Sex Crimes Attorney Putnam County, MO

Sex crimes attorney in Putnam County, MO. Accused of a sex crime in or around Putnam 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 Putnam 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

Facing a sex crime accusation in Putnam County, MO can turn your entire life upside down, and the impact can last long after the case ends. Here, you’ll learn how a skilled sex crimes attorney can safeguard your rights, dismantle the prosecution’s arguments, and work to prevent severe outcomes like prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration. Discover the charges we handle, why it’s vital to get legal help immediately, and how our confidential, relentless defense strategies help protect your freedom and your future when everything is on the line.

Types of Sex Crime Charges in Putnam County, MO

Sex crime charges in Putnam County, MO cover a wide range of alleged conduct, levels of severity, and penalties — from sexual assault and rape to child pornography and statutory offenses. Below are some of the most frequently prosecuted sex crimes under Missouri law:

• 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 Putnam 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 individual engages in sexual activity with a minor who is below the age of consent, as they are considered too young to be capable of giving informed consent. The age of consent in Putnam County and elsewhere in Missouri is 17 years old, and engaging in sexual activity with a minor under the age of 14 as an adult can result in charges of statutory rape in the first degree.
• Child Pornography: Child pornography charges apply to possessing, distributing, or creating explicit material involving minors under 18. Under RSMo. § 573.037, each file or image can be charged separately, potentially resulting in multiple sentences — often as Class D or Class B felonies.
• Sexual Misconduct with a Minor: Sexual misconduct with a minor in Putnam County, MO involves sexual contact with a minor who is under the age of 15, including acts such as exposing one’s genitals or coercing the minor to expose their genitals or breasts. Other forms of sexual misconduct are also illegal in Missouri, but sexual misconduct with a minor is the most serious offense under RSMo. § 566.083, often a Class D or Class E felony, and can result in a prison sentence and other consequences.

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

A conviction for a sex crime in Missouri brings life-changing consequences. You could face years behind bars, mandatory sex offender registration, and long-term damage to your career, family, and reputation. Where you live, where you work, and how people see you — it can all change with a single guilty verdict in the Putnam County, MO area.

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 Putnam 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: Backed by decades of combined legal insight, our Putnam County, MO sex crimes attorneys are with you every step of the way. From pretrial preparation to courtroom defense, we offer honest advice, develop proven defense strategies, and work tirelessly to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom.
• Case Evaluation: Thoroughly assessing the details of your case is one of the first steps of a Combs Waterkotte sex crimes attorney in Putnam County, MO. We don’t take the prosecution’s word for it. Our skilled sex crimes legal team reviews evidence, interviews any witnesses, and identifies possible legal issues that could affect your defense. This comprehensive analysis helps us formulate an effective defense strategy tailored specifically to your case.
• Courtroom Advocacy in Putnam County, MO: Our Putnam 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.
• Post-Trial: A conviction isn’t the end in Putnam County, MO. Our work continues with appeals, motions for post-conviction relief, and efforts to reduce or reverse wrongful outcomes. Your fight for justice deserves tireless advocacy, and we never stop pushing for the best result possible.

Putnam County, MO Sex Crimes Attorney: Common Legal Defenses

Being accused of a sex crime in Putnam County, MO is overwhelming, but a powerful defense can make all the difference. Every case is unique, and the strongest defense depends on the exact facts and legal circumstances. Below are some of the most effective legal defenses our attorneys use in sex crime cases:

• Consent:
  In many sex crime cases in Putnam 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:
  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 Putnam County, MO.
• Unlawful Police Conduct or Rights Violations:
  If police in Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO sex crimes lawyer will push hard for dismissal or acquittal.
• Mental Health or Cognitive Challenges:
  When mental illness or cognitive limitations played a role at the time of the alleged offense, we may pursue a defense of diminished responsibility, showing you lacked the intent necessary for conviction and arguing for reduced or alternative sentencing.
• Reasonable Belief of Legal Age:
  In Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO Sex Crimes Attorney Who Fights for You

When you hire Combs Waterkotte to defend your Putnam County, MO sex crimes case, you get the best possible legal guidance and representation throughout your case. Don’t let this ruin your life. With an expert Putnam County, MO sex crimes defense attorney dedicated to your case, you have a chance.

As a respected Putnam County, MO criminal defense firm, we know what’s at stake. From the moment you contact us, we go to work building a powerful defense strategy, challenging the prosecution’s case, and helping you navigate every phase of the legal process. Our track record includes successfully defending clients against serious charges, and we’re ready to do the same for you.

Other types of cases we take on in Putnam County, MO include:

You Deserve a Strong Defense. Speak With a Putnam County, MO Sex Crimes Attorney Today.

Facing a sex crime accusation can feel overwhelming, isolating, and terrifying. But, you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’ve been charged or are under investigation in Putnam County, MO, the decisions you make today could shape the rest of your life. Don’t talk to police without experienced legal counsel by your side.

Call a skilled Putnam County, MO sex crimes attorney at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free consultation to protect your rights and get clear, honest answers about your options. We are ready to stand by you, fight for you, and work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome.