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Miller County, MO

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Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Miller County, MO

Sexual misconduct lawyer in Miller County, MO. If you find yourself under arrest or confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Miller 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 recognize that every situation has multiple facets, and we acknowledge the emotional and financial hardships that accompany facing a sexual misconduct charge in Miller County, MOIf you have been arrested or are facing charges for sexual misconduct in Miller County or anywhere else in Missouri, the last thing you want is judgment or sideways glances from your own lawyer. At Combs Waterkotte, we fully understand that there is always more than one side of the story and we realize the emotional and financial hardship of dealing with a sexual misconduct charge in Miller County, MO.

You have no time to waste. Our team of knowledgeable sexual misconduct lawyers in Miller County, MO is devoted to safeguarding your rights and aggressively fighting for your future. We have the necessary experience and resources at our disposal to get you the best possible outcome in your case.

Give us a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Our Miller 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 advice.

Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Miller County, MO | Miller County, MO Criminal Defense | Combs Waterkotte

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 Miller County and elsewhere in Missouri, including:

Sexual Misconduct in the First Degree

According to the provisions outlined in Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.093, a person may face charges of 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, sexual misconduct in the first degree is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by a potential jail term of up to 6 months and a fine not exceeding $1,000. In the case of a second conviction, it elevates to a class A misdemeanor, which may entail imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of up to $2,000.

Second-Degree Sexual Misconduct

Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.095, sexual misconduct in the second degree is defined as soliciting or requesting another individual to engage in sexual conduct knowing that it is likely to cause affront or alarm. This is a class C misdemeanor, with a punishment of up to 15 days in jail and a fine of no more than $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 if 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

For a first offense, this constitutes a class E felony, which can result in a maximum prison sentence of up to 4 years and a fine of up to $10,000. In the case of a repeat offender, it escalates to a class D felony, carrying a potential punishment of 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 Miller County, MO. Along with imprisonment, 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 Miller County, MO, you may be obligated 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 Miller County, MO attorneys are dedicated 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 Miller 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 Miller County, MO Sexual Misconduct Legal Process

If you’re accused of sexual misconduct in Miller County or anywhere else in Missouri, it is imperative to be aware of your rights, which encompass the presumption of innocence, the right to remain silent, and the right to legal counsel. Also, you are entitled to a fair trial under the Sixth Amendment, due process rights under the 14th Amendment, and protection against self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment.

Our Miller County, MO sexual misconduct defense attorneys are here to guide you through the intricate and often lengthy legal process, which typical encompasses:

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

Your Combs Waterkotte Miller County, MO sexual misconduct attorney will accompany 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 today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

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

Even accusations of sexual misconduct can be life-altering in Miller County, MO. But, with the right legal representation, you can navigate the legal challenges and strive for a positive resolution. Seeking counsel from a skilled criminal defense attorney in Miller County, MO, especially one with expertise in sexual misconduct cases, is the most prodent stop to protect your rights and construct a robust defense. Our Miller County, MO attorneys will:

  • Listen to your side of the story
  • Conduct a full investigation into your case
  • Review the evidence and examine how it was obtained
  • Determine if your rights were violated
  • Examine witness reliability
  • Search for any inconsistencies in the accuser’s account
  • 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 Miller County, MO receive fair, effective legal presentation in any situation. Along with sexual misconduct defense in Miller County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in many forms of law, including:

Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Miller County, MO | Sex Crimes Attorney in Miller County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

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

Regrettably, it’s a stark reality in our society that when confronted with accusations of sexual misconduct, a considerable number of individuals are inclined to pass swift and definitive judgment, often presuming complete culpability. The Miller County, MO legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte understand this challenge, and we are committed to mitigating the potential consequences that these accusations may cast upon you, your professional life, and your family. It is vital to emphasize that our entire legal system operates on the fundamental tenet that people accused of a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty.

When confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Miller County or any other location within Missouri, it is imperative to seek guidance from a seasoned criminal defense lawyer. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Here’s why it is of utmost importance to, at the very least, have a conversation with one of our specialized attorneys in this field:

  • Legal Expertise: Cases involving sexual misconduct are inherently complex from a legal standpoint, irrespective of the jurisdiction within Miller 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 Miller County, MO possess the profound legal knowledge and experience necessary to adeptly navigate the intricacies of the legal system.
  • Protection of Your Rights: Your Combs Waterkotte Miller County, MO sexual misconduct attorney will wholeheartedly champion the preservation of your constitutional rights at every stage of the legal proceedings. This encompasses the assurance that any evidence brought forth against you is admissible and that your rights against self-incrimination are respected.
  • Constructing a Formidable Defense: Our Miller County, MO criminal defense lawyer will diligently scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the allegations against you, amass pertinent evidence, and build a robust and impermeable defense strategy. It is imperative to bear in mind that in any Miller County, MO case, numerous aspects exist to the narrative, and contingent upon the particulars of your scenario, we may cast doubt on the credibility of the accuser or contest the evidence introduced by the prosecution.
  • Negotiation Skills: In some situations, your Miller County, MO Combs Waterkotte lawyer 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.
  • Trial Advocacy: In the event that your case proceeds to trial in Miller County or anywhere in Missouri, our sexual misconduct lawyer will articulately present your case, deftly cross-examine witnesses, and steadfastly labor to secure a favorable verdict.

Contact a Sexual Misconduct Lawyer in Miller County, MO Right Away | Combs Waterkotte

Irrespective of the character or gravity of the accusations lodged against you in Miller County, MO, Combs Waterkotte was established with the mission of providing support to good individuals caught in bad circumstances. We firmly believe that you are entitled to a proficient and unwavering defense team as you confront criminal charges, be it in Miller County or elsewhere in Missouri.

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

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