St. Louis Violent Crimes Attorneys
A violent crime, in Missouri laws, may be an act of violence or threats of violence. Violent crimes include serious property crimes. The effects of acts of violence may be bodily harm to people or animals or damage to property. The severity of the harm done may make the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony.
Charges and convictions involving violent crimes also carry a stigma that may affect one’s reputation, livelihood and more. At KesslerWilliams, our attorneys vigorously stand on the side of the constitutional rights of the accused, no matter how serious criminal charges may be.
Types Of Violent Crime Cases That We Handle
One of the first things we tell our clients about with regard to the charges they are facing is the possible sentences. We routinely counsel clients on charges such as:
- Assault, sexual assault, and domestic violence or assault: These range from Class A felonies – 10 to 30 years or life sentences, to Class D felonies – under seven years in prison.
- Capital murder and voluntary manslaughter: Capital murder is punishable by the death penalty, and manslaughter is a Class B felony, carrying a sentence of between five and 15 years in prison.
- Robbery, kidnapping and arson: The potential charges for these crimes are Class A felonies – 10 to 30 years or life sentences, Class B felonies – five – 15 years in prison and Class C felonies – three –10 years in prison.
- Armed criminal actions: Including acts of gun violence and flights or escapes with the use of deadly weapons or force, these acts carry a minimum of three years in prison.
- Civil disorder or rioting: Rioting on its own is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by fines and up to a year in prison. Inciting a riot is a Class E felony, punishable by a maximum of four years in prison.
- Harassment incited by discrimination: Depending on the circumstances of the charge, you may face a Class A misdemeanor – up to one year in prison and fines – or a Class E felony – up to four years in prison.
- Terroristic threats: There are first- and second-degree terroristic threats. The second degree is a Class E felony – up to four years – and the first degree is a Class D felony – up to seven years.
- Child abuse and other crimes against children, including molestation and trafficking: Penalties for these crimes are either Class A or Class B, meaning either 10-30 years to life sentences or five-15 years in prison, respectively.
These are very general guidelines that can change vastly depending on many circumstances.
Defenses Against Violent Charges
Circumstances matter in all criminal trials because one of your rights as someone accused of a crime is the right to your day in court. You get to tell your side of the story; you get to confront your accusers. Possible defenses for violent crimes include:
- Demonstrating errors by police in the identification of the perpetrator of a violent crime
- Questioning the credibility of an accuser
- Proving that someone acted in self-defense
You are innocent until proven guilty, and by that standard, you should have all the advantages of the law on your side as you defend yourself. The burden of proof is on the state, and they must prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
What Should You Do If You Are Charged With A Violent Crime?
If you have been accused of a violent crime or charged and arrested, do not submit to questioning by police investigators without legal counsel to protect your rights.
Maybe this piece of advice seems obvious but we are adamant in recommending that people in your shoes get legal advice as soon as possible. You will only make things worse if you try to hide or talk your way out of your situation.
How Can A Defense Lawyer Make A Difference In Your Case?
If our attorneys represent you, their decades of experience in criminal defense can be a great asset to you. Turn to KesslerWilliams for guidance through criminal justice processes, from your arrest to your appearance before a prosecutor, a jury trial and beyond. If you were arrested but are not convicted, you may be able to request an expungement of your arrest record. If you are convicted for a first-time offense, you may be able to appeal. After one to three years, you may be able to petition for an expungement of your criminal record.
Penalties For Violent Crimes
Violent crimes are treated with the utmost seriousness in St. Louis. These offenses can include assault, robbery, domestic violence, armed criminal action and homicide.
Missouri law classifies these crimes into felonies, with charges ranging from Class E (the least severe) to Class A (the most severe). Each class carries different punishments, including imprisonment, hefty fines, probation or mandatory rehabilitation programs.
- Class E and D felonies: Less severe violent crimes, like third-degree assault, are charged as Class E or D felonies. Convictions for these offenses can result in penalties ranging from probation to several years. Even if there is no significant physical injury, using a weapon during the offense can increase the charges and penalties.
- Class C and B felonies: More serious offenses, such as first-degree robbery or aggravated assault, fall under this class. Penalties can range from five years to 15 years or more in prison, along with fines. Also, the use of firearms or other deadly weapons can lead to mandatory minimum sentences that must be served without parole.
- Class A felonies: These are severe violent crimes, including murder and first-degree assault resulting in serious injury. These crimes carry the harshest penalties, ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment. Missouri law also allows for the death penalty in cases of first-degree murder, making it one of the few states to still impose such a punishment.
The penalties for violent crimes can depend on the severity of the crime, the use of a weapon, the presence of injuries, the personal characteristics of the victim (such as age or occupation) and whether the offender has prior convictions.
Discuss Your Criminal Charges With Our Violent Crime Defense Lawyers
Violent crime charges can have life-altering consequences. Given the severity of these penalties, it is crucial for individuals facing such charges in St. Louis to understand their rights and the potential defenses available.
KesslerWilliams can help navigate the legal system and explore options for reducing or dismissing charges. To schedule a consultation with a firm with 30-plus years of experience, call 314-720-5476 or email us.