Rape Defense Lawyers, Dearborn, MO. Rape allegations can be life-altering, and the charges have some of the harshest penalties in Missouri. Facing these charges can feel like a hopeless situation.
But it’s not. Allegations and charges aren’t guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is on your side to battle to protect you from those outcomes.
We protect Dearborn, MO, residents’ rights and give them a well-built defensive plan against any criminal charges. We’re available to talk about your case today—reach us by phone at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our contact form online for a confidential consult.
You need a leading defense attorney. Our rape and sexual assault defense attorneys will advise you on the best strategy to protect your interests. Reach out online or dial (314) 900-HELP to get started.
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Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
If you’ve been charged with sexual assault or rape in Dearborn, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers right away. If you go it alone, you’re risking the below consequences:
- A Prison Sentence. Different charges in the second degree all potentially result in prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the first-degree offences can go as far as life in prison without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, felons lose several rights, including the right to vote, the right to possess a gun, and certain employment rights. It can also affect your parental rights.
- Sex Offender Registration. If you’re convicted of rape, your name will likely be put on a public sex offender registry.
- Job Impacts. You can be fired just for being accused of rape.
If you review the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To give yourself the best chance to avoid these, it’s critical that you find Dearborn, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready to protect you.
We take pride in offering the following when building your rape/sexual assault defense:
- A client-centered approach because we want to be sure we are capturing your story, needs, and goals.
- An accomplished group of rape defense lawyers who have handled thousands of cases, several just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is built for trial should your case go that far.
- Longstanding relationships with prosecutors across the state, which we will leverage when negotiating a favorable plea deal to give you positive outcomes without going through a trial.
Don’t give the state a chance to build a case you can’t defend against—speak with us now at (314) 900-HELP to get in touch with one of our rape defense lawyers today.
Legal Videos
How Can I Prove My Innocence if Accused of Sexual Assault in Illinois?
How Can I Prove My Innocence if Accused of Sexual Assault in Illinois? Facing sexual assault charges in the state of Illinois? Attorneys Joshua Boardman and Andrew Russek from Combs Waterkotte …
Can I Be Arrested for Sexual Assault Without Evidence in Illinois?
Can I Be Arrested for Sexual Assault Without Evidence in Illinois? Facing sexual assault charges in the state of Illinois? In this video, Combs Waterkotte attorneys Joshua Boardman and Andrew …
What Are Effective Defense Strategies in Sex Crime Cases in Illinois?
What Are Effective Defense Strategies in Sex Crime Cases in Illinois? Facing sex crime charges in the state of Illinois? Attorneys Joshua Boardman and Andrew Russek from Combs Waterkotte discuss …
What Are the Penalties for Sexual Assault in Illinois?
What Are the Penalties for Sexual Assault in Illinois? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Attorney Joshua Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discusses the possible penalties for a sexual …
What Should I Do if I’m Accused of Sexual Assault in Illinois?
What Should I Do if I'm Accused of Sexual Assault in Illinois? Facing sexual assault charges in the state of Illinois? Attorney Joshua Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discusses everything you need …
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …
How Can I Prove My Innocence if Accused of Sexual Assault in Illinois?
How Can I Prove My Innocence if Accused of Sexual Assault in Illinois? Facing sexual assault charges in the state of Illinois? Attorneys Joshua Boardman and Andrew Russek from Combs Waterkotte …
Can I Be Arrested for Sexual Assault Without Evidence in Illinois?
Can I Be Arrested for Sexual Assault Without Evidence in Illinois? Facing sexual assault charges in the state of Illinois? In this video, Combs Waterkotte attorneys Joshua Boardman and Andrew …
What Are Effective Defense Strategies in Sex Crime Cases in Illinois?
What Are Effective Defense Strategies in Sex Crime Cases in Illinois? Facing sex crime charges in the state of Illinois? Attorneys Joshua Boardman and Andrew Russek from Combs Waterkotte discuss …
What Are the Penalties for Sexual Assault in Illinois?
What Are the Penalties for Sexual Assault in Illinois? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Attorney Joshua Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discusses the possible penalties for a sexual …
What Should I Do if I’m Accused of Sexual Assault in Illinois?
What Should I Do if I'm Accused of Sexual Assault in Illinois? Facing sexual assault charges in the state of Illinois? Attorney Joshua Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discusses everything you need …
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …
Defensive Tactics Combs Waterkotte Uses Against Dearborn, MO Rape Charges:
Our team of Dearborn rape defense lawyers have deep knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and effective strategies to fight against related charges:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the question is not whether sexual activity occurred, but whether it was consensual.
- Alibi: It’s highly unfortunate, but sometimes rape victims accuse the wrong person, and an alibi can be key to your defense.
- Physical Evidence: Even if you don’t have an alibi, physical evidence like DNA might be able to exonerate you.
- Fourth Amendment or Fifth Amendment Rights Violations: Improperly obtained evidence can be thrown out before it is used against you.
Rape defense strategies are not one-size-fits-all. They need to be custom-made for each case. At Combs Waterkotte, we construct the strongest defense possible for your circumstances and will tell you what outcomes we think are realistically achievable for you, and how best to get there.
What’s the Difference Between Rape, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy in Dearborn, MO?
When most people think of rape, the prototypical image would be someone being physically forced to have nonconsensual sex. But Missouri rape law has multiple different categories of rape, and distinguishes sodomy as a separate offense.
Below are the different Dearborn, MO, criminal charges you could be facing when accused of ‘rape:’
First Degree Rape:
First Degree Rape is defined in Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030 as having sex with another person who cannot consent, or coercing them to have sex with force or threats of force (this also includes giving them substances without their knowledge).
This is normally regarded as the most serious charge of the six outlined on this page
Second Degree Rape:
Second Degree Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.031 as having sex with someone who does not consent, and you’re aware that they do not.
This is different from first-degree rape in that the alleged victim is capable of consenting, but states that they did not.
First Degree Statutory Rape:
First Degree Statutory Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.032 as having sex with someone younger than fourteen years old.
What makes this different from first-degree rape is that the alleged victim could have voluntarily agreed to have sex (this would not count as consent, legally).
Second Degree Statutory Rape:
Second Degree Statutory Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.034 as having sex with someone younger than seventeen years old while being older than twenty-one.
Statutory rape degrees are distinguished by the age of the alleged victim and offender. It’s also important to be aware that Missouri has special ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws regarding sex with individuals from fourteen to sixteen.
First Degree Sodomy:
First Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.060 as having either oral, anal, or digital sex with a personor otherwise penetrating that individual, and this is done while that individual is unable to consent, or is coerced to do so via force.
This is very similar to first-degree rape charges; the only difference is the alleged type of act performed.
Second Degree Sodomy:
Second Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.061 as participating in either oral, anal, or digital sex with a person or otherwise penetrating an individual, when the alleged victim states that they did not give consent.
Just like with second-degree rape, the difference between first-degree sodomy and second-degree sodomy is that the alleged victim could have given consent, but did not for that instance/act.
Rape, statutory rape, and sodomy all have details that make them different from one another, however, they all involve a lack of consent. Missouri defines consent for sexual intercourse as an affirmative, voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity from all involved individuals who are capable of giving consent. Obtaining clear consent is important prior to proceeding with any sexual action.
Our Dearborn rape defense lawyers will fight against rape, statutory rape, sodomy, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be up against.
Common Dearborn, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can’t be arrested/charged in Dearborn if there’s no physical evidence.”
The Reality: If there’s no physical evidence, that can hurt the state’s chances of getting a conviction. However,, if the police have probable cause (which only has to be alleged victim testimony), they can make an arrest.
“Innocent people don’t need attorneys.”
The Reality: You always need an experienced team of rape defense lawyers on your side, whether you’re innocent or guilty. You don’t want to attempt to go through the court process on your own or slip up and say something that can be misinterpreted.
“You can’t have sex with someone younger than 17 in Missouri.”
The Reality: Missouri’s age of consent is 17. But, the state does have ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws that allow people aged 14-16 to have sex with a partner up to four years older than themselves.
“A person can’t consent if they’ve had something to drink.”
The Reality: There are some situations where it is impossible for someone to give consent (most notably if they are unconscious), however, there isn’t a legal definition of being too drunk to consent. That said, if you have even the slightest suspicion that someone has had too much to drink, don’t have sex.
Combs Waterkotte Protects Against Rape Charges in Dearborn, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Facing a rape accusation can be disturbing . And trying to go it alone is setting yourself up for failure. But you are one call away from Missouri’s leading criminal defense lawyers. You can have Combs Waterkotte building your defense.
We’re here to help good people in bad situations. Our rape defense lawyers have the experience and expertise necessary to craft a forceful defense. And whatever charges you’re up against, we’re ready to talk.
Talk to our team now at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
