Rape Defense Lawyer Boonville, MO

Rape Defense Lawyer in Boonville, MO. If you are facing a rape accusation in Boonville, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, this is probably the most daunting and distressing time of your life. The stakes are incredibly high, with possible long-term – if not permanent – consequences including imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. You need to hire a specialized rape defense attorney to navigate the complexities of the Boonville, MO legal system and get you the best possible outcome.

Turn to Combs Waterkotte for help. Call one of our experienced Boonville, MO rape defense lawyers immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and receive expert advice on your next steps.

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

Facing rape charges in Boonville, MO comes with serious consequences that depend on the details of your case. These penalties include:

Rape in the First Degree

As defined by Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030, rape in the first degree occurs when an individual has sexual intercourse with someone who is incapacitated, incapable of consent, or lacks the capacity to consent, or by the use of 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 Boonville, MO, fighting tirelessly for you. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to get the help you 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. The penalty is a class C felony, punishable by 3 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Aggravating Factors

Certain circumstances can lead to enhanced penalties for any degree of rape in Boonville, MO, including but not limited to:

• Use of a deadly weapon
• Causing serious physical injury to the other individual
• Previous convictions for sexual offenses

Rape Defense Lawyer in Boonville, 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 Boonville, MO is crucial. Things to look for in a defense attorney include:

• Experience & Proven Track Record: You should look for a lawyer with a proven track record in handling rape defense cases just like yours. Their previous successes can be indicative of their ability to manage your case effectively. The rape defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte boast more than seven decades of combined experience defending clients and their innocence in the Boonville, MO area and beyond.
• Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney specializing in sexual offenses will have more profound insights and strategies specific to these cases, as opposed to a general criminal defense lawyer. Combs Waterkotte is a law firm that specializes in defending against rape and other sexual crimes anywhere in the Boonville, MO area.
• Strong Communication Skills: Your lawyer 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 offer free, no-obligation case reviews that do exactly that – providing expert legal advice and guidance.
• Compassion & Professionalism: Dealing with a rape accusation is emotionally taxing. A compassionate attorney who maintains professionalism can offer the support and confidence needed during this difficult time. Our legal team is dedicated to providing top-tier legal representation in Boonville, MO.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Boonville, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

If you have been charged with rape in or around Boonville, 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 Boonville, MO attorneys:

• Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
  The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Boonville, MO possess extensive knowledge of sexual offense laws throughout Missouri and the legal nuances that come with these cases. They are proficient in the statutes, precedents, and procedural intricacies necessary to build a robust defense.
• Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
  Rape cases often hinge on physical evidence, witness testimonies, and expert analysis. Our experienced attorneys conduct thorough investigations, meticulously gather and scrutinize evidence, and challenge the prosecution’s case.
• Protection of Rights:
  A Combs Waterkotte defense attorney will vigilantly protect your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. This includes preventing unlawful searches and seizures, ensuring you receive a fair trial, and protecting you from self-incrimination.
• Effective Negotiation:
  If a trial is not in your best interest, our skilled rape defense legal team can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce charges or secure a plea deal that minimizes the impact on your life.

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

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

• Challenging the Accuser’s Credibility: This defense strategy involves examining the accuser’s testimony and background to find inconsistencies, possible motives for false accusations, or other credibility issues.
• Consent: In Boonville, MO cases where consent is disputed, your defense lawyer can present evidence and testimony that demonstrate the encounter was consensual. This can include communications between you and the accuser, previous relationship history, or witness statements.
• Forensic Evidence: Examining and challenging forensic evidence, like DNA, can be crucial. Our knowledgeable rape defense lawyer will work with a network of forensic experts to find any mistakes or misinterpretations in the prosecution’s evidence.
• Alibi and Witness Testimony: Providing an alibi or witness evidence that disputes the accuser’s account can be a powerful defense strategy.
• Procedural Defenses: If law enforcement or the prosecution did not follow proper procedures, such as obtaining evidence illegally or violating your rights in any way, our Boonville, MO rape defense lawyer can move to suppress that evidence.

When you’re accused of rape in or around Boonville, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading rape defense lawyer in Boonville, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our seasoned rape defense lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Boonville, MO residents:

• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney
• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer

Contact an Experienced Boonville, MO Rape Defense Lawyer Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

If you are facing a rape accusation in Boonville, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, seeking the expertise of a specialized attorney is the first essential step in safeguarding your future. From protecting your rights and thoroughly investigating the case to developing effective defense strategies, an aggressive Boonville, MO rape defense lawyer is indispensable in getting the best possible outcome.

Reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review in Boonville, MO.