Sex offense lawyers in Maries County, MO. Facing allegations or charges related to a sex offense in Maries County, MO or anywhere in Missouri can profoundly impact your life. The stigma and potential legal consequences, coupled with social and professional impacts, underscore the necessity of having an experienced and determined sex offense lawyer by your side.
If you or a loved one is facing these serious charges, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our sex offense lawyers to discuss the specific circumstances of your case and obtain expert legal advice and guidance on the best course of action.
Legal Videos
What Happens When You Are Wrongfully Accused of a Sex Crime?
What happens when you are wrongfully accused of a sex crime? Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Right. And you'll see sometimes, and I've had cases, where you had two individuals …
Too Intoxicated to Give Consent?
Missouri criminal defense lawyers Steven Waterkotte and Chris Combs talk about alleged victims being too intoxicated to give consent. Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Most people …
Criminal Lawyer Talks About Representing Sex Criminals
Real Criminal Defense Lawyer talks about representing sex criminals. Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: I always say probably what the public views as the most vile or despicable …
Your Word Against Theirs in Court
Are just allegations enough to get charged with a crime? When it's your word against theirs in court. Episode Transcript Chris Combs: And allegations alone will do it. Steve hit on this …
What Happens When You Are Charged With a Child Sex Crime?
What happens when you are charged with a child sex crime? Episode Transcript Chris Combs: If you're a tier three sex offender, you can only have approved electronic devices. You have to …
What Happens When You Are Wrongfully Accused of a Sex Crime?
What happens when you are wrongfully accused of a sex crime? Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Right. And you'll see sometimes, and I've had cases, where you had two individuals …
Too Intoxicated to Give Consent?
Missouri criminal defense lawyers Steven Waterkotte and Chris Combs talk about alleged victims being too intoxicated to give consent. Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Most people …
Criminal Lawyer Talks About Representing Sex Criminals
Real Criminal Defense Lawyer talks about representing sex criminals. Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: I always say probably what the public views as the most vile or despicable …
Your Word Against Theirs in Court
Are just allegations enough to get charged with a crime? When it's your word against theirs in court. Episode Transcript Chris Combs: And allegations alone will do it. Steve hit on this …
What Happens When You Are Charged With a Child Sex Crime?
What happens when you are charged with a child sex crime? Episode Transcript Chris Combs: If you're a tier three sex offender, you can only have approved electronic devices. You have to …
Sex Offense Lawyers in Maries County, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, especially in Maries County, MO and the surrounding areas. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing these charges. Moreover, the lingering doubt and shame associated with even an accusation of a sexual offense can disrupt your life significantly, making a swift resolution imperative.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Maries County, MO possess a unique combination of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and more than 275 reviews speak for themselves.
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Sex Offense Lawyers in Maries County, MO: Kinds of Sex Crimes
Missouri law classifies sex offenses into several categories, each with specific definitions and associated penalties. Here are some of the most common sex offenses as defined under Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape entails non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often involving force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. As defined in RSMo. § 566.030, rape is a serious felony offense with prison sentences ranging from 5 years to life.
- Sodomy: Sodomy charges involve engaging in oral or anal sexual conduct with another person without their consent. Statutory sodomy is having deviate sexual intercourse with another person who is less than 14 years of age.
- Sexual Abuse/Assault: Sexual abuse or assault encompasses a range of abusive sexual behaviors, like unwanted touching or groping, which may not qualify as rape or sodomy but still involve exploitation and harm, and are criminal offenses.
- Statutory Rape: Statutory rape is defined as engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor below the legal age of consent. In Missouri, the age of consent is 17, and engaging in sexual acts with a child under 14 can result in charges of statutory rape in the first degree.
- Sexual Misconduct With a Minor: A charge of sexual misconduct with a minor involves inappropriate sexual contact with a minor under 15 years old. This includes actions like exposing one’s genitals or coercing the minor to expose their genitals or breasts. Other forms of sexual misconduct are also illegal in and around Maries County, MO, but sexual misconduct with a minor is the most serious offense under RSMo. § 566.083, often a class D or class E felony.
- Child Pornography: This charge involves the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under the age of 18. Child pornography in Maries County, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a class D or class B felony offense and, according to RSMo. § 573.037, you could be subject to separate sentences for each article of child pornography you are accused of possessing, creating, or distributing.
- Sexual Exploitation: This crime involves using a minor or vulnerable person for sexual purposes, such as creating child pornography. Sexual exploitation charges vary based on the situation, but often include either trafficking for sexual exploitation or the sexual exploitation of a minor.
- Sexual Contact With a Student: This charge typically refers to sexual interactions between a teacher, school employee, or volunteer, and a student in the same school district. Sexual contact with a student is a serious offense in Maries County, MO, due to the power imbalance and the potential for exploiting the student.
These sex offenses can carry varying degrees of penalties based on factors such as the age of the victim, the use and degree of force, the nature of the relationship between the accused and the victim, and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense derail your life. The Maries County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers recognize the seriousness of these allegations and will provide a robust defense. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Maries County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Maries County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Maries County, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties of a sex offense conviction in Maries County, MO can include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of your offense, you could be facing a prison sentence ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
- Fines: You may be required to pay significant fines and court costs, similar to other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: If you’re convicted of a sex offense in the Maries County, MO area, you will be required to register as a sex offender likely for the rest of your life. This can seriously affect your opportunities for employment and housing, as well as your personal relationships.
- Damage to Your Reputation and Lasting Restrictions: A conviction can seriously harm your reputation and affect relationships with coworkers, loved ones, family members, and neighbors. The enduring or permanent nature of these convictions in the Maries County, MO area makes it difficult to restore your life even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Maries County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side
Regardless of the gravity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is ready to assist. Our experienced attorneys offer:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Maries County, MO
Our legal experts specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay current on changes in Maries County, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, ensuring your defense is based on the state’s most current legal standards.
Comprehensive Case Analysis
An experienced Maries County, MO sex offense attorney meticulously examines all evidence against you, including any witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.
Protecting Your Rights in Maries County, MO
Ensuring your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is essential in Maries County, MO. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will protect your rights every step of the way – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Give our legal team a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Strategic Defense Planning
Every case is different, requiring a tailored defense strategy. Whether it’s challenging the validity of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea deals, our sex offense lawyers will formulate a solid strategy that fits your particular circumstances.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout Your Case in Maries County, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine concern for clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This period of time can be incredibly stressful. Our compassionate Maries County, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal advice and support, but also emotional guidance which can help you and your family manage.
When you are facing a sex offense charge in or around Maries County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best sex offense lawyers in Maries County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our seasoned sex offense lawyers, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Maries County and beyond:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Maries County, MO: Potential Defense Strategies
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around Maries County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense legal team is prepared to assist. Knowing the potential defenses available can be crucial to your case. Some common defense strategies our experienced sex offense lawyers might employ include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our legal team will work to prove that you were not the individual responsible for the crime.
- Consent: We can present evidence showing that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity, supported by factual evidence and background investigation of the accuser.
- Alibi: Our sex offense lawyers can gather and present evidence proving that you were elsewhere when the crime took place.
- False Allegations: We can show that the accuser may have other motivations for making the allegation, like financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Connect With the Leading Maries County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Today
Being accused of a sex offense in Maries County, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and stressful experience. However, with the right legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can safeguard your rights and your future, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Maries County, MO immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential case review.
