Sex offense lawyers in Florissant, MO. Facing allegations or charges related to a sex offense in Florissant, MO or anywhere in Missouri can profoundly impact your life. 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.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Florissant, MO: Understanding Sex Offenses in the Florissant, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in and around Florissant, MO. It is crucial to understand the legal landscape when facing these 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 Florissant, MO possess a unique combination of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and more than 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Florissant, MO: Kinds 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 defined under Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape includes non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often accompanied by 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 includes 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 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. The age of consent is 17 in Missouri, and engaging in sexual activity with a minor 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. Other forms of sexual misconduct are also illegal in and around Florissant, 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 crime entails producing, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit materials featuring minors. In Florissant, 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 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 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 Florissant, MO, due to the inherent power imbalance and risk of student exploitation.
These sex offenses can carry varying degrees of penalties based on factors like the victim’s age, the use and degree of force, the relationship between you and the victim, and whether any aggravating circumstances are present. Don’t let a sex offense derail your life. The Florissant, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the seriousness of these charges and are ready to defend you. 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 Florissant, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Florissant, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Based 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 have to pay significant fines and court costs, as is the case with many criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction in the Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO area makes rebuilding your life challenging, even post-sentence.
Why You Need the Florissant, 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 skilled attorneys provide:
In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Florissant, MO
Our lawyers focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay up-to-date on changes in Florissant, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, making sure your defense is grounded in the state’s most current legal standards.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
A skilled Florissant, MO sex offense attorney carefully reviews all evidence against you, such as witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to uncover flaws in the prosecution’s case and develop a robust defense strategy.
Defending Your Rights in Florissant, MO
Making sure your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is essential in Florissant, MO. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will defend your rights at every stage – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Reach out to our legal team now 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 bargains, our sex offense lawyers will develop a sound strategy suited to your specific circumstances.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout Your Case in Florissant, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine concern 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 empathetic Florissant, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal counsel and support, but also emotional guidance which can help you and your family manage.
When you are accused of a sex offense in or around Florissant, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal sex offense lawyers in Florissant, 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 offers expertise in the following areas for Florissant, MO residents:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Florissant, MO: Possible Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation near Florissant, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense legal team is here to assist. Understanding the possible defenses that could be employed in your case is crucial. Some common defenses our experienced sex offense lawyers might employ include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our legal team will look 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 lawyers can work to provide evidence that you were somewhere else 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? Connect With the Leading Florissant, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Today
Facing sex offense charges in Florissant, MO Florissant, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and overwhelming situation. However, with the right legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can protect your rights and your future, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Florissant, MO a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential case review.