Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Des Peres, MO

Sexual misconduct lawyer in Des Peres, MO. If you find yourself under arrest or confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Des Peres or any other location within Missouri, the last thing you need is a defense lawyer who approaches your case with judgmental attitudes or suspicious glances. At Combs Waterkotte, we recognize that every situation has multiple aspects, and we acknowledge the emotional and financial difficulties that accompany facing a sexual misconduct charge in Des Peres, MOIf you have been arrested or are facing charges for sexual misconduct in Des Peres or anywhere else in Missouri, the last thing you want is judgment or sideways glances from your own attorney. At Combs Waterkotte, we know 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 Des Peres, MO.

Time is of the essence. Our team of well-informed lawyers specializing in sexual misconduct in Des Peres, MO is wholeheartedly devoted to safeguarding your rights and mounting a vigorous defense on your behalf. With our substantial experience and abundant network, 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 Des Peres, MO sex crimes attorney can meet with you virtually or in-person for a free, no-strings-attached consultation to discuss 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. Accusations of sexual misconduct in Des Peres and throughout Missouri can lead to three specific charges, which include:

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, 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 could mean up to a year in jail 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 violations. Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.083, a person is charged with 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, it is 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 is no mandatory minimum sentencing for any of these charges in Des Peres, MO. Additional sentencing options may also include probation, mandatory counseling, and restitution to the victim. Also, if you are convicted of a sex crime in Des Peres, MO, you will likely be required to register as a sex offender. The length of time you have to remain on the registry will depend on your age and the nature of the crime. We will work hard to dismiss or reduce your charges to ones that don’t require sex offender registry. Additionally, our skilled Des Peres, MO lawyers may be able to help petition for your removal under Missouri Revised Statutes § 589.041.

Give Combs Waterkotte a call right now if you are facing any of the above allegations in Des Peres, MO or fill out our online contact form to talk to one of our lawyers about your case.

Your Rights and the Sexual Misconduct Legal Process in Des Peres, MO

If you’re accused of sexual misconduct in Des Peres or anywhere else in Missouri, it is crucial to understand your rights, which encompass 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 against self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment.

Our Des Peres, MO sexual misconduct defense lawyers 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 Des Peres, 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 now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

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

Even allegations of sexual misconduct can be life-altering in Des Peres, MO. However, with the right legal representation, you can effectively navigate the legal challenges and work toward a favorable outcome. Seeking counsel from a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Des Peres, MO, particularly one with expertise in sexual misconduct cases, is the most prodent stop to safeguard your rights and build a robust defense. Our Des Peres, MO lawyers will:

• Listen to your side of the story
• Initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the details of your case
• Review the evidence and examine how it was obtained
• Determine if your rights were violated
• Examine witness reliability
• Look for inconsistencies in the accuser’s story
• 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 Des Peres, MO receive fair, effective legal presentation in any situation. Along with sexual misconduct defense in Des Peres, MO, our lawyers are experienced in many 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 Des Peres, 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 entirely at fault. The Des Peres, MO attorneys 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 principle that individuals are innocent until proven guilty.

When confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Des Peres or elsewhere throughout Missouri, it is imperative to seek guidance from a seasoned criminal defense attorney. 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 Expertise: Cases involving sexual misconduct are inherently complex from a legal standpoint, regardless of the jurisdiction within Des Peres or Missouri. The potential ramifications of a conviction can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, contingent on the aforementioned circumstances. Our determined defense lawyers in Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO sexual misconduct attorney will work tirelessly to safeguard your constitutional rights at every stage of the legal proceedings. This includes ensuring that any evidence obtained against you adheres to admissibility standards and that your entitlement to refrain from self-incrimination is duly upheld.
• Constructing a Formidable Defense: Our Des Peres, MO criminal defense lawyer will diligently scrutinize 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 Des Peres, MO case, we may question the credibility of your accuser or challenge the evidence presented by the prosecutor.
• Negotiation Skills: In some situations, your Des Peres, 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: If your case goes to trial in Des Peres, MO, our sexual misconduct attorney will present your case persuasively, deftly cross-examine witnesses, and work to secure a favorable outcome.

Reach Out to a Sexual Misconduct Lawyer in Des Peres, MO Right Away | Combs Waterkotte

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

Give Combs Waterkotte’s Des Peres, MO sexual misconduct defense lawyer a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free consultation.