Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Bates County, MO

Sexual misconduct lawyer in Bates County, MO. If you find yourself under arrest or confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Bates County or any other location within Missouri, the last thing you need is a defense attorney who approaches your case with judgmental attitudes or suspicious glances. At Combs Waterkotte, we fully comprehend that every situation has multiple facets, and we acknowledge the emotional and financial hardships that accompany facing a sexual misconduct charge in Bates County, MOIf you have been arrested or are facing charges for sexual misconduct in Bates County or anywhere else in Missouri, the last thing you want is judgment or sideways glances from your own lawyer. At Combs Waterkotte, we know that there is always more than one side of the story and we recognize the emotional and financial burden of defending a sexual misconduct charge in Bates County, MO.

Time is of the essence. Our team of well-informed lawyers specializing in sexual misconduct in Bates County, MO is wholeheartedly devoted to safeguarding your rights and mounting a vigorous defense on your behalf. With our substantial experience and abundant resources, we are fully equipped to pursue the most favorable resolution for your case.

Give us a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Our Bates County, MO sex crimes lawyer can meet with you virtually or in-person for a free, no-strings-attached case review to speak about the specifics of your case and offer expert legal guidance.

What is Considered Sexual Misconduct Under Missouri Law?

Sexual misconduct takes place when an individual engages in conduct that involves exposing themselves in a manner and in circumstances likely to provoke shock, offense, or alarm, or when individuals engage in sexual intercourse in public. There are three distinct charges that a person accused of sexual misconduct can face in Bates County and elsewhere in Missouri, including:

First-Degree Sexual Misconduct

Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.093, an individual can be charged with first-degree sexual misconduct if they:

• Expose their genitals under circumstances in which they know their conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm
• Have sexual contact in the presence of a third person or persons under circumstances where they know that such conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm
• Have sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse in a public place in the presence of a third person

For a first offense, first-degree sexual misconduct is a class B misdemeanor, which carries with it up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. For a second conviction, it is a class A misdemeanor, which may entail imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of up to $2,000.

Sexual Misconduct in the Second Degree

Second-degree sexual misconduct is described under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.095. It involves the act of soliciting or requesting another person to participate in sexual conduct, knowing that such actions are likely to provoke affront or alarm. This offense is classified as a class C misdemeanor and carries a penalty of up to 15 days of jail time and a fine not exceeding $500.

Sexual Misconduct Involving a Child

This is by far the most serious of sexual misconduct offenses. According to Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.083, an individual commits sexual misconduct involving a child when they:

• Knowingly expose their genitals to a child less than 15 years of age under circumstances in which they know that the conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm to the child
• Knowingly expose their genitals to a child less than 15 years of age for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of anyone, including the child
• Knowingly coerce or induce a child less than 15 years of age to expose the child’s genitals for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of anyone, including the child
• Knowingly coerce or induce a child who they know to be less than 15 years of age to expose the breasts of a female child through the Internet or other electronic means for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of anyone, including the child

It is a class E felony for a first-time offender, which carries with it up to 4 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. For a repeat offender, it is a class D felony, the punishment for which is up to 7 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

There are no mandatory minimum sentencing requirements for any of these charges in Bates County, MO. Along with jail time, alternative sentencing options may be considered, including probation, mandatory counseling, and restitution to the victim. Additionally, if you are convicted of a sex crime in Bates County, MO, you may be required to register as a sex offender. The duration of your registration requirement hinges on factors such as your age and the nature of the offense. Our proficient Bates County, MO attorneys are committed to pursuing charge dismissal or reduction to offenses that do not mandate sex offender registration. Moreover, we can explore the possibility of petitioning for your removal from the registry under Missouri Revised Statutes § 589.041.

If you are facing any of the above charges in Bates County, MO, call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to speak with one of our attorneys about your case.

Your Rights and the Sexual Misconduct Legal Process in Bates County, MO

If you find yourself facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Bates County or anywhere else in Missouri, it is imperative to be aware of your rights, including the presumption of innocence, the right to remain silent, and the right to legal counsel. Furthermore, you are entitled to a fair trial in accordance with the Sixth Amendment, due process rights under the 14th Amendment, and protection against self-incrimination as stipulated in the Fifth Amendment.

Our Bates County, MO sexual misconduct defense lawyers can help walk you through the legal process, which can be especially lengthy and complex. It typically involves:

• Investigation
• Evidence gathering
• Pre-trial motions
• Possible plea negotiations
• Trial, if necessary

Your Combs Waterkotte Bates County, MO sexual misconduct attorney will guide you through each stage, making sure that your rights are upheld and that you get the best possible legal representation and outcome. Give us a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

How a Bates County, MO Sexual Misconduct Attorney From Combs Waterkotte Can Help

Even accusations of sexual misconduct have the potential to drastically impact your life in Bates County, MO. However, with the assistance of proficient legal representation, you can navigate the legal challenges and work toward a favorable outcome. Consulting with a skilled Bates County, MO criminal defense lawyer from Combs Waterkotte, particularly one who specializes in sexual misconduct cases, is your best course of action to safeguard your rights and construct a strong defense. Our Bates County, MO lawyers will:

• Listen to your side of the story
• Conduct a full investigation into your case
• Review the evidence and the methods used to gather it
• Assess the potential violations of your rights
• Evaluate the reliability of witnesses
• Look for inconsistencies in the accuser’s story
• Engage in negotiations with prosecutors, seeking to secure change reduction or dismissal
• Defend you at trial if we have to, and challenge the jury on whether or not the prosecution has proven your charges beyond a reasonable doubt

Our skilled legal team makes sure that the citizens of Bates County, MO receive fair, effective legal presentation in any situation. Along with sexual misconduct defense in Bates County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in many types of cases, including:

• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
• Criminal Lawyer
• Juvenile Defense Lawyer
• Traffic Ticket Lawyer
• Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
• Speeding Ticket Lawyer

The Importance of Legal Representation in a Bates County, MO Sexual Misconduct Case

It is truly unfortunate in our society that if you’re facing allegations of sexual misconduct, many will instantly and automatically judge you to be 100 percent at fault. The Bates County, MO attorneys at Combs Waterkotte get it, and we fight to limit the impact these charges can have on you, your career, and your family. After all, our entire legal system operates under the premise that individuals are innocent until proven guilty.

When confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Bates County or elsewhere throughout Missouri, it is imperative to seek guidance from a seasoned criminal defense lawyer. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Here’s why it’s so important to at least speak to one of our lawyers who specialize in this area of the law:

• Legal Proficiency: Cases involving sexual misconduct are inherently intricate from a legal standpoint, irrespective of the jurisdiction within Bates County or Missouri. The potential ramifications of a conviction can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, contingent on the aforementioned circumstances. Our determined defense attorneys in Bates County, MO possess the profound legal knowledge and experience necessary to adeptly navigate the intricacies of the legal system.
• Safeguarding Your Rights: Your Combs Waterkotte sexual misconduct attorney in Bates County, MO will work tirelessly to safeguard your constitutional rights at every stage of the legal proceedings. This includes ensuring that any evidence brought forth against you is admissible and that your rights against self-incrimination are respected.
• Constructing a Formidable Defense: Our Bates County, MO criminal defense lawyer will investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations against you, amass pertinent evidence, and build a robust and impermeable defense strategy. There is always more than one side of the story, and, depending on the specifics of your Bates County, MO case, we may question the credibility of your accuser or challenge the evidence presented by the prosecutor.
• Negotiating Expertise: In certain scenarios, your Bates County, MO Combs Waterkotte attorney may be able to negotiate a plea bargain that reduces the charges or penalties you face, if not lead to a complete dismissal of the case. It is paramount to underscore that the ultimate decision always rests with you; nonetheless, all our legal counsel is grounded in our genuine belief of what serves your best interests.
• Litigation Proficiency: In the event that your case proceeds to trial in Bates County or anywhere in Missouri, our sexual misconduct lawyer will articulately present your case, deftly cross-examine witnesses, and work to secure a favorable outcome.

Connect With a Bates County, MO Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Today | Combs Waterkotte

No matter the nature or severity of the accusations lodged against you in Bates County, MO, Combs Waterkotte was founded on helping good people caught in bad situations. We believe that you deserve an expert and dedicated professional defense team when you are facing criminal charges in Bates County or anywhere in Missouri.

Give Combs Waterkotte’s Bates County, MO sexual misconduct defense lawyer a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free case review.