2023 Missouri Revised Statutes Title XXXVIII – Crimes and Punishment; Peace Officers and Public Defenders Chapter 566 – Sexual Offense
Missouri Chapter 566: Sexual Offenses
Chapter 566 of the Missouri Revised Statutes defines sexual offenses ranging from rape and child molestation to sexual misconduct, abuse of authority, and sex offender restrictions. These crimes carry some of the harshest penalties in Missouri—including mandatory prison time, sex offender registration, and lifelong restrictions. Whether you’re researching charges or defending your future, it’s crucial to understand what these laws mean and how they apply.
What Chapter 566 Covers
- Rape, statutory rape, sodomy, and child molestation
- Sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, and solicitation charges
- Sex crimes involving students, nursing home residents, or public officials
- Sex offender residency and proximity restrictions
- Trafficking for sexual exploitation or child enticement
Click any link below for a simplified explanation of each statute, including what the law says, what the prosecution must prove, and what penalties may apply.
Chapter 566 Statutes Explained
- Overview: Chapter 566 – Sexual Offenses
- § 566.020 – Mistake as to Age or Consent
- § 566.030 – Rape (First Degree)
- § 566.031 – Rape (Second Degree)
- § 566.032 – Statutory Rape (First Degree)
- § 566.034 – Statutory Rape (Second Degree)
- § 566.060 – Sodomy (First Degree)
- § 566.061 – Sodomy (Second Degree)
- § 566.062 – Statutory Sodomy (First Degree)
- § 566.064 – Statutory Sodomy (Second Degree)
- § 566.067 – Child Molestation (First Degree)
- § 566.068 – Child Molestation (Second Degree)
- § 566.069 – Child Molestation (Third Degree)
- § 566.071 – Child Molestation (Fourth Degree)
- § 566.083 – Sexual Misconduct Involving a Child
- § 566.086 – Sexual Contact With a Student
- § 566.093 – Sexual Misconduct (First Degree)
- § 566.095 – Sexual Misconduct (Second Degree)
- § 566.100 – Sexual Abuse (First Degree)
- § 566.101 – Sexual Abuse (Second Degree)
- § 566.103 – Promoting Online Sexual Solicitation
- § 566.111 – Sexual Intercourse With an Animal
- § 566.115 – Sexual Conduct With a Nursing Home Resident
- § 566.116 – Sexual Contact With a Nursing Home Resident
- § 566.125 – Persistent and Predatory Sexual Offenders
- § 566.145 – Sexual Conduct While Performing Public Duty
- § 566.147 – Residency Restrictions for Sex Offenders
- § 566.148 – Proximity to Child Care Facilities
- § 566.149 – Proximity to Schools
- § 566.150 – Proximity to Parks and Public Pools
- § 566.151 – Enticement of a Child
- § 566.153 – Misrepresenting Age to Solicit a Minor
- § 566.155 – Ban on Coaching or Supervising Minors
- § 566.206 – Trafficking for Slavery or Forced Labor
- § 566.209 – Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation
- § 566.210 – Sexual Trafficking of a Child (First Degree)
- § 566.211 – Sexual Trafficking of a Child (Second Degree)
Charged With a Sex Crime in Missouri?
Sex offenses are some of the most aggressively prosecuted and publicly stigmatized crimes in Missouri. If you’re under investigation or already facing charges, the consequences can last a lifetime. Combs Waterkotte defends clients against all types of sex crime allegations, including statutory charges, internet crimes, and Title IX-related claims. Contact us online today or (314) 900-HELP to schedule a confidential consultation an experienced Missouri criminal defense lawyer.
566.010. Chapter 566 and chapter 568 definitions.
Defines key terms used in Missouri sex crime laws.
This section explains what certain words mean in sex crime cases under chapters 566 and 568 of Missouri law.
1. “Aggravated sexual offense” means a sexual crime where the offender:
- Causes serious physical injury,
- Threatens with a weapon,
- Includes multiple people in the act,
- Has prior convictions for sex crimes,
- Acts as part of an organized plan, or
- Commits the act with certain close relatives (like children, siblings, or parents).
2. “Commercial sex act” means a sex act in exchange for something of value.
3. “Deviate sexual intercourse” means acts involving the genitals and mouth, hand, anus, or objects, done to sexually arouse or to harm the victim.
4. “Forced labor” means making someone work by:
- Scaring them into it (with threats of harm or restraint), or
- Misusing the legal system to force them.
5. “Sexual conduct” means sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, or sexual contact.
6. “Sexual contact” means touching another person’s private parts (directly or through clothing), or causing bodily fluids to contact them, to arouse, gratify, or terrorize.
7. “Sexual intercourse” means any penetration of the vagina by a penis, no matter how slight.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Missouri criminal defense lawyer.
