Sex offense lawyers in Scott County, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in Scott County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri for that matter can be a life-altering experience. The stigma and potential legal consequences, coupled with social and professional impacts, make it crucial to have an experienced and determined sex offense lawyer by your side.
If you or a loved one is facing these charges, call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-strings-attached consultation with one of our sex offense lawyers. There, you can discuss the specifics of your case and get expert legal advice and guidance on your next steps.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Scott County, MO: Understanding Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in and around Scott County, MO. It is crucial to comprehend the legal landscape when facing these charges. Additionally, the enduring shadow of doubt or shame cast by an accusation of a sexual offense is enough to want to a quick resolution.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Scott County, MO have an ideal blend of practical experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our exceptional record and over 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Scott County, MO: Types of Sex Crimes
Missouri law categorizes sex offenses into various types, each with distinct definitions and applicable penalties. The following are some of the most common sex offenses as outlined in the Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape involves non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often accompanied by force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. As defined in RSMo. § 566.030, rape is a severe felony with potential prison sentences ranging from 5 years to life.
- Sodomy: Sodomy includes 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 covers a range of abusive sexual behaviors that may not meet the criteria for rape or sodomy, including touching or groping, but still involve exploitation or harm and are still considered criminal.
- 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: Charges of sexual misconduct with a minor involve engaging in sexual acts with a minor under 15, including exposing one’s genitals or coercing a minor to expose theirs. While various forms of sexual misconduct are criminal, this particular offense is the most serious under RSMo. § 566.083, often classified as 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 Scott 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: Sexual exploitation involves using minors or vulnerable individuals for sexual purposes, like creating explicit content. Charges can range based on specifics, frequently involving trafficking or exploiting minors.
- Sexual Contact With a Student: This offense usually involves sexual interactions between educators, school employees, or volunteers, and students in the same school district. Sexual contact with a student is viewed severely in Scott County, MO, due to the inherent power imbalance and risk of student exploitation.
These sex offenses can carry varying degrees of penalties depending on factors like the victim’s age, the use and degree of force, the nature of the relationship between the accused and the victim, and any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The Scott County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the seriousness of these allegations and will provide a robust defense. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Scott County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Scott County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Scott County, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Scott County, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Based on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of your offense, you could be facing a prison term of years or even life.
- Fines: Similar to many other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges, substantial fines and court costs could be imposed.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction in the Scott County, MO area means you will likely need to register as a sex offender for life, impacting your employment, housing, and personal relationships.
- Damage to Your Reputation and Lasting Restrictions: Such a conviction can tarnish your reputation and strain relationships with colleagues, romantic partners, family, and neighbors. The long-lasting or permanent nature of these convictions in the Scott County, MO area makes rebuilding your life challenging, even post-sentence.
Why You Need the Scott County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side
Regardless of the gravity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is here to help. Our skilled attorneys offer:
In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Scott County, MO
Our attorneys specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay informed about updates in Scott County, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, ensuring your defense is based on the most current legal standards in the state.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
A skilled Scott County, MO sex offense attorney meticulously scrutinizes all evidence against you, including witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to uncover flaws in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.
Defending Your Rights in Scott County, MO
Making sure your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is essential in Scott County, MO. Our seasoned sex offense lawyers will protect your rights every step of the way – from interrogations and investigations to court proceedings if necessary. Give our legal team a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Tailored Defense Strategies
Every case is different, requiring a tailored defense strategy. Whether it involves disputing the credibility of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea deals, our sex offense lawyers will develop a sound strategy suited to your specific circumstances.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout the Duration of Your Case in Scott 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 empathetic Scott County, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal advice and support, but also offer emotional guidance to help you and your family cope.
When you’re facing a sex offense charge in or around Scott County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal sex offense lawyers in Scott County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our seasoned sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Scott County, MO residents:
- Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
- Weapons Crime Attorney
- DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
- Violent Crime Lawyer
Sex Offense Lawyers in Scott County, MO: Possible Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around Scott County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense attorneys are here to assist. It’s important to understand the potential defenses that might help you. Some common defenses our expert sex offense lawyers use include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our lawyers will look 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 attorneys can establish that you were in a different location when the crime took place.
- False Allegations: We can argue that the accuser may have ulterior motives for making the allegation, like financial gain, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Contact the Top Scott County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
Facing sex offense charges in Scott County, MO Scott County, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and stressful situation. However, with skilled legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can protect your rights and your future, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Scott County, MO a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, confidential consultation.