Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Archie, MO. Don’t underestimate internet sex crime allegations in Archie, MO. It can be tempting to think that these charges are not as bad as rape or sexual assault, but depending on what you’ve been accused of, you could be facing a life sentence.
Don’t try to fight these allegations alone. Work with the leading internet sex crimes lawyer in Archie, MO, Combs Waterkotte. Our firm has handled hundreds of sex crime cases. We’re here to help, not to judge.
This page will go over some of the most common online sex crime charges in Missouri, and why it’s important to find a skilled criminal defense attorney to defend you. If you want to know what we can do for your case, call us at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online to schedule a confidential consultation.
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On This Page
- How an online sex crimes lawyer can help you defend yourself
- Key qualities to think about when looking for a criminal defense attorney
- Internet sex crime charges our firm defends in Archie, MO
- Why you need to think about Federal criminal defense
- Steps to take if you’re facing internet sex crime allegations
- Different ways our attorneys fight online sex crime allegations in Archie, MO
- Formal and informal penalties for a conviction
- How to get in touch with a Archie, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer now
How Your Archie, MO, Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Can Help
If you’re facing online sex crime charges, contacting a reputable Archie, MO, sex crime defense lawyer should be the first thing you do. The right attorney will help with not only the legal aspects of your case, but also public perception.
On the legal side, it’s never too early to call an attorney. They can even protect you while detectives are investigating the allegations. It’s common for them to help by speaking to the police on your behalf and advising you on what to say. In the meantime, they will look for exculpatory evidence.
The two major factors in most online sex crime charge defenses are consent and the legality of evidence. Your attorney should thoroughly investigate both of these avenues to see if they are viable defensive strategies. Any defense should also look at possible motives behind the accusations, rather than take them at face value.
Additionally, your criminal defense lawyer will help you promote a positive image. Sex crime accusations carry a stigma which can be hard to overcome, and that can have a wide-reaching impact on your life. An attorney should ideally help you handle yourself in public and protect you from the spotlight.
What to Look for in Your Archie, MO, Internet Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
For many reasons, you need a local Archie, MO, internet sex crimes attorney when facing these charges. But many people get lost when trying to pick the right person to represent them. When you’re picking an attorney, look for someone which offers the following:
- Experience: Ideally with the exact crime you’ve been charged with.
- Client-Centered Approach: When you meet with your attorney, they should listen to you with compassion.
- Positive Reputation: You want to work with someone who is known for getting positive results for clients.
- Trial-Ready Strategy: Regardless of the charge you’re facing, preparing for trial gives you an advantage throughout your case.
Combs Waterkotte’s online sex crime lawyers provide all of the above. When you choose us, you get a team who cares about you, has decades of experience, is known for success, and is always ready to take a case to trial. Our team is ready for your case today.
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 …
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 …
Common Internet Sex Crime Charges in Archie, MO
There are a wide variety of actions that fall into the ‘internet sex crimes’ category. Below are some of the ones we defend in Archie, MO:
Possessing Child Pornography
Statute: § 573.037
Description: Possession of child pornography is when a person has sexual images or videos of a person under the age of 18, or who appears to be under 18. In most cases, this doesn’t include accidental possession.
Penalty: Ordinarily a Class D felony. In certain circumstances, like possession videos instead of a still picture, it is a Class B felony.
Promoting Child Pornography
Statute: § 573.025 | § 573.035
Description: Promoting (such as distributing) child pornography is split into two degrees: First degree is for material that depicts someone under the age of 14, while second degree is for ages 15-17. Providing such material to others violates this law.
Penalty: First Degree: Class B felony, or Class A felony if promoted to a minor. Second Degree: Class D felony, or Class B felony if the recipient was a minor
Exploitation of a Minor (Producing Child Pornography)
Statute: § 573.023
Description: Exploitation of a minor is when a person creates child pornography, whether on purpose or out of carelessness. While this may be a physical act, it becomes an internet sex crime if the material is posted online.
Penalty: Class B or Class A felony.
Solicitation (Enticement) of a Minor
Statute: § 566.151
Description: Solicitation of a minor is when an adult who’s 21 or older uses the internet, phone, or other electronic device to try to get someone under the age of 15 to engage in sexual activity.
Penalty: Rather than fitting into a felony category, this statute has its own sentencing guidelines: 5-30 years imprisonment, with a minimum of 5 years before parole or early release eligibility.
Stalking
Statute: § 565.225 | § 565.227
Description: Stalking can occur online, either in second- or first-degree. Second-degree stalking involves causing emotional distress to someone without a legitimate reason. First-degree stalking covers more advanced cases, like if you’d previously been convicted of a crime with the same alleged victim.
Penalty: First Degree: Class E felony in most cases, Class D in more advanced cases. Second Degree: Class A misdemeanor in most cases, Class E felony in advanced cases.
Regardless of the internet sex crime allegations you’re up against, Combs Waterkotte is ready for your case. We will learn your case inside and out, look for holes in the prosecution’s case, and defend your rights/freedom against injustice.
The Intersection Between Federal Charges and State Charges for Internet Sex Crimes in Archie, MO
The local district attorney isn’t your only opponent if you’re facing internet sex crime charges in Archie, MO. You may also need to fight federal sex crime allegations. Most criminal cases require special circumstances to get the attention of the federal government – usually this means the alleged act went across state borders. Internet crimes frequently involve the federal government, because they inherently go beyond state borders.
It can be even harder to defend yourself in federal court. Federal prosecutors are often some of the best at their jobs. By yourself, your chances are slim. With the right attorney, you get a fighting chance.
Your Archie, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer can’t be someone who only fights in state court. You need a team who isn’t scared to go up against the best. At Combs Waterkotte, you get a team of attorneys, support staff, and investigators who doesn’t give up when the federal prosecutors enter the room.
What to Do if You’ve Been Accused of an Online Sex Crime in Archie
If you’ve been charged with an online sex crime in Archie, MO, you need to take thoughtful steps to defend your innocence. In many cases, you making mistakes can lead to a conviction. But if you avoid them, you’re maximizing your defense’s power.
Below are the main Do’s and Don’t’s to be aware of if you’re accused of an internet sex crime:
Do: Contact a Lawyer
This should be the first thing you do once you find out about the accusations. An attorney can help you make it through interrogations, avoid future mistakes, negotiate with the district attorney, and more. When you’re alone, you’ll have fewer opportunities to improve your situation and more to make mistakes.
Don’t: Talk to the Police Alone
It can be tempting to think, “This is all just a misunderstanding; I can clear this up when I talk to the police.” But in reality, this is a dangerous trap to fall into. Regardless of your situation, you could accidentally say something that makes you look guilty.
Do: Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent
You might find yourself in a police interrogation before your lawyer arrives – don’t talk. Invoke your right to remain silent and politely request to speak with your attorney.
Don’t: Reach Out to Your Accuser
If you’re falsely accused, something is being blown out of proportion, or if the alleged victim changes their story, you might be tempted to reach out to them. But this can have serious, negative consequences for your defense. Even if you don’t mean it, reaching out could be seen as intimidation, hurting your case.
Do: Gather and Preserve Evidence
Your internet sex crimes lawyer will talk with you about any evidence that can be used to protect you. Before it’s lost, take screenshots or other steps to preserve the evidence. And let your attorney know about anything you find.
Don’t: Delete Information
Deleting incriminating evidence can worsen your situation. Similar to contacting the alleged victim, in the end, this can make you look guilty.
The following document provides a guide on how to handle sex crime accusations: What to Do if You’re Accused of a Sex Crime.
Defense Archie, MO, Internet Sex Crime Lawyers Use in Court
Each case is unique, and your defense should be, too. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide clients with defenses designed to fit best into their situation. We pick out an appropriate strategy and customize it to your situation.
Here are six of the most common defenses your Archie, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer might use in your case:
- Lack of Intent: Intent doesn’t matter for every internet sex crime, but for many, it does. For example, if you bought a used computer without knowing it had child pornography on it, you never intended to possess it.
- Rights Violation: Evidence against you needs to be collected in a legal manner. If you weren’t read your Miranda rights before a statement, or evidence was collected without justification, we can file for it to be suppressed.
- Consent: Consent applies in cases where someone agreed to an action – while it doesn’t always apply, this often legalizes it. Note that this does not apply to offenses involving minors.
- Mistaken Identity: With internet crimes, it can be hard to properly identify who the person is behind the keyboard. It’s possible someone stole your credit card information and used it to purchase child pornography, or another person logged into your computer to stalk someone.
- Alibi: Related to mistaken identity, we can build a case that you are factually innocent because you weren’t accessing the internet at the time.
- False Allegations: Unfortunately, some people will make false allegations of a sex crime in order to hurt others. We will work to raise reasonable doubt as to why your accuser might be making these allegations.
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Charged With a Sex Crime? Common Defense Strategies in Sex Crime Cases
Combs Waterkotte is Missouri and Illinois’s leading sex crime defense law firm. Our team of expert criminal defense attorneys have handled over 10,000 cases – many just like yours – and have saved out clients from over 1 million days from jail or prison.
Penalties for an Online Sex Crime Conviction
A conviction will lead to a prison sentence, in most cases. The specific penalty is determined by what law you’re accused of violating. A lighter allegation that’s a Class A misdemeanor has a maximum of one year, while a Class A felony can go up to 30 years, or even life imprisonment.
Along with the prison term, you’ll have join the sex offender registry. This could be at the federal and/or state level. In Archie, MO, it’s sometimes possible to remove your name from the registry, but this requires you to wait 10 or 20 years, without any other related convictions. Regardless, violations can have harsh penalties in and of themselves.
Finally, you’ll be up against a very negative public opinion. You could lose your job, there are restrictions on where you can live, and your family could be torn apart. Additionally, people will be quick to judge you after finding out about the conviction.
For all these reasons, you need to act fast and do what you can to avoid a conviction in the first place.
Don’t Wait: Call Now for an Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Archie, MO
Combs Waterkotte is here to help. You shouldn’t settle for anything less than Missouri’s leading criminal defense law firm. We bring the following to the table:
- A well-respected team which serves the entire state of Missouri.
- Help when you need it most, through our 24/7 support.
- Prior experience with the prosecutor’s office, and insights into how they build their cases.
- Experienced investigation capabilities to support your legal defense.
If you need an internet sex crimes lawyer in Archie, MO, call an attorney right away at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your charges online for a free consultation.
