St. Louis violent crime lawyer

If you or a loved one is accused of an alleged violent offense in Missouri, know that you are not alone. You have the right to a defense, and our skilled St. Louis violent crime lawyer is ready to go to work on your behalf.

What are different types of violent crimes?

Violent crimes are criminal actions that involve the use of physical force against another person or their property, or felonies that create the risk of such force.

Missouri Revised Statutes Title XXXVIII, Chapters 556-595 covers the state’s laws regarding violent crimes, punishment, and rights for the criminally accused. Some of the most common types of charges for violent crimes that JCS Law defends people against include the following.

Homicide

Homicide is defined as causing the death of another person. There are several degrees of homicide in Missouri; the severity of the charge is based on the perpetrator’s intent.

Manslaughter

Manslaughter is recklessly or negligently causing the death of another person, a lesser charge than homicide. It usually refers to an action that led to the death of another person, but the death was unintentional.

Vehicular manslaughter

Vehicular manslaughter is when a motorist’s reckless or negligent driving causes the death of another person. This includes deaths caused by drunk or otherwise intoxicated drivers.

Firearms charges

Firearms charges are broad and include any violation of Missouri gun laws.

People with felony convictions in possession of a firearm

People with felony convictions are prohibited from possessing a firearm; this is a felony charge and can apply in cases where the person could reasonably control a firearm.

Aggravated assault

Aggravated assault is assault with a weapon and knowingly or intentionally meaning to cause harm using the weapon. It also applies to reckless actions involving a weapon.

Domestic violence

Domestic violence is perpetrated against a family member or household member.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping or unlawful detention of another person is considered a felony with several degrees of seriousness.

Violating an order of protection

Any violation of a protection order (restraining order) could result in a felony charge, including those issued in child custody or domestic violence cases.

Animal abuse

Animal abuse may either be a misdemeanor or a felony.

Robbery

Robbery may be either first or second degree depending on the seriousness of the incident. Both are felonies.

How a St. Louis violent crime lawyer can help

Your St. Louis violent crime lawyer is your advocate throughout the legal process, from the time you’re arrested through the conclusion of your trial. The State of Missouri has a formidable amount of legal power dedicated to putting people charged with violent crimes in prison; your lawyer is the only one on your side.

Legal advice and guidance

Years of experience defending people charged with violent crimes and a deep knowledge of Missouri laws about criminal procedure and trial rules mean that our attorneys have thoughtful and relevant legal advice to help keep you out of trouble. Our guidance is motivated by your best interests.

Case investigating

The police investigate a crime with the intent of putting the person they arrested in jail. Your lawyer conducts an independent investigation into the crime and looks for the evidence needed to exonerate you or mitigate your role in the crime.

Client representation

We represent you at each step of the process. You do not have to answer police questions without us or appear in court without your St. Louis violent crime lawyer. We also speak on your behalf to the judge and prosecutor.

Negotiation of plea deals

Many violent crime charges are settled without trial in a negotiated plea agreement with the prosecutor. Trials can be unpredictable, and often, your criminal defense attorney can negotiate a deal for a much lesser penalty than you would get if you’re found guilty at trial. We leave the decision in your hands, but the LCS Law team is a group of fierce negotiators and will present you with the best possible option.

Protect the rights of the accused

Everyone has the right to a fair trial and fair treatment during the criminal process, starting at the time of your arrest. If you were a victim of an unlawful stop, arrest, or search and seizure without probable cause, we stand up for you. If your rights are violated at any point in the criminal procedure, we may be able to get evidence removed from the case or have charges dismissed.

How does our St. Louis violent crime lawyer Builds a strong defense strategy?

Every case is different, but a strong defense contains many of the same elements. We use the rule of law and common sense to craft the right defense for your situation.

Conducting a thorough investigation

We interview witnesses to the incident, review any photos or video footage if available, and use private investigators to determine what happened in the crime you are accused of. A St. Louis violent crime lawyer with JCS Law has extensive resources to find evidence to benefit your case.

Challenging the evidence

The prosecutor also has evidence for their case against you, and it’s our job to ensure that unlawfully obtained evidence isn’t used in your trial.

Presenting mitigating factors

Sometimes, a criminal act looks worse on paper than it was. Prosecutors may overcharge someone or charge them with a more serious crime than the act warranted, such as a felony charge instead of a misdemeanor. We fight against overcharging and present your side of the story.

A mitigating factor, or extenuating circumstance, is a consideration that lessens the severity of the offense, like:

• Whether the person can be rehabilitated, such as a young person or a first-time offender
• Past good deeds
• Addiction to alcohol or drugs
• Mental illness

These aren’t the only mitigating factors in a criminal case, just a few of the most common ones.

Filing appropriate motions and pleas

Nothing happens in a criminal case without motions by the defense or the prosecutor. A motion is a request to a court for a desired ruling or order. We file the right motions to have evidence removed, charges reduced or dismissed, or a continuance of your trial if the situation warrants it. If a motion or plea is filed incorrectly, it can be dismissed, so we ensure that everything is correct and filed on time.

Negotiating with prosecutors

You are within your rights to try to negotiate a plea arrangement with the prosecutor on your own, but these negotiations often yield better results when handled by your St. Louis violent crime lawyer. We know the St. Louis prosecutors well and how to negotiate a better deal for you.

There are several times when your lawyer may be able to get a better outcome for you, starting with a bail hearing or proposing a guilty plea to a lesser charge and lighter punishment than the one you were initially charged with.

Sentencing and consequences

Many people charged with a crime in St. Louis end up with some kind of penalty. Yours could include probation and a fine, or it could mean time in jail or prison. Missouri law permits a broad range of punishment for each type of violent crime. Your sentence is at the judge’s discretion, and if you plead guilty or are found guilty at trial, we negotiate for the lightest possible penalty.

Why hire a St. Louis violent crime lawyer with JCS Law?

Attorney John Schleiffarth boldly defends the accused and holds cops and prosecutors accountable through vigorous defense strategies. JCS Law can effectively attack eye-witness identification, photo line-ups, evidence, witness statements, false police reports, chain of custody issues, forensic evidence, victim statements, and many other important elements of your case.

A JCS Law St. Louis violent crime lawyer has experience helping clients produce physical evidence to prove whereabouts or strengthen alibis. For example, we can obtain court orders to subpoena cell phone tower data and disseminate ping locations. Our team and investigators can help track down witnesses that police were too lazy to find.

One of the most important aspects of these cases to clients and their families is the possibility of bonding before trial to get you released from custody so you can fight your case from home.

Attorney John Schleiffarth believes in fair and reasonable bonds being set and advocates passionately for his client’s bonds at bond-setting hearings. JCS Law can request a judge to lower the bond or even set one where it was previously denied. Our skilled St. Louis violent crime lawyer can refer you to multiple court-approved bail bondsmen to help with surety bonds.

Our St. Louis violent crime lawyer is ready to help

A violent crime charge can lead to years or even decades in prison. Your future is too important to risk without the help of a skilled St. Louis criminal defense attorney. Don’t delay; call JCS Law today to schedule your free consultation and discuss the specifics of your case.

*Attorney John Schleiffarth also recommends that you:

• DO NOT speak with law enforcement without attorney present
• DO NOT give any statements (written or verbal) without attorney present
• You have the right to remain silent, USE IT!