Rape Defense Lawyers, Lawson, MO. Rape accusations carry a lot of stigma, and Missouri law treats people convicted of rape severely. Facing these charges can feel like it’s the end of your life.
But it’s not. Allegations and charges aren’t guilt. And Combs Waterkotte is ready to fight to defend you against those outcomes.
We protect Lawson, MO, residents’ rights and give them a proper defensive plan against any criminal charges. We’re free to give you a consult on your case today—reach us by phone at (314) 900-HELP or use our online form for a free consultation.
You need a leading defense attorney. Our rape and sexual assault defense lawyers will be in your corner from day one. Reach out online or dial (314) 900-HELP to get started.
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Over 10,000
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Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
When you’ve been accused of rape in Lawson, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers immediately. If you try to fight the charges without a lawyer, you’re risking the below consequences:
- Prison Time. Second-degree rape and sodomy charges can potentially result in prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the harsher first-degree charges can go as far as life without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, people convicted of felonies lose many rights, including the right to vote, the right to possess a gun, and certain employment rights. Depending on your situation, your parental rights may also be affected.
- Sex Offender Registration. If you’re convicted of rape, your name will likely be put on a public sex offender registry.
- Career Impacts. You can be fired even before a conviction.
When you see the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, they can be overwhelming. Because of this, you’ll need to bring in Lawson, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared for your case.
Here’s what we bring to the table when crafting your rape/sexual assault defense:
- A client-centered approach because it’s important to fully know your side of the story before building a defense.
- An experienced group of rape defense lawyers who have handled thousands of cases, several just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is ready for trial in case we need to go that far.
- Effective, working relationships with the state, which we lean on to come up with a plea deal if that can effectively protect your interests.
Don’t give the state a chance to build a case you can’t defend against—call us now at (314) 900-HELP to speak 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 Our Lawyers Use Versus Lawson, MO Rape Charges:
Our Lawson rape defense lawyers have wide knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what techniques work to fight against the charges:
- Consent: In some rape cases, rather than being centered around whether or not the two parties had sex, the question is on consent, whether it was given or not, and whether it was freely given or not.
- Alibi: In cases of mistaken identity or outright false allegations, an alibi can prove that you were elsewhere at the time.
- Physical Evidence: Evidence can make or break a case. Whether it’s DNA, injury reports, communication records, or something else.
- Fourth Amendment or Fifth Amendment Rights Violations: If the state broke any rules when gathering evidence, we can argue to have it thrown out.
Rape defense strategies are not one-size-fits-all. They need to be custom-made for each case. At Combs Waterkotte, we create the finest defense possible for your situation and will give you honest, helpful advice on how to move forward.
What’s the Difference Between Rape, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy in Lawson, MO?
If you had to define rape, the image that comes to mind is probably that of forcible rape. But Missouri rape law has multiple different categories of rape, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
Below are the different Lawson, MO, criminal charges you could formally be up against 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 is unable to consent, or compelling them to engage in sexual intercourse through force (this also includes drugging them while they are unaware).
First-degree rape is the main criminal charge that most people think of when they hear “rape.”
Second Degree Rape:
Second Degree Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.031 as engaging in sexual intercourse with someone who does not consent, and you’re aware that they do not.
Compared to first-degree rape charges, the difference is 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.
As opposed to the above rape charges, the differentiating factor with statutory 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.
Second-degree statutory rape is different from first-degree because of the age requirements. It’s also important to be aware that Missouri has special laws specifically regarding sexual activity with individuals between the ages of fourteen and sixteen.
First Degree Sodomy:
First Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.060 as participating in either oral, anal, or digital sex with someoneor otherwise penetrating that person, while that individual cannot consent, or is made to do so by force.
You may notice that the language for this statute is nearly identical to that of first-degree rape; even the penalties are the same. The difference between these two laws is in the action(s) that allegedly took place.
Second Degree Sodomy:
Second Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.061 as engaging in either oral, anal, or digital sex with a person or otherwise penetrating a person, when the alleged victim states that they did not give consent.
As with second-degree rape, the difference between first-degree sodomy and second-degree sodomy is that the alleged victim had the capacity to consent, but did not do so.
Rape, statutory rape, and sodomy all have details that make them different from one another, however, no matter which action or degree you look at, you’ll find one of the key features is a lack of consent. Missouri defines consent for sexual activity as an affirmative, unforced agreement to engage in sexual activity from all involved individuals who are able to give consent. Obtaining clear consent is important before engaging in any sexual activity.
Combs Waterkotte’s Lawson rape defense lawyers will fight against rape, statutory rape, sodomy, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be charged with.
Common Lawson, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can’t be arrested/charged in Lawson if there’s no physical evidence.”
The Reality: This misconception is rooted in the difference between arrests, charges, and convictions. You can be charged and convicted of rape without physical evidence, although it is harder for the state to do so. Meanwhile, you can be arrested for nothing more than probable cause, which can include the accusations themselves.
“There’s no reason to hire an attorney if you’re innocent.”
The Reality: Whatever the circumstances, it’s critical to have agroup of rape defense lawyers watching out for your interests, whether you’re innocent or guilty. You don’t want to try and navigate Missouri law alone or slip up and say something that can be misinterpreted.
“It’s illegal to have sex with someone under 17 in Missouri.”
The Reality: Missouri’s age of consent is 17. But, the state does have ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws which legalize sex between someone aged 14-16 and another person up to four years older.
“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 how drunk is 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 Defends Against Rape Charges in Lawson, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Being accused of rape is traumatizing. And trying to go it alone is setting yourself up for failure. But you have another option. You can have Combs Waterkotte on your side.
We won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve. Our rape defense lawyers know what it takes to build a stellar defense against these charges. And we want to deliver you the best possible outcome.
Talk to us now at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online form for a free, confidential consultation.
