Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Smithville, MO

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

Time is of the essence. Our team of knowledgeable lawyers specializing in sexual misconduct in Smithville, 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 reach out to us online. Our Smithville, MO sex crimes attorney can meet with you virtually or in-person for a free, no-strings-attached consultation 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 someone exposes themselves in a manner and circumstance that would cause shock, offense, or alarm, or when people have sexual intercourse in public. There are three specific charges that a person accused of sexual misconduct can face in Smithville and elsewhere in Missouri, including:

Sexual Misconduct in the First Degree

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, sexual misconduct in the first degree is a class B misdemeanor, which carries with it up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $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.

Sexual Misconduct in the Second Degree

Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.095, sexual misconduct in the second degree is defined as soliciting or requesting another person 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 stands as the most serious of sexual misconduct violations. Under 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

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 Smithville, 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 Smithville, 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 Smithville, 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.

Give Combs Waterkotte a call right away if you are facing any of the above allegations in Smithville, MO or contact us online to talk to one of our lawyers about your case.

Your Rights and the Sexual Misconduct Legal Process in Smithville, MO

If you find yourself facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Smithville or any other part of 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. Also, you have the right to a fair trial under the Sixth Amendment, due process under the 14th Amendment, and protection from self-incrimination as stipulated in the Fifth Amendment.

Our sexual misconduct defense lawyers in Smithville, MO can help walk 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 Smithville, 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 contact us online.

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

Even accusations of sexual misconduct have the potential to drastically impact your life in Smithville, MO. But, with the right legal representation, you can effectively navigate the legal challenges and work toward a favorable outcome. Consulting with a skilled Smithville, 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 build a strong defense. Our Smithville, 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
• Evaluate the reliability of witnesses
• Search for any inconsistencies in the accuser’s account
• Negotiate with prosecutors to have your charges reduced or even dismissed
• Provide a resolute defense if necessary, challenging the jury to determine whether the prosecution has substantiated your charges beyond a reasonable doubt

Our experienced legal team ensures that the residents of Smithville, MO receive fair, effective legal presentation in any situation. In addition to sexual misconduct defense in Smithville, MO, our attorneys are experienced in numerous forms of law, 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 Smithville, MO Sexual Misconduct Case

It is truly unfortunate in our society that if you are facing allegations of sexual misconduct, many will instantly and automatically judge you to be entirely at fault. The Smithville, MO lawyers at Combs Waterkotte get this unfortunate difficulty, and we fight to limit the impact these allegations can have on you, your job, 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 Smithville or elsewhere throughout Missouri, it is imperative to seek guidance from a seasoned criminal defense lawyer. Call us now 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 Proficiency: Sexual misconduct cases are legally intricate, regardless of the jurisdiction in Smithville or Missouri, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe – either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the aforementioned circumstances. Our tenacious defense attorneys in Smithville, MO have the knowledge and experience to navigate the intricacies of the legal system.
• Safeguarding Your Rights: Your Combs Waterkotte Smithville, MO sexual misconduct attorney will work tirelessly to safeguard your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. This includes ensuring that any evidence obtained against you is admissible and that your rights against self-incrimination are respected.
• Constructing a Formidable Defense: Our Smithville, MO criminal defense lawyer will investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations against you, amass pertinent evidence, and forge an unwavering, impenetrable defense strategy. There is always more than one side of the story, and, depending on the specifics of your Smithville, MO case, we may question the credibility of your accuser or challenge the evidence presented by the prosecutor.
• Negotiation Skills: In certain scenarios, your Smithville, MO Combs Waterkotte attorney possesses the adeptness to engage in negotiations aimed at securing a plea arrangement that mitigates the charges or penalties you are confronted with, and in some instances, even leading to 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 Smithville or anywhere in Missouri, our sexual misconduct lawyer will articulately present your case, deftly cross-examine witnesses, and work to secure a favorable verdict.

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

Irrespective of the character or gravity of the allegations against you in Smithville, MO, Combs Waterkotte was established with the mission of providing support to good individuals entangled 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 Smithville or elsewhere in Missouri.

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