Under Missouri law, the term ‘violent crime’ refers to any act in which a person uses or threatens to use violent force against another person. Common examples of violent crimes include assault, domestic violence, armed robbery, rape, voluntary manslaughter, and murder.
Violent crimes carry severe penalties in Missouri – ranging from lengthy prison sentences to the death penalty. If you have been charged with a violent crime, you need a skilled St. Louis assault attorney who can defend your rights and take the necessary steps to protect your freedom and future.
Here are three steps you need to take if you have been charged with a violent crime in St. Louis.
Remain Silent
Right from the moment you are arrested, anything you say can be weaponized against you by the prosecution. For example, if you are charged with assault, and if you tell the police or the prosecutor that you acted in self defense, you will be making it easier for the prosecution to establish that you did indeed commit the violent act that you are accused of.
If you remain silent, on the other hand, your St. Louis assault attorney might be able to – depending on the evidence presented by the prosecution – raise doubts about the very claim that you were present at the crime scene in the first place. So, it is in your best interest to remain silent and not say anything to the police or anyone from the prosecution’s team.
Hire a St. Louis Assault Attorney
Hiring an experienced St. Louis criminal defense attorney must be your topmost priority following your arrest. Violent crime is an extremely serious charge – especially if the victim happens to be a woman – and a conviction can have long-term, life-altering consequences. So, do not take any chances and get in touch with a St. Louis assault attorney – or ask your family or friends to find an attorney for you – as soon as you can.
Do Not Accept a Plea Deal
Accepting a plea deal from the prosecution in order to avoid imprisonment is not a good idea, especially if you do not have a criminal record. Even if the charges are reduced, a conviction can still ruin your reputation and have long-term consequences.
More importantly, if the prosecution’s case is not as strong as they claim, a skilled St. Louis assault attorney might be able to get the charges against you dismissed. So, do not accept any deal offered by the prosecution. Let your attorney decide the best course of action for achieving a positive outcome.
Facing Violent Crime Charges Our St. Louis Assault Attorneys Can Help You!
The assault attorneys at Miller & Hine have a strong grasp of the Missouri criminal code and have an in-depth understanding of the internal workings of the state’s criminal justice system. We can defend you against charges of violent crime, protect your rights at every stage of the process, and fight hard to get the case dismissed or work with the prosecution to get the most favorable deal possible.
Call us today at (314) 413-2053 or reach us online to request a free consultation (phone or in-person) with one of our criminal defense attorneys.