Sex offense lawyers in McDonald County, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in McDonald County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri for that matter can be a life-altering 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 someone you care about is dealing with these charges, reach out to Combs Waterkotte without delay at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our sex offense lawyers to discuss the specifics of your case and receive expert legal advice and guidance on your next steps.
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 McDonald County, MO: Understanding Sex Offenses in the McDonald County, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in the McDonald County, MO area. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing such charges. Moreover, the lingering doubt and shame associated with even an accusation of a sexual offense can disrupt your life substantially, making a swift resolution imperative.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in McDonald County, MO have an ideal blend of hands-on 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 McDonald County, MO: Types of Sex Crimes
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 outlined in the Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape involves non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often involving force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. As per RSMo. § 566.030, rape is a serious felony offense with prison sentences ranging from 5 years to life.
- Sodomy: The charge of sodomy involves oral or anal sexual conduct with another person without their consent. Statutory sodomy refers to deviate sexual intercourse with someone under 14 years old.
- Sexual Abuse/Assault: Sexual abuse or assault includes various forms of non-consensual sexual behavior, such as inappropriate touching or groping, which do not meet the criteria for rape or sodomy but still involve criminal exploitation or harm.
- 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 sexual activity with a minor under 14 can lead to 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, 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 McDonald 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 include either trafficking for sexual exploitation or the sexual exploitation of a minor.
- 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 McDonald 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 severity of force, the relationship between you and the victim, and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense derail your life. The McDonald County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the gravity of these charges and are ready to defend you. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
McDonald County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in McDonald County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in McDonald County, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in McDonald County, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Based on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of the offense, you could be facing a prison term of years or even life.
- Fines: You may have to pay significant fines and court costs, similar to other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction in the McDonald 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: 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 McDonald County, MO area makes it difficult to restore your life even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the McDonald County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side
No matter the severity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is here to help. Our experienced attorneys provide:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in McDonald County, MO
Our legal experts specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay up-to-date on changes in McDonald County, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, making sure your defense is based on the state’s most current legal standards.
Thorough Case Evaluation
An experienced McDonald County, MO sex offense attorney meticulously examines all evidence against you, including any witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to uncover flaws in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.
Safeguarding Your Rights in McDonald County, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the McDonald County, MO legal process is critical. Our seasoned sex offense lawyers will protect your rights every step of the way – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Reach out to our legal team 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 McDonald County, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers are genuinely concerned about their clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This period of time can be incredibly stressful. Our compassionate McDonald County, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal advice and support, but also emotional assistance to help you and your family cope.
When you are accused of a sex offense in or around McDonald County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the leading sex offense lawyers in McDonald County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our seasoned sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for McDonald County, MO residents:
Sex Offense Lawyers in McDonald County, MO: Possible Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation near McDonald County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense lawyers are prepared to assist. Knowing the potential defenses available can be crucial to your case. Some common defenses our expert sex offense lawyers might employ include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our attorneys will work to prove that you were not the person who committed this crime.
- Consent: We can demonstrate that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity with factual evidence, as well as by investigating the accuser’s background.
- Alibi: Our sex offense lawyers can establish that you were in a different location when the crime took place.
- False Allegations: We can show that the accuser may have ulterior motives for making the allegation, such as financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Connect With the Leading McDonald County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Today
Facing sex offense charges in McDonald County, MO McDonald 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 McDonald County, MO a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, confidential consultation.
