Sex Crimes Attorney Stone County, MO

Sex crimes attorney in Stone County, MO. If you are facing sex crime charges in or around Stone County, MO, Combs Waterkotte is here for you and ready to talk about how our skilled sex crimes attorneys can help. Get in touch with our team for a free review of your case online through our form or call (314) 900-HELP.

We understand how high the stakes are. A conviction could mean prison time, lifelong sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your future. Trust an experienced sex crimes attorney in Stone County, MO to protect your rights and fight for your freedom.

Article Summary

Being accused of a sex crime in Stone County, MO is life-altering, and the consequences can follow you forever. This page explains how an experienced sex crimes attorney can protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and fight to avoid harsh penalties like prison time and mandatory sex offender registration. Learn what types of charges we defend, why early action is critical, and how our discreet, aggressive defense strategies help clients protect their freedom and reputation when facing serious allegations.

Types of Sex Crime Charges in Stone County, MO

Sex crimes in Stone County, MO run the gamut in terms of substance, severity, and potential sentences, from sexual assault and rape to child pornography and sexual misconduct with a minor. Some of the most common sex crime charges in Missouri include:

• Rape: Rape involves nonconsensual sexual intercourse or penetration and is treated as a serious felony in Missouri, with possible prison sentences ranging from 5 years up to life without parole under Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030.
• Sexual Assault: Sexual assault in Stone County, MO refers to any unwanted sexual contact, including groping or inappropriate touching. In Missouri, it’s a felony offense that may lead to up to 30 years in prison depending on the severity of the case and any prior offenses.
• Statutory Rape: Statutory rape involves sexual activity with someone legally incapable of giving consent due to age. In Stone County and anywhere else in Missouri, that means under 17. Engaging in sexual activity with a child under 14 is charged as statutory rape in the first degree, a serious felony carrying lengthy prison terms.
• Child Pornography: Accusations of child pornography involve creating, possessing, or distributing images or videos depicting minors in sexual situations. Missouri law (RSMo. § 573.037) allows prosecutors to pursue charges for each piece of content, meaning multiple felonies and up to 30 years in prison depending on case details.
• Sexual Misconduct with a Minor: Sexual misconduct with a minor involves exposing genitals or coercing a minor under 15 to engage in sexually explicit behavior. As outlined in RSMo. § 566.083, this is a serious Class D or Class E felony that can result in prison and long-term consequences.

The Stakes are Too High — Don’t Face Sex Crime Charges Alone in Stone County, MO

If you are convicted of a sex crime in Missouri, you are subject to severe consequences that can impact your life for years to come, including restrictions on where you can live and work, as well as constant damage to your personal and professional relationships.

Each case is different and depends on the evidence presented, the nature of what took place, your previous criminal history, the judge presiding over your case, and other factors. The sooner you have a tough, knowledgeable Stone County, MO sex crimes attorney by your side, the better your chances of avoiding the worst penalties. From day one, we fight to get your charges reduced or dismissed. We also provide:

• Expert Legal Representation in Stone County, MO: Our Stone County, MO sex crimes attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience. From pretrial investigations to courtroom proceedings, we serve as advocates for our clients. We are fully transparent throughout the legal process, providing honest legal advice, strategizing possible defense tactics, and protecting your rights and future during hearings and trials.
• Thorough Case Investigations: Every strong defense begins with a strong understanding of the facts. At Combs Waterkotte, we carefully review all evidence, assess police procedure, speak with witnesses, and pinpoint legal issues to build a custom-tailored defense strategy that aligns with your best interests.
• Confident Courtroom Defense in Stone County, MO: Our Stone County, MO sex crimes attorneys are tenacious litigators who present compelling arguments on your behalf in court. They rigorously question witnesses, dismantle the prosecution’s arguments, and present evidence and testimony to support your defense. The objective is to raise reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury, aiming for an acquittal, or, when that’s not possible, to reduce the severity of any sentence imposed.
• Ongoing Legal Help After Trial in Stone County: Even after a conviction, a dedicated Stone County, MO sex crimes attorney doesn’t stop fighting. We can file appeals, pursue post-conviction motions, or explore other legal avenues to challenge wrongful convictions or lessen the impact of a guilty verdict.

Sex Crimes Attorney in Stone County, MO: Common Defenses

Defending against a sex crime accusation in the Stone County, MO area is complex and deeply personal. The best defense strategy depends entirely on the facts of the case and the laws of the jurisdiction. Every situation is different. Below are some of the most frequently used legal defenses by our legal team in Stone County, MO sex crime cases:

• Consent:
  In many sex crime cases in Stone County, MO, the core issue is whether the encounter was consensual. If both parties willingly participated and were legally able to consent, this can be a powerful defense. Evidence like text messages, social media interactions, witness testimony, or a documented prior relationship can help support a claim of consent.
• Alibi:
  A credible alibi can shut the case down. If you were not at the scene, we use physical evidence — time-stamped photos, location data, or surveillance — to back your alibi claim and establish reasonable doubt.
• False Allegations:
  Sometimes people lie — out of anger, spite, or to gain leverage in custody or divorce battles. We expose inconsistencies, motives, and lack of evidence to reveal false allegations and protect your name and freedom in Stone County, MO.
• Your Rights Were Violated:
  If police in Stone County, MO cut corners — like executing an illegal search or forcing a confession — we’ll file motions to suppress tainted evidence and challenge the legality of your arrest. That could mean your case gets thrown out before trial even begins.
• Weak or Circumstantial Evidence:
  When prosecutors rely on speculation, sketchy witness claims, or flimsy forensic tests, it’s our job to expose those weaknesses. If the case doesn’t hold up under scrutiny, your Stone County, MO sex crimes lawyer will push hard for dismissal or acquittal.
• Mental Incapacity or Diminished Responsibility:
  If you were suffering from a psychiatric condition or cognitive impairment, we may argue that you weren’t mentally capable of forming intent, a key element the state must prove. That can lead to lesser charges or alternative resolutions focused on treatment.
• Reasonable Belief of Legal Age:
  In Stone County, MO statutory sex crime cases, we may argue that you had a reasonable and good-faith belief that the other individual was of legal age. This defense depends on the specific facts, but it can be effective in minimizing charges or penalties.

Your Best Defense Starts with a Stone County, MO Sex Crimes Attorney Who Fights for You

Sex crime charges are among the most serious a person can face — but you are not alone. When you hire Combs Waterkotte in Stone County, MO, you gain a defense team that brings relentless preparation and deep courtroom experience to your case. We treat every case like everything is on the line, because it is.

As a leading Stone County, MO criminal defense law firm, we understand the serious nature of sex crimes and the devastating consequences they can have on individuals and their families. Our experienced sex crimes attorneys have successfully defended numerous clients against a variety of sex crimes and other criminal charges, and we are committed to providing our clients with the best.

Other types of cases we take on in Stone County, MO are:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
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• Weapons Crime Attorney

Take Action Now, Your Future Depends on It. Call a Stone County, MO Sex Crimes Attorney.

If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in or around Stone County, MO, or if you think you might be under investigation, don’t wait. You have no time to waste. Talking to police without a lawyer can make your situation far worse. Every conversation and decision matters from the very first moment.

Call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online immediately. Our Stone County, MO sex crimes attorneys will take swift, strategic action to defend your rights, protect your future, and fight aggressively for the best possible result. Don’t delay — your defense starts the moment you make the call.