights during the trial.

Violent Crime Cases We Handle in Oakville

Our violent crimes attorneys can defend you against many potential charges, including:

  • Aggravated assault/battery
  • Armed robbery
  • Assault with a deadly weapon
  • Rape or sexual assault
  • Vehicular homicide
  • Domestic violence
  • Kidnapping
  • Manslaughter (involuntary or voluntary)
  • Murder

What To Do After an Arrest on Violent Crimes Charges

Your defense starts from the moment the police take you into custody. You should avoid making your situation worse. Here’s how to protect yourself.

  • Don’t resist arrest. You might face additional charges for trying to fight a police officer and could sustain severe injuries.
  • Don’t attempt to destroy evidence. Obstructing a criminal case is a serious charge and could get you into deeper trouble.
  • Don’t say anything to the police or prosecutors. You might want to explain yourself, but the police can and will use anything you say against you. You have the right to remain silent, and the only thing you should say is to ask for a lawyer.
  • Don’t contact an alleged victim. Any actions that look like witness tampering could lead to additional charges. You might also say something that implicates you for the crime. Remember: People don’t file criminal charges; prosecutors do. Even if someone asks the authorities to drop their case against you, there’s no guarantee they’ll grant the request.
  • Contact an attorney immediately. The hours immediately after your arrest can have crucial effects on your case, so it’s critical to involve a lawyer right away. Your lawyer can also protect you from civil rights violations or pressure tactics by the police or prosecutors.

Penalties for Violent Crimes in Missouri

Most violent crimes in Missouri are felonies and carry long jail sentences, among other punishments. Depending on your charge, the following penalties might apply:

  • First-degree murder – First-degree murder is a Class A felony in Missouri, the highest level of criminal offenses under state law. The penalties for first-degree murder are life in prison without parole or the death penalty. Only offenders under 18 can avoid these penalties.
  • Second-degree murder – Second-degree murder is another Class A felony in Missouri. However, the death penalty does not apply in second-degree murder cases. The maximum possible prison time for this charge is 30 years.
  • Armed robbery – Another Class A felony with a maximum prison sentence of 30 years.
  • Voluntary manslaughter – Voluntary manslaughter differs from murder because it involves “sudden passion” instead of deliberate intent to kill. This charge is a Class B felony, and penalties include up to 15 years in prison.
  • Involuntary manslaughter – Involuntary manslaughter can be a Class E to Class B felony, depending on the case facts. Class E felonies can lead to up to 4 years in prison.
  • Domestic assault – Depending on the case facts, domestic assault charges range from Class A misdemeanors to Class A felonies. At the lower end,  a Class A misdemeanor conviction can result in up to a year in jail.

Defenses in Oakville Violent Crimes Cases

One possible defense against violent crime charges in Oakville is to argue that you acted in self-defense. Another strategy is to demonstrate that you have an alibi, which means you have proof you weren’t at the scene when the crime occurred.

In some cases, examining DNA evidence or challenging eyewitness accounts can lead prosecutors to drop or dismiss your charges. Similarly, having evidence obtained through an unlawful search can lead to dropped or reduced charges if prosecutors can’t use key evidence. 

Call Our Violent Crime Lawyers TODAY.

Don’t risk the consequences of a criminal conviction by waiting to act or hiring the wrong legal team. Call Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. now for a free phone consultation with a Missouri criminal defense lawyer serving Oakville.

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