Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Weston, MO. Internet sex crimes are some of the most serious accusations you can face in Missouri. You might think that these convictions are not as bad as rape or sexual abuse, but depending on what you’ve been accused of, you could be facing a life sentence.
If you’re facing these allegations, you can get help. Work with the leading internet sex crimes lawyer in Weston, MO, Combs Waterkotte. We’ve fought thousands of cases, many of them just like yours. No matter your circumstances, we’re ready to craft a staunch defense.
On this page, you’ll learn about common online sex crime charges in Weston, MO, and why you need an adept criminal defense attorney to protect your rights. If you want to know what we can do for your case, call our team at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to set up 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 deciding which attorney to work with
- Internet sex crime charges our lawyers defend in Weston, MO
- The role of Federal law in your case
- What to do if you’ve been accused of an internet sex crime
- How our lawyers defend online sex crime charges in Weston, MO
- How a sex crime conviction can affect your life
- How to contact a Weston, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer now
What Your Weston, MO, Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Does for You
If you’ve been accused of an online sex crime, your first step should be, talking to a respected Weston, 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, your attorney starts their job while the police are conducting their investigation. This usually involves communicating with law enforcement on your behalf and advising you on what to say. 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 build a strong legal defense that examines the legality of the state’s investigation and/or whether the alleged victim consented. It’s important to dissect possible intentions behind the accusations, rather than take them at face value.
Finally, your criminal defense lawyer will help defend you from slander. Sex crime accusations carry a stigma that’s uniquely negative, and that can affect you long before a conviction. An attorney can promote your side of the story and protect you from the spotlight.
Essential Qualities in Your Weston, MO Internet Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
For many reasons, you need a local Weston, 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 evaluating your options, look for a firm with the following:
- Experience: Experience gives attorneys knowledge about which strategies work, and which ones don’t.
- Client-Centered Approach: Look for someone who cares about your wellbeing, not just a paycheck.
- Strong 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 embody all of these qualities. 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 …
Internet Sex Crime Charges We Defend in Weston, MO
Missouri has a wide variety of laws governing sexual conduct on the internet. Below are some of the ones we defend in Weston, MO:
Possessing Child Pornography
Statute: § 573.037
Description: Possession of child pornography occurs when a person has sexual pictures or videos of a minor in their possession. The possession normally has to be intentional.
Penalty: Ordinarily a Class D felony. In certain circumstances, like repeat offenses, 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. 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 promoted to 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 refers to situations where an adult who’s 21 or older 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 involves causing emotional distress to someone without a legitimate reason. First-degree stalking covers more advanced cases, like actions done in violation of a restraining order.
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 to build you a defense. We will tell your side of the story, look for holes in the prosecution’s case, and keep you in the loop for any/all updates.
Federal Charges: Why They Matter for Internet Sex Crime Cases
Internet sex crime cases in Weston, MO, aren’t just facing the state prosecutor. You could also have to defend against federal sex crime allegations. Normally, for the federal government to be involved, the alleged offense needs to occur on federal property or cross state lines. Internet crimes are more likely to get federal attention because the internet is not bound within a given state.
Federal criminal charges are often even more serious than state charges. The prosecutors are often more experienced and have stronger teams behind them. By yourself, your chances are slim. With the right attorney, you get a fighting chance.
Your Weston, 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.
Do’s and Don’t’s of Internet Sex Crime Accusations
If you’ve been charged with an online sex crime in Weston, MO, you need to take proactive steps to protect 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: Contact an Attorney
Any time you’re facing criminal charges, this should be your first step. An attorney can help you make it through interrogations, avoid future mistakes, negotiate with the district attorney, and more. Trying to clear up the accusation on your own is always a bad idea.
Don’t: Talk to the Police On Your Own
Particularly if you’re innocent, you might be tempted to talk things out, thinking you can avoid legal trouble. But this is where most people make mistakes. 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 speak with your attorney.
Don’t: Contact Your Accuser
If you personally know the alleged victim, your might be thinking about talking with them to figure things out. But this can have serious, negative consequences for your defense. Even if you are polite and respectful, 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 Evidence
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.
Common Defenses Our Lawyers Use Against Internet Sex Crime Allegations
Each case is unique, and you deserve a defense that’s tailored to your situation. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide clients with tailored defenses that maximize the chance of a positive outcome. You’re involved at every stage, and we work with you to figure out the best approach.
Here are six of the most common defenses your Weston, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer might use to defend you:
- 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: 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 without justification, we can push for it to be suppressed.
- Consent: Some actions are only illegal if the alleged victim did not consent. If we can provide compelling evidence that they did, it will erode the state’s case. 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 logged into your computer to stalk someone.
- Alibi: To help show a 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
Like most other crimes, internet sex crime convictions can result in a prison sentence. 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.
In addition to the prison sentence, you’ll have to register as a sex offender. This could be at the federal and/or state level. In Weston, MO, there is a path for some people to remove their name from the sex offender registry, though this is only after a 10 or 20 year period post-sentence. And while you’re waiting, violations are also treated harshly.
Finally, you’ll have to deal with the informal consequences. Potential employers may not want to hire you, there are restrictions on where you can live, and you could lose custody of your children. Beyond that, you likely won’t get a chance to defend yourself against people’s preformed opinions of you.
For all these reasons, you need to work with your defense lawyer to prevent these outcomes.
Defend Your Freedom: Call Combs Waterkotte Today for a Leading Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Weston, MO
Our firm 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. We offer:
- A well-respected team which serves the entire state of Missouri.
- Easy communication and regular updates on your case.
- Insight into how the state builds its cases, from prior prosecuting experience.
- A wide range of investigative resources, including a former law enforcement officer.
If you need an internet sex crimes lawyer in Weston, MO, reach out to our team today at (314) 900-HELP or send us a message for a free case review.
