Sex offense lawyers in Hannibal, MO. Being accused or charged with a sex offense in Hannibal, MO or anywhere else in Missouri can be a life-changing experience. The stigma and potential legal consequences, coupled with social and professional impacts, make it crucial to have an experienced and tenacious sex offense lawyer on 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.
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 Hannibal, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses in the Hannibal, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, especially in Hannibal, MO and the surrounding areas. 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 Hannibal, MO offer a perfect blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and over 275 reviews speak for themselves.
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Sex Offense Lawyers in Hannibal, MO: Types of Sex Crimes
Missouri law defines sex offenses into various categories, each with unique definitions and corresponding penalties. The following are some of the most common sex offenses under the Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape entails 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 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 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 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 a class D or class E felony.
- Child Pornography: This crime entails producing, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit materials featuring minors. In Hannibal, 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: 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 Hannibal, 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 such as the age of the victim, 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 devastate your life. The Hannibal, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the seriousness of these charges and will defend you against them. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Marion County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Marion County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Hannibal, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties for a sex offense conviction in Hannibal, MO might include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of your offense, you could be facing a prison term of years or even life.
- Fines: You may be required to pay significant fines and court costs, as is the case with many criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: If you’re convicted of a sex offense in the Hannibal, MO area, you will be required to register as a sex offender likely for the rest of your life. This can seriously affect your opportunities for employment and housing, as well as your 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 Hannibal, MO area makes rebuilding your life challenging, even post-sentence.
Why You Need the Hannibal, 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 provide:
In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Hannibal, MO
Our lawyers focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay up-to-date on changes in Hannibal, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, making sure your defense is grounded in the state’s most recent legal standards.
Thorough Case Analysis
A knowledgeable Hannibal, MO sex offense lawyer meticulously reviews all evidence against you, including witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a robust defense strategy.
Protecting Your Rights in Hannibal, MO
Making sure your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is essential in Hannibal, MO. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will protect your rights every step of the way – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Give our legal team a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Strategic Defense Planning
Every case is different, requiring a tailored defense strategy. Whether it involves disputing the validity 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 the Duration of Your Case in Hannibal, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers are genuinely concerned about their clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This can be an incredibly stressful time in your life. Our empathetic Hannibal, 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 are facing a sex offense charge in or around Hannibal, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the best sex offense lawyers in Hannibal, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable sex offense lawyers, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Hannibal, MO residents:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Hannibal, MO: Possible Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation near Hannibal, 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 expert sex offense lawyers might employ include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our lawyers will work to prove that you were not the individual responsible for the 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 sex offense lawyers can work to provide evidence that you were somewhere else when the crime occurred.
- False Allegations: We can argue that the accuser may have other motivations for making the allegation, such as financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Contact the Top Hannibal, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Today
Facing sex offense charges in Hannibal, MO Hannibal, 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 safeguard your rights and future, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Hannibal, MO a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
