Rape Defense Lawyer Clark County, MO

Rape Defense Lawyer in Clark County, MO. Facing a rape accusation in Clark County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri is incredibly overwhelming. The stakes are high, with potential penalties including lengthy imprisonment, heavy fines, and a lasting impact on your reputation and record. To ensure you have the best possible defense, it’s crucial to hire a specialized rape defense attorney who understands the intricacies of the Clark County, MO legal system.

You need to hire Combs Waterkotte. Call one of our experienced Clark County, MO rape defense lawyers right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and get expert guidance on how to proceed.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Clark County, MO: What are the Penalties in Missouri?

The penalties for rape charges in Clark County, MO are severe and can vary depending on the specifics of your case. They include:

Rape in the First Degree

According to Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030, an individual commits rape in the first degree if they engage in sexual intercourse with another person who is incapacitated, incapable of consent, or lacks the capacity to consent, or through forcible compulsion – which can involve administering a substance without the person’s knowledge or consent, impairing their ability to make an informed decision.

The penalty for this offense is anywhere from 5 years to life imprisonment. Some more severe charges carry mandatory minimum sentences of 15-30 years. You need a rape defense lawyer in your corner in Clark County, MO, fighting tirelessly for you. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to get the help you need and deserve.

Rape in the Second Degree

As defined by RSMo. § 566.031, rape in the second degree occurs when an individual knowingly engages in sexual intercourse without the other person’s consent. This crime is a class C felony, carrying 3-10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Aggravating Factors

Certain factors can lead to more severe penalties under either degree of rape in Clark County, MO, including but not limited to:

• Use of a deadly weapon
• Inflicting serious physical harm to the accuser
• Having prior convictions for sexual offenses

Rape Defense Lawyer in Clark County, MO: Key Attributes of an Effective Attorney to Have on Your Side

Given the severity of a rape accusation, hiring a knowledgable and persistent rape defense lawyer in Clark County, MO is crucial. Important qualities to look for in a defense attorney include:

• Experience & Proven Track Record: Seek out a lawyer with a demonstrated history of handling rape defense cases similar to yours. Their past successes can be indicative of their ability to manage your case effectively. The rape defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte have more than 60 years of combined experience defending clients and their innocence throughout the Clark County, MO area.
• Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney who focuses on sexual offenses will have deeper insights and strategies specific to these cases, compared to a general criminal defense lawyer. Combs Waterkotte is a law firm that focuses on the defense of rape and other sexual crimes anywhere in the Clark County, MO area.
• Strong Communication Skills: Your attorney should be able to clearly explain legal terms, processes, and strategies, ensuring you fully understand your situation and options. Combs Waterkotte’s rape defense lawyers provide free, no-obligation consultations that do exactly that – providing expert legal advice and guidance.
• Empathy & Professionalism: Facing a rape accusation is emotionally taxing. A compassionate attorney who upholds professionalism can offer the support and confidence you need during this tough time. Our legal team is committed to providing you with the best possible legal representation in Clark County, MO.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Clark County, MO: Why You Need to Hire Combs Waterkotte

If you have been charged with rape in or around Clark County, MO, the first step you should take is to call a rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte now. Our attorneys are available 24/7 by calling (314) 900-HELP or reaching out online to discuss the specifics of your case.

Why you should hire our Clark County, MO attorneys:

• Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
  The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Clark County, MO have a deep understanding of sexual offense laws throughout Missouri and the legal nuances that come with these cases. They are well-versed in the relevant statutes, precedents, and procedural intricacies needed to build a robust defense.
• Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
  Rape cases often rely on physical evidence, witness testimonies, and expert analysis. Our experienced attorneys conduct thorough investigations, meticulously gather and scrutinize evidence, and rigorously challenge the prosecution’s case.
• Protection of Rights:
  A Combs Waterkotte defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process. This includes preventing unlawful searches and seizures, ensuring you receive a fair trial, and safeguarding against self-incrimination.
• Negotiation Skills:
  If going to trial isn’t the best option for you, our adept rape defense team can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce charges or secure a plea deal that lessens the impact on your life.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Clark County, MO: Some Common Defense Strategies Employed by Combs Waterkotte

A Clark County, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte employs a variety of defense strategies, including:

• Scrutinizing the Credibility of the Accuser: This approach involves examining the accuser’s testimony and background to find inconsistencies, motives for false accusations, or other credibility concerns.
• Consent: In Clark County, MO cases where consent is disputed, your defense lawyer can provide evidence and testimony to show that the encounter was consensual. This might include communications between you and the accuser, past relationship history, or witness statements.
• Analyzing Forensic Evidence: Examining and challenging forensic evidence, like DNA, can be crucial. Our knowledgeable rape defense lawyer collaborates with forensic experts to identify any errors or misinterpretations in the evidence presented by the prosecution.
• Alibi and Witness Evidence: Providing an alibi or witness evidence that contradicts the accuser’s account can be a strong defense strategy.
• Procedural Defenses: If law enforcement or the prosecution failed to follow proper procedures, such as conducting illegal searches or violating your rights in any way, our Clark County, MO rape defense lawyer can move to suppress that evidence.

When you are accused of rape in or around Clark County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the best rape defense lawyer in Clark County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed rape defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Clark County and beyond:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney

Get in Touch With a Skilled Clark County, MO Rape Defense Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re accused of rape in Clark County, MO or anywhere in Missouri, consulting with a specialized attorney is a crucial first step to protect your future. From protecting your rights and thoroughly investigating the case to forming strong defense strategies, a proactive Clark County, MO rape defense lawyer is key to securing the best possible outcome in your case.

Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review in Clark County, MO.