Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Garden City, MO. Don’t underestimate internet sex crime allegations in Garden City, MO. You might think that these accusations are not as bad as rape or sexual abuse, but the penalties for a conviction are often felonies, leading to years in prison.
You need help if you want to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. Work with the leading internet sex crimes lawyer in Garden City, MO, Combs Waterkotte. We’ve fought thousands of cases, many of them just like yours. We know how delicate they can be and are committed to respecting you while building your defense.
This page will go over some of the most common online sex crime charges in Missouri, and why it’s essential to work with an expert criminal defense attorney to fight them. 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 set up a free case review.
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This Page Covers
- How an online sex crimes lawyer will give you assistance
- Key qualities to think about when deciding which attorney to work with
- Internet sex crime charges our lawyers defend in Garden City, MO
- Why you need to think about Federal criminal defense
- Steps to take if you’re facing internet sex crime allegations
- How our lawyers defend online sex crime charges in Garden City, MO
- The penalties you can face if you’re convicted of an online sex crime
- How to talk to a Garden City, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer now
How Your Garden City, MO, Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Can Help
If you’re facing online sex crime charges, getting in touch with a skillful Garden City, MO, sex crime defense lawyer should be the first thing you do. The right attorney will defend you in the legal realm as well as the court of public opinion.
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 law enforcement on your behalf and supporting you during interrogations. While the police are looking for evidence to convict you, your lawyer 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 the motives behind the accusations, rather than accept them uncritically.
Lastly, your criminal defense lawyer will help defend you from slander. Sex crime accusations carry a stigma which can be hard to overcome, and that can affect you long before a conviction. An attorney should ideally help you handle yourself in public and protect you from the spotlight.
Top Internet Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Qualities
Working with a local Garden City, MO, internet sex crimes attorney is essential. But many people get lost when trying to pick the right person to represent them. When you’re picking an attorney, look for a firm with the following:
- Experience: Experience gives attorneys knowledge about which strategies work, and which ones don’t.
- Client-Centered Approach: You’re more than a case number, and your attorney should listen to your story, not build an impersonal defense.
- Positive Reputation: Check reviews to see what people think of this attorney.
- Trial-Ready Strategy: Whether or not your case goes to trial, a trial-ready strategy maximizes your chances of a positive outcome.
Combs Waterkotte’s online sex crime lawyers offer all of this for you. 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 here to give you a top-quality defense.
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 …
Internet Sex Crime Charges We Defend in Garden City, MO
Missouri has a wide variety of laws governing sexual conduct on the internet. Below are some of the ones we defend in Garden City, 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: Normally 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 child pornography typically refers to giving it out. There are two degrees: First degree is for material that depicts someone under the age of 14, while second degree is for ages 15-17. Selling or giving such material away breaks this law.
Penalty: First Degree: Class B felony, or Class A felony if the recipient was 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 refers to situations where a person intentionally or recklessly creates child pornography. 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 occurs when an adult over the age of 21 uses the internet, phone, or other electronic device to convince someone under the age of 15 to engage in sexual activity.
Penalty: 5-30 years in prison, with no possibility for probation or early release for at least 5 years.
Stalking
Statute: § 565.225 | § 565.227
Description: Stalking could be any of a number of different actions, depending on the circumstances. Second-degree stalking is more general, and includes cases where one person disturbs or follows another person, causing emotional stress. First-degree stalking covers more advanced cases, like an adult over the age of 21 stalking someone under 17.
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.
Whether it’s one of the allegations above or another one entirely, Combs Waterkotte is ready for your case. We will learn your case inside and out, dissect the prosecution’s case, and fight for the best outcome possible in your case.
Federal Charges: Why They Matter for Internet Sex Crime Cases
Internet sex crime cases in Garden City, MO, aren’t just facing the state prosecutor. You could also have to defend against 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 in particular are affected by this, since the internet goes beyond Missouri state borders.
Federal criminal charges are often even more serious than state charges. Federal prosecutors are often some of the best at their jobs. It’s easy to feel intimidated and overwhelmed when walking into federal court to defend yourself.
Your Garden City, 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 Garden City
When facing internet sex crime allegations in Garden City, MO, you need to take the right steps to protect your freedom. Small mistakes early in the process can have large effects later down the line. 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: Reach Out to an Attorney
Whatever your situation is, a lawyer should be your first call. An attorney can help you handle interviews, 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: Speak with Investigators On Your Own
If the evidence against you is weak, you might think that an interview with the police is not a big deal. But that’s a mistake. Regardless of your situation, you could accidentally say something that makes you look guilty.
Do: Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent
If you’re arrested, you might be put in an interrogation room before your attorney is there – don’t talk. State that you are invoking your Fifth Amendment rights and politely request to speak with your attorney.
Don’t: Contact 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 will likely end up hurting your case. Even if you don’t mean it, this contact could be seen as intimidation, leading to additional charges.
Do: Gather and Preserve Evidence
Your internet sex crimes lawyer will need evidence to build an effective defense. Before it’s lost, take screenshots or other steps to save the evidence. As you find it, be sure to share it with your attorney.
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.
If you’ve just been accused and are trying to figure out what to do, follow the steps on this document: What to Do if You’re Accused of a Sex Crime.
Defense Garden City, 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. You’re involved at every stage, and we work with you to figure out the best approach.
Below are six of the most common tactics your Garden City, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer might use in your case:
- Lack of Intent: For several accusations, you can be found innocent if you didn’t intend to commit the action. For example, if you purchased a used computer without knowing it had child pornography on it, you never intended to possess it.
- Rights Violation: There are rules for how the police are supposed to conduct their investigations. If you weren’t read your Miranda rights before a statement, or evidence was collected illegally, we can file for suppression.
- Consent: Consent doesn’t apply to every defense, but for some, it does. For example, it can be legal to post sexual images of someone online if you have their permission. Note that this does not apply to offenses involving minors.
- Mistaken Identity: Unlike physical crimes, it’s easy to impersonate someone else on the internet. It’s possible someone hacked into your social media account and used it to send explicit messages, or another person found your wifi password and used it to distribute obscene images of a child.
- Alibi: To help show a mistaken identity, we can build a case that you are factually innocent because you were elsewhere at the time.
- False Allegations: Unfortunately, some people will weaponize sex crime allegations for their own means (for example, in a child custody battle). 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
Like most other crimes, internet sex crime convictions can result in a prison sentence. The length of the sentence depends on what you’re being accused of. 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.
On top of that, you’ll have join the sex offender registry. This could be at the federal and/or state level. In Garden City, MO, there is a path for some people to remove their name from the sex offender registry, but this requires you to wait 10 or 20 years, without any other related convictions. And while you’re waiting, violations are also treated harshly.
Finally, you can face informal penalties and a social stigma. You can face career consequences, there are restrictions on where you can live, and you could lose custody of your children. On top of that, you likely won’t get a chance to defend yourself against people’s preformed opinions of you.
Because of this, it’s important to fight for your freedom in court, with a skilled attorney at your side.
Talk To an Experienced Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Garden City, MO, Today
Combs Waterkotte is ready to represent you. We don’t take shortcuts or settle for bad deals – we fight for your rights and are here to support you. When you hire us, you’re getting:
- A team with a track record of success.
- 24/7 availability if you have questions or need an update on your case.
- Prior experience with the prosecutor’s office, and insights into how they build their cases.
- An investigation team lead by a former law enforcement officer supporting our attorneys.
If you need an internet sex crimes lawyer in Garden City, MO, call our team now at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your charges online for a confidential case review.
