Sex offense lawyers in Pettis County, MO. Being accused or charged with a sex offense in Pettis County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri can be a life-changing experience. The stigma, potential legal repercussions, and social and professional consequences make it imperative to have a skilled and dedicated sex offense lawyer.
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 Pettis County, MO: Comprehending Sex Offenses in the Pettis County, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, especially in Pettis County, MO and the surrounding areas. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing such charges. Additionally, the enduring shadow of doubt or shame cast by an accusation of a sexual offense is enough to want to get this quickly resolved.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Pettis County, MO possess a unique combination of practical experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our exceptional record and over 275 reviews speak for themselves.
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Sex Offense Lawyers in Pettis County, MO: Sex Crimes in Pettis County, MO
Missouri law categorizes sex offenses into various types, each with distinct definitions and applicable 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. According to 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 pertains to deviate sexual intercourse with an individual under 14 years old.
- 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 sexual misconduct with a minor charge involves sexual contact with a minor (under 15 years old), including acts like exposing one’s genitals or coercing the minor to expose their genitals or breasts. Other forms of sexual misconduct are also illegal, but sexual misconduct with a minor is considered the most severe under RSMo. § 566.083, often classified as a class D or class E felony.
- Child Pornography: This crime entails producing, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit materials featuring minors. In Pettis County, MO, and Missouri at large, child pornography offenses are classified as class D or class B felony offenses under RSMo. § 573.037. Each instance of possession, creation, or distribution is treated as a separate offense.
- Sexual Exploitation: This offense involves using a minor or vulnerable person for sexual purposes, such as producing child pornography. Sexual exploitation charges vary based on the situation, but frequently involve either trafficking for sexual exploitation or the sexual exploitation of a minor.
- Sexual Contact With a Student: This typically refers to sexual contact or behavior between an educator (teacher, school employee, or volunteer) and a student enrolled in the same school district. Sexual contact with a student is taken very seriously in the Pettis County, MO area due to the inherent power imbalance and potential for exploitation of the student by the adult in a position of authority.
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 the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense derail your life. The Pettis County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers recognize the gravity of these allegations and will provide a robust defense. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Pettis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Pettis County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Pettis County, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties of a sex offense conviction in Pettis County, MO can include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of your offense, you could be looking at 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 Pettis 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 Pettis County, MO area makes rebuilding your life challenging, even post-sentence.
Why You Need the Pettis 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 Pettis County, MO
Our legal experts focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay current on changes in Pettis County, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, ensuring your defense is based on the state’s most current legal standards.
Thorough Case Analysis
A skilled Pettis County, MO sex offense attorney meticulously examines all evidence against you, including any witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a robust defense strategy.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Pettis County, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Pettis County, MO legal process is critical. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will defend your rights at every stage – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Call our legal team right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Tailored Defense Strategies
Every case is unique and demands a customized defense strategy. Whether it involves disputing the credibility 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 Pettis County, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine care for their clients’ well-being and they take the time to understand your side of the story. This period of time can be incredibly stressful. Our compassionate Pettis County, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal counsel and support, but also emotional assistance to help you and your family manage.
When you are facing a sex offense charge in or around Pettis County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal sex offense lawyers in Pettis County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Pettis County, MO residents:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Pettis County, MO: Potential Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around Pettis County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense attorneys are prepared to assist. Understanding the possible defenses that could be employed in your case is crucial. Some common defenses our expert sex offense lawyers might employ include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our legal team will work to prove that you were not the person who committed this crime.
- Consent: We can provide evidence demonstrating that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity, supported by factual proof and an investigation into the accuser’s background.
- Alibi: Our lawyers can gather and present evidence proving that you were elsewhere when the crime occurred.
- False Allegations: We can show that the accuser may have other motivations for making the allegation, including financial gain, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Contact the Top Pettis County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
Being accused of a sex offense in Pettis County, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and overwhelming situation. However, with skilled legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can defend your rights and your future, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Pettis County, MO immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.
