Sex crimes attorney in Portage Des Sioux, MO. Facing sex crime charges in the Portage Des Sioux, MO area? Combs Waterkotte is ready to stand by your side with proven, aggressive defense strategies. If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in Portage Des Sioux, MO, don’t wait—reach out to our skilled sex crimes attorneys today. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential case evaluation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we know precisely what’s at stake. You need the help of an experienced sex crimes attorney in Portage Des Sioux, MO to protect your rights and defend your case. Sex crimes carry serious consequences, including harsh prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and hefty fines. Trust Combs Waterkotte.
Legal Videos

What Happens When You Are Wrongfully Accused of a Sex Crime?
What happens when you are wrongfully accused of a sex crime? Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Right. And you'll see sometimes, and I've had cases, where you had two individuals …

Too Intoxicated to Give Consent?
Missouri criminal defense lawyers Steven Waterkotte and Chris Combs talk about alleged victims being too intoxicated to give consent. Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Most people …

Criminal Lawyer Talks About Representing Sex Criminals
Real Criminal Defense Lawyer talks about representing sex criminals. Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: I always say probably what the public views as the most vile or despicable …

Your Word Against Theirs in Court
Are just allegations enough to get charged with a crime? When it's your word against theirs in court. Episode Transcript Chris Combs: And allegations alone will do it. Steve hit on this …

What Happens When You Are Charged With a Child Sex Crime?
What happens when you are charged with a child sex crime? Episode Transcript Chris Combs: If you're a tier three sex offender, you can only have approved electronic devices. You have to …
Article Summary
Being accused of a sex crime in Portage Des Sioux, MO is life-altering, and the consequences can follow you forever. This page explains how an experienced sex crimes attorney can protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and fight to avoid harsh penalties like prison time and mandatory sex offender registration. Learn what types of charges we defend, why early action is critical, and how our discreet, aggressive defense strategies help clients protect their freedom and reputation when facing serious allegations.
Common Sex Crime Charges in Portage Des Sioux, MO
Sex crime charges in Portage Des Sioux, MO cover a wide range of alleged conduct, levels of severity, and penalties — from sexual assault and rape to child pornography and statutory offenses. Below are some of the most frequently prosecuted sex crimes under Missouri law:
- Rape: Rape involves nonconsensual sexual intercourse or penetration and is treated as a serious felony in Missouri, with possible prison sentences ranging from 5 years up to life without parole under Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030.
- Sexual Assault: Sexual assault involves any unwanted sexual contact, including touching or groping. It is also a serious felony offense that can result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years.
- Statutory Rape: Statutory rape occurs when an individual engages in sexual activity with a minor who is below the age of consent, as they are considered too young to be capable of giving informed consent. The age of consent in Portage Des Sioux and elsewhere in Missouri is 17 years old, and engaging in sexual activity with a minor under the age of 14 as an adult can result in charges of statutory rape in the first degree.
- Child Pornography: Child pornography involves the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under the age of 18. It is a serious Class D or Class B felony offense that can result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years, and pursuant to RSMo. § 573.037, you could be subject to separate sentences for each article of child pornography you are accused of possessing.
- Sexual Misconduct with a Minor: Sexual misconduct with a minor in Portage Des Sioux, MO involves sexual contact with a minor who is under the age of 15, including acts such as exposing one’s genitals or coercing the minor to expose their genitals or breasts. Other forms of sexual misconduct are also illegal in Missouri, but sexual misconduct with a minor is the most serious offense under RSMo. § 566.083, often a Class D or Class E felony, and can result in a prison sentence and other consequences.
Consequences of a Portage Des Sioux, MO Sex Crimes Conviction Are Too Severe to Face Alone
The consequences of being convicted of a sex crime in Missouri extend far beyond a courtroom sentence. You may face registration as a sex offender, severe limitations on housing and employment, and irreparable harm to your reputation and relationships. It’s a burden that follows you for life — unless you fight it with everything you’ve got in Portage Des Sioux, MO.
No two cases are alike. Outcomes depend on the facts, the law, the judge, and how quickly you act. That’s why hiring an experienced Portage Des Sioux, MO sex crimes attorney immediately is critical. At Combs Waterkotte, we begin building your defense from the moment you call — fighting for dropped charges, reduced penalties, or total acquittal. Here’s how we help:
- Skilled Defense From Start to Finish: With over 60 years of combined legal experience, our Portage Des Sioux, MO sex crimes attorneys know how to fight — and win. From the moment your case begins, we provide straightforward legal guidance, craft powerful defense strategies, and ensure your rights are protected at every stage of the process, from investigation through verdict.
- Case Evaluation: We don’t rely on assumptions. Every case begins with a meticulous evaluation by a seasoned Combs Waterkotte defense attorney in Portage Des Sioux, MO. We dig into police reports, scrutinize evidence, identify legal errors, and speak with potential witnesses — all to build a personalized defense strategy that fits your exact situation.
- Courtroom Advocacy in Portage Des Sioux, MO: When it’s time to face a judge and jury, our experienced Portage Des Sioux, MO litigators rise to the occasion. We present persuasive arguments, cross-examine key witnesses, and challenge the prosecution at every turn — always aiming to establish reasonable doubt and secure the best possible outcome for you.
- Ongoing Legal Help After Trial in Portage Des Sioux: Even after a conviction, a dedicated Portage Des Sioux, MO sex crimes attorney doesn’t stop fighting. We can file appeals, pursue post-conviction motions, or explore other legal avenues to challenge wrongful convictions or lessen the impact of a guilty verdict.

Portage Des Sioux, MO Sex Crimes Attorney: Common Legal Defenses
Being accused of a sex crime in Portage Des Sioux, MO is overwhelming, but a powerful defense can make all the difference. Every case is unique, and the strongest defense depends on the exact facts and legal circumstances. Below are some of the most effective legal defenses our attorneys use in sex crime cases:
- Consent:
In many sex crime cases in Portage Des Sioux, MO, the core issue is whether the encounter was consensual. If both parties willingly participated and were legally able to consent, this can be a powerful defense. Evidence like text messages, social media interactions, witness testimony, or a documented prior relationship can help support a claim of consent. - Alibi:
If you weren’t there, you couldn’t have committed the crime. An alibi defense uses concrete evidence like phone data, receipts, or security footage to prove you were elsewhere at the time of the alleged offense. - Fabricated Claims:
Not all accusations are truthful. Whether motivated by jealousy, retaliation, or manipulation, we use forensic inconsistencies, testimony gaps, and documented history to prove the accusation is false or exaggerated. - Your Rights Were Violated:
If the police in or around Portage Des Sioux, MO violated your constitutional rights, such as conducting an illegal search or coercing a confession in the Portage Des Sioux, MO area, your sex crimes attorney can move to suppress improperly obtained evidence or even have the charges thrown out entirely. - Insufficient Evidence:
If the prosecution’s case lacks solid evidence, or relies heavily on unreliable witness statements or questionable forensic results, your Portage Des Sioux, MO sex crimes attorney can argue that the state has not met its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. - Mental Health or Cognitive Challenges:
If you suffered from a mental health condition or cognitive impairment at the time of the incident, we may argue you were incapable of forming criminal intent, which can lead to reduced charges or penalties. - Mistaken Belief About Age:
In Portage Des Sioux, MO statutory sex crime cases, we may argue that you had a reasonable and good-faith belief that the other individual was of legal age. This defense depends on the specific facts, but it can be effective in minimizing charges or penalties.
St. Charles County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Charles County and Missouri.
Why Hiring a Portage Des Sioux, MO Sex Crimes Attorney Is Critical — And How We Help
When you hire Combs Waterkotte to defend your Portage Des Sioux, MO sex crimes case, you get the best possible legal guidance and representation throughout your case. Don’t let this ruin your life. With an expert Portage Des Sioux, MO sex crimes defense attorney dedicated to your case, you have a chance.
Our Portage Des Sioux, MO criminal defense lawyers have defended countless clients against high-stakes charges with real results. We know how to dissect the evidence, expose weak points in the prosecution’s story, and provide the aggressive, strategic defense your case demands. When your future hangs in the balance, turn to a team with the skill and track record to fight back — and win.

Other cases we handle in Portage Des Sioux, MO are:
You Deserve a Strong Defense. Speak With a Portage Des Sioux, MO Sex Crimes Attorney Today.
Facing a sex crime accusation can feel overwhelming, isolating, and terrifying. But, you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’ve been charged or are under investigation in Portage Des Sioux, MO, the decisions you make today could shape the rest of your life. Don’t talk to police without experienced legal counsel by your side.
Call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online immediately. Our Portage Des Sioux, MO sex crimes attorneys will take swift, strategic action to defend your rights, protect your future, and fight aggressively for the best possible result. Don’t delay — your defense starts the moment you make the call.


