Sex Crimes Attorney Barry County, MO

Sex crimes attorney in Barry County, MO. Accused of a sex crime in or around Barry County, MO? You don’t have to face it alone. Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated sex crimes attorneys are here to protect your name, your freedom, and your future. We’re ready to discuss your case during a free consultation, and build a strong defense tailored to you. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

At Combs Waterkotte, we know exactly what’s at stake. You need the help of an experienced sex crimes attorney in Barry County, MO to protect your rights and defend your case. Sex crimes carry serious consequences, including harsh prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and hefty fines. Trust Combs Waterkotte.

Article Summary

Being charged with a sex crime in Barry County, MO is one of the most serious legal challenges you can face, with consequences that can follow you for the rest of your life. On this page, you’ll find out how an experienced sex crimes attorney can defend your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and fight to keep you out of prison and off the sex offender registry. Learn about the charges we handle, why acting quickly is crucial, and how our discreet, determined defense can help you safeguard your freedom and reputation when everything is at stake.

Sex Crime Offenses We Defend in Barry County, MO

Allegations of sex crimes in Barry County, MO can vary greatly, from lesser misdemeanors to severe felonies that carry life-changing penalties. At Combs Waterkotte, we have experience defending clients against a wide range of charges, including:

• 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 Barry 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 occurs when an adult engages in sexual activity with a person below the age of consent, which is 17 in Barry County and across Missouri. When the minor is under 14, the offense becomes statutory rape in the first degree, one of the most serious sex crime charges in the state, carrying long 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 Barry County, MO

The consequences of being convicted of a sex crime in Missouri extend far beyond a courtroom sentence. You may face registration as a sex offender, severe limitations on housing and employment, and irreparable harm to your reputation and relationships. It’s a burden that follows you for life — unless you fight it with everything you’ve got in Barry County, MO.

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 Barry 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:

• Skilled Defense From Start to Finish: Our Barry 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.
• Case Evaluation: 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.
• Courtroom Advocacy in Barry County, MO: When it’s time to face a judge and jury, our experienced Barry County, MO litigators rise to the occasion. We present persuasive arguments, cross-examine key witnesses, and challenge the prosecution at every turn — always aiming to establish reasonable doubt and secure the best possible outcome for you.
• Post-Conviction Support in Barry County: The legal fight doesn’t stop after a verdict. If you’ve been convicted, our team continues working to seek justice through appeals, sentence mitigation, or post-conviction relief. We’re committed to doing everything possible to challenge unjust outcomes and restore your future.

Barry County, MO Sex Crimes Attorney: Common Legal Defenses

Defending against a sex crime accusation in the Barry 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 Barry County, MO sex crime cases:

• Consent:
  Many sex crime cases hinge on whether the act was consensual. If both people willingly participated and were of legal age, we can use text messages, prior relationship history, or witness accounts to argue affirmative consent and dismantle the charge.
• Alibi:
  If you weren’t there, you couldn’t have committed the crime. An alibi defense uses concrete evidence like phone data, receipts, or security footage to prove you were elsewhere at the time of the alleged offense.
• 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 Barry County, MO.
• Your Rights Were Violated:
  If law enforcement in Barry County, MO violated your constitutional rights — through an unlawful search and seizure or improper interrogation — we can challenge the legality of that evidence. A successful motion to suppress can significantly weaken the case or result in full dismissal.
• Weak or Circumstantial Evidence:
  If the prosecution’s case lacks solid evidence, or relies heavily on unreliable witness statements or questionable forensic results, your Barry County, MO sex crimes attorney can argue that the state has not met its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
• 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.
• Mistaken Belief About Age:
  In cases involving statutory rape or similar charges, your Barry County, MO sex crimes attorney might argue you reasonably believed the other party was of legal age, depending on the facts and how the law applies.

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

At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t just represent you, we fight for your future. If you’re facing sex crime charges in Barry County, MO, don’t go it alone. The legal system can be overwhelming, but with our experienced sex crimes defense attorneys on your side, you have a real chance at protecting your name, freedom, and livelihood.

As a leading Barry 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 cases we take on in Barry County, MO are:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney

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

Accused of a sex crime in Barry County, MO? Even if you’re only being investigated, every second counts. Speaking to law enforcement without legal protection can severely jeopardize your case. The wrong move now can follow you for the rest of your life.

Call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online immediately. Our Barry 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.