Sex crimes attorney in St. Louis, MO. Accused of a sex crime in or around St. Louis, 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.
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 St. Louis, MO to protect your rights and fight for your freedom.
Article Summary
Being charged with a sex crime in St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO
Sex crimes in St. Louis, 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 is defined as non-consensual sexual intercourse or sexual penetration. It is a serious felony offense that carries a prison sentence ranging from five years to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030.
- Sexual Assault: Sexual assault in St. Louis, 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 St. Louis 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: Defined under RSMo. § 566.083, sexual misconduct with a minor refers to engaging in or inducing sexual acts with someone under 15 in St. Louis, MO, including exposure or coercion. These charges are often Class D or Class E felonies and carry both incarceration and lifelong stigma if convicted.
A Sex Crimes Conviction in St. Louis, MO Can Change Everything. Let Us Help You Fight Back.
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 St. Louis, MO.
The facts of each case are unique, and every detail matters. Whether it’s challenging unreliable evidence or exposing procedural errors, your defense starts now. With a tough and tactical St. Louis, MO sex crimes attorney on your side from the start, you improve your odds of avoiding the harshest outcomes. Here’s what we bring to your corner from day one:
- Expert Legal Representation in St. Louis, MO: With over 50 years of combined legal experience, our St. Louis, MO sex crimes attorneys know how to fight — and win. From the moment your case begins, we provide straightforward legal guidance, craft powerful defense strategies, and ensure your rights are protected at every stage of the process, from investigation through verdict.
- Case Evaluation: We don’t rely on assumptions. Every case begins with a meticulous evaluation by a seasoned Combs Waterkotte defense attorney in St. Louis, MO. We dig into police reports, scrutinize evidence, identify legal errors, and speak with potential witnesses — all to build a personalized defense strategy that fits your exact situation.
- Courtroom Advocacy in St. Louis, MO: When it’s time to face a judge and jury, our experienced St. Louis, 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.
- Ongoing Legal Help After Trial in St. Louis: Even after a conviction, a dedicated St. Louis, 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.
Fighting Back: Common Legal Defenses to Sex Crime Charges in St. Louis, MO
Defending against a sex crime accusation in the St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO sex crime cases:
- Consent:
In many cases, the issue isn’t whether something happened — it’s whether it was consensual. If both individuals voluntarily agreed and were legally allowed to give consent, this defense can dismantle the prosecution’s argument. Texts, messages, prior communications, or witnesses can all help show mutual agreement. - Alibi:
One of the strongest defenses available is proving you were somewhere else when the alleged crime occurred. Witness statements, receipts, phone records, or video footage can support an airtight alibi. - 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 St. Louis, MO. - Your Rights Were Violated:
If police in St. Louis, 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:
If the prosecution lacks credible physical proof, relies on hearsay, or presents inconsistent testimony, your St. Louis, MO sex crimes attorney can highlight those gaps to show the state hasn’t met its burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. - You Lacked Criminal Intent:
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. - Mistaken Belief About Age:
In cases involving statutory rape or similar charges, your St. Louis, 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.
St. Louis City Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis and Missouri.
How a Sex Crimes Attorney in St. Louis, MO Can Help You
Sex crime charges are among the most serious a person can face — but you are not alone. When you hire Combs Waterkotte in St. Louis, 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.
Our St. Louis, MO criminal defense lawyers have defended countless clients against high-stakes charges with real results. We know how to dissect the evidence, expose weak points in the prosecution’s story, and provide the aggressive, strategic defense your case demands. When your future hangs in the balance, turn to a team with the skill and track record to fight back — and win.
Other cases we take on in St. Louis, MO include:
Take Action Now, Your Future Depends on It. Call a St. Louis, MO Sex Crimes Attorney.
If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in or around St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, 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.