Sex offense lawyers in Ballwin, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in Ballwin, MO or anywhere else in Missouri for that matter can be a life-altering experience. The stigma and potential legal consequences, along with social and professional ramifications, make it crucial to have an experienced and tenacious 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.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Ballwin, MO: Comprehending Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, particularly in Ballwin, 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 a quick resolution.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Ballwin, MO have an ideal blend of practical experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our exceptional record and more than 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Ballwin, 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 under the Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape entails 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 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 involves sexual intercourse with a minor under the age of consent, even if the minor appears to 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 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 a class D or class E felony.
- Child Pornography: This crime entails producing, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit materials featuring minors. In Ballwin, 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 crime involves using a minor or vulnerable person for sexual purposes, such as creating child pornography. Sexual exploitation charges can vary depending on the circumstances, 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 Ballwin, MO, due to the inherent power imbalance and risk of student exploitation.
These sex offenses can result in different levels of penalties depending on factors like the victim’s age, the use and degree 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 Ballwin, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the seriousness of these charges and will defend you against them. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Ballwin, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Ballwin, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of the offense, you could be facing a prison sentence ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
- Fines: You may have to pay substantial fines and court costs, similar to other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction in the Ballwin, 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 sex offense conviction in Ballwin, MO can damage your reputation and harm the relationships in your life – whether it’s colleagues, romantic relationships, family members, or neighbors. The long-lasting or even permanent nature of sex offense convictions throughout the Ballwin, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Ballwin, 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 skilled attorneys offer:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Ballwin, MO
Our attorneys focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay up-to-date on changes in Ballwin, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, making sure your defense is grounded in the state’s most recent legal standards.
Comprehensive Case Analysis
An experienced Ballwin, MO sex offense attorney meticulously examines all evidence against you, such as witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.
Protecting Your Rights in Ballwin, MO
Making sure your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is essential in Ballwin, MO. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will protect your rights at every juncture – from interrogations and investigations to court proceedings if necessary. Reach out to our legal team now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Strategic Defense Planning
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 craft a robust strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout Your Case in Ballwin, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine concern for 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 Ballwin, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal counsel and support, but also emotional assistance to help you and your family cope.
When you’re facing a sex offense charge in or around Ballwin, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best sex offense lawyers in Ballwin, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our seasoned sex offense lawyers, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Ballwin and beyond:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Ballwin, MO: Possible Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation near Ballwin, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense attorneys are ready to help. Knowing the potential defenses available can be crucial to your case. Some common defenses our experienced sex offense lawyers use include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our lawyers will work to prove that you were not the individual responsible for the 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 attorneys can work to provide evidence that you were somewhere else 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 Ballwin, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Being accused of a sex offense in Ballwin, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and overwhelming experience. 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.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Ballwin, MO a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential case review.