Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Holden, MO. Don’t underestimate internet sex crime allegations in Holden, MO. It can be tempting to think that these accusations are not as severe as molestation or sexual abuse, but some can be Class A felonies, resulting in a decades-long prison sentence.
These accusations are serious, but you have a path forward. Work with the leading internet sex crimes lawyer in Holden, MO, Combs Waterkotte. Our firm has handled hundreds of sex crime cases. We’re here to help, not to judge.
On this page, you’ll learn about common online sex crime charges in Holden, MO, 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 our team at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online to set up a confidential case review.
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On This Page
- How an online sex crimes lawyer will help you defend yourself
- Key qualities to think about when looking for a criminal defense attorney
- Internet sex crime charges our lawyers defend in Holden, MO
- The intersection between online crime charges and Federal law
- Things to avoid if you’re being charged with an internet sex crime
- Tactics our team uses to fight online sex crime charges in Holden, MO
- Formal and informal penalties for a conviction
- How to contact a Holden, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer now
How Your Holden, MO, Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Can Help
If you’re facing online sex crime charges, getting in touch with a seasoned Holden, 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 communicating with 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.
Online sex crimes often hinge on either consent or how evidence was found. Your attorney should talk to you about both of these options to discover what’s right for you. In doing so, you can examine 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 affect you long before a conviction. An attorney can promote your side of the story and protect you from the spotlight.
What to Look for in Your Holden, MO, Internet Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing internet sex crime charges, you need an internet sex crimes attorney in Holden, MO, who’s experienced with those charges. But many people get lost when trying to pick the right person to represent them. When you’re deciding who to represent you, look for someone which offers the following:
- Experience: Your attorney should know the ins and outs of the law you’re accused of breaking.
- 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: You want to work with someone who is known for getting positive results for clients.
- Trial-Ready Strategy: Even if you end up taking a plea deal, preparing for trial gives you an advantage throughout your case.
Combs Waterkotte’s online sex crime lawyers provide all of the above. We are dedicated to providing our clients with quality legal representation. 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 …
Common Internet Sex Crime Charges in Holden, MO
There are a wide variety of actions that fall into the ‘internet sex crimes’ category. Here are a few of the most common charges we defend against:
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 having more than 20 images, 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 minors older than that. Providing such material to others violates 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. This becomes an internet sex crime if the material is put 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 have sex, or a similar act.
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: Missouri has different statutes that govern first- and second-degree stalking offenses. Second-degree stalking is more general, and includes cases where one person disturbs or follows another person, causing emotional stress. First-degree stalking is similar, but includes more advanced cases, like making threats to the alleged victim and/or their family.
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.
Whatever type of internet sex crime charge you’re facing, Combs Waterkotte is ready to build you a defense. 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 Holden, MO
The local district attorney isn’t your only opponent if you’re facing internet sex crime charges in Holden, 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.
You probably don’t want to face federal criminal charges. Federal prosecutors are often some of the best at their jobs. It can feel unwinnable on your own.
Your Holden, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer can’t be someone who stops when the federal government gets involved. 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 won’t back down, no matter who you’re facing.
What to Do if You’ve Been Accused of an Online Sex Crime in Holden
As soon as you’re aware that you’re facing online sex crime charges in Holden, MO, you need to take proactive steps to defend your freedom. In many cases, you making mistakes can lead to a conviction. But by preventing them, you’re more likely to get a positive outcome.
Below are the main Do’s and Don’t’s to follow 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 make it through interrogations, come up with a defense strategy, negotiate with the prosecutor, and more. Trying to clear up the accusation on your own is always a bad idea.
Don’t: Speak with Investigators On Your Own
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’re not required to say anything without a lawyer.
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. Invoke your Fifth Amendment rights and politely request to see your attorney.
Don’t: Reach Out to the Alleged Victim
If you personally know the alleged victim, you might be tempted to reach out to them. But this can get you in even more trouble. 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 need evidence to build an effective defense. Before anything can be lost or deleted, take screenshots or other steps to save whatever you have. And let your attorney know about anything you find.
Don’t: Delete Information
Trying to cover up evidence will only make things worse. If you do this, you can face additional charges and extended punishments.
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.
Common Defenses Our Lawyers Use Against Internet Sex Crime Allegations
Each case is unique, and your defense should be built on a solid foundation. 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 Holden, 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 phone 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 suppression.
- 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: Unfortunately, you could be a victim of identity theft and impersonation. It’s possible someone hacked into your social media account and used it to send explicit messages, 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.
Consequences of an Online Sex Crime Conviction
The first thing most people think of as a consequence is 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.
Along with the prison term, you’ll have join the sex offender registry. This could be at the federal and/or state level. In Holden, MO, it’s sometimes possible to remove your name from the registry, but this can take a decade, or longer. Regardless, violations are also treated harshly.
Finally, you can face informal penalties and a social stigma. Potential employers may not want to hire you, landlords may not want to lease to you, and your family could be torn apart. On top of that, people will likely treat you differently if they find out about your conviction.
For all these reasons, you need to act fast and do what you can to avoid a conviction in the first place.
Get Help From Your Holden, MO Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Now
Our firm has what it takes to defend you. We’re not going to make false promises or sugarcoat your situation – we’re going to come up with a plan to help you get out of it. When you hire us, you’re getting:
- A team with over 80 years of combined courtroom experience.
- 24/7 availability if you have questions or need an update on your case.
- A mission to help good people in bad situations.
- A wide range of investigative resources, including a former law enforcement officer.
If you need an internet sex crimes lawyer in Holden, MO, contact our team right away at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form for a no strings attached consult.
