Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Claycomo, MO. Don’t underestimate internet sex crime allegations in Claycomo, MO. You might think that these charges are not as bad as rape or sexual assault, but the penalties for a conviction are often felonies, leading to years in prison.
If you’re facing these allegations, you can get help. Work with the leading internet sex crimes lawyer in Claycomo, MO, Combs Waterkotte. Our firm has handled hundreds of sex crime cases. We know how delicate they can be and are committed to respecting you while building your defense.
This page will go over some of the most common online sex crime charges in Missouri, and why it’s essential to work with an expert criminal defense attorney to protect your rights. If you want to know what we can do for your case, call us at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation.
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This Page Covers
- How an online sex crimes lawyer will protect your freedom
- Key qualities to think about when looking for a criminal defense attorney
- Internet sex crime charges our lawyers defend in Claycomo, MO
- Why you need to think about Federal criminal defense
- What to do if you’ve been accused of an internet sex crime
- Different ways our attorneys defend online sex crime allegations in Claycomo, MO
- The penalties you can face if you’re convicted of an online sex crime
- How to get in touch with a Claycomo, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer now
The Role of Your Claycomo, MO, Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Your Case
If you’re facing online sex crime charges, getting in touch with a reputable Claycomo, MO, sex crime defense lawyer should be your first step. The right attorney will listen to your story and build you a defense around it.
On the legal side, the first thing your attorney should do is protect you during the investigation. It’s common for them to help by speaking to law enforcement on your behalf and advising you on what to say. They will also conduct their own investigation for exculpatory evidence.
It’s common for these types of cases to center around either questions of consent or the admissibility of the state’s evidence. Your attorney should thoroughly investigate both of these avenues to see if they are viable defensive strategies. It’s important to dissect the motives behind the accusations, rather than accept them uncritically.
Additionally, your criminal defense lawyer will help you promote a positive image. Sex crime accusations carry a stigma that others don’t, and that can impact you regardless of the case’s outcome. An attorney should ideally help you handle yourself in public and protect you from the spotlight.
Essential Qualities in Your Claycomo, MO Internet Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
For many reasons, you need a local Claycomo, MO, internet sex crimes attorney when facing these charges. But there are many options available, and it can be hard to figure out the right one for your case. When you’re picking an attorney, look for someone which can give you the following:
- Experience: Experience gives attorneys knowledge about which strategies work, and which ones don’t.
- Client-First Approach: Look for someone who cares about your wellbeing, not just a paycheck.
- Strong Reputation: You want to work with someone who is known for getting positive results for clients.
- Trial-Ready Strategy: Whether or not your case goes to trial, preparing for trial gives you an advantage throughout your case.
Combs Waterkotte’s online sex crime lawyers embody all of these qualities. We are dedicated to providing our clients with quality legal representation. Our team is ready for your case today.
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 …
Internet Sex Crime Charges We Defend in Claycomo, MO
Missouri has a wide variety of laws governing sexual conduct on the internet. Below are some of the ones we defend in Claycomo, MO:
Possessing Child Pornography
Statute: § 573.037
Description: Possession of child pornography is when a person has sexual images or videos of a person under the age of 18, or who appears to be under 18. The alleged offender has to have them either on purpose, or recklessly.
Penalty: Ordinarily a Class D felony. In certain circumstances, like repeat offenses, it is a Class B felony.
Promoting Child Pornography
Statute: § 573.025 | § 573.035
Description: Promoting (such as distributing) child pornography is split into two degrees: First degree is for material that depicts someone under the age of 14, while second degree is for minors older than that. Selling or giving such material away breaks this law.
Penalty: First Degree: Class B felony, or Class A felony if the recipient was a minor. Second Degree: Class D felony, or Class B felony if the recipient was a minor
Exploitation of a Minor (Producing Child Pornography)
Statute: § 573.023
Description: Exploitation of a minor refers to situations where a person intentionally or recklessly creates child pornography. This becomes an internet sex crime if the material is put online.
Penalty: Class B or Class A felony.
Solicitation (Enticement) of a Minor
Statute: § 566.151
Description: Solicitation of a minor is when an adult who’s 21 or older uses the internet, phone, or other electronic device to try to get someone under the age of 15 to have sex, or a similar act.
Penalty: Rather than fitting into a felony category, this statute has its own sentencing guidelines: 5-30 years imprisonment, with a minimum of 5 years before parole or early release eligibility.
Stalking
Statute: § 565.225 | § 565.227
Description: Stalking could be any of a number of different actions, depending on the circumstances. Second-degree stalking involves causing emotional distress to someone without a legitimate reason. First-degree stalking covers more advanced cases, like actions done in violation of a restraining order.
Penalty: First Degree: Class E felony in most cases, Class D in more advanced cases. Second Degree: Class A misdemeanor in most cases, Class E felony in advanced cases.
Whether it’s one of the allegations above or another one entirely, Combs Waterkotte is ready for your case. We will tell your side of the story, look for holes in the state’s case, and defend your rights/freedom against injustice.
Why You Need to Know About Federal Internet Sex Crime Charges in Claycomo, MO
The local district attorney isn’t your only opponent if you’re facing internet sex crime charges in Claycomo, MO. You could also have to defend against federal sex crime allegations. Most criminal cases require special circumstances to get the attention of the federal government – usually this means the alleged act went across state borders. Internet crimes in particular are affected by this, since the internet goes beyond Missouri state borders.
Federal criminal charges are often even more serious than state charges. Federal prosecutors are often some of the best at their jobs. It’s easy to feel intimidated and overwhelmed when walking into federal court to defend yourself.
Your Claycomo, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer can’t be someone who backs down in the face of adversity. You need a team who isn’t scared to go up against the best. At Combs Waterkotte, you get a team of attorneys, support staff, and investigators who doesn’t give up when the federal prosecutors enter the room.
Do’s and Don’t’s of Internet Sex Crime Accusations
As soon as you’re aware that you’re facing online sex crime charges in Claycomo, MO, you need to take proactive steps to protect your freedom. Making mistakes early on can lead to a conviction. But if you avoid them, you’re maximizing your defense’s power.
Here are the main Do’s and Don’t’s to be aware of if you’re accused of an internet sex crime:
Do: Reach Out to an Attorney
Whatever your situation is, a lawyer should be your first call. An attorney can help you interact with investigators, avoid future mistakes, negotiate plea deals, and more. It’s never a good idea to try to handle things yourself.
Don’t: Talk to the Police Without Counsel
It can be tempting to think, “This is all just a misunderstanding; I can clear this up when I talk to the police.” But in reality, this is a dangerous trap to fall into. Regardless of your situation, a poorly handled interview can sink your case.
Do: Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent
You might find yourself in a police interrogation before your lawyer arrives – don’t talk. State that you are invoking your right to remain silent and politely request to see your attorney.
Don’t: Contact the Alleged Victim
If you personally know the alleged victim, you might be tempted to reach out to them. But this can get you in even more trouble. Even if you are polite and respectful, reaching out could be seen as intimidation, leading to additional charges.
Do: Gather and Preserve Evidence
Your internet sex crimes lawyer will use whatever evidence you have to build your defense. Before it’s lost, take screenshots or other steps to save whatever you have. And don’t keep anything from your attorney – they’re there to help.
Don’t: Delete Evidence
Trying to cover up evidence will only make things worse. If you do this, you can face additional charges and extended punishments.
For expert internet sex crimes lawyer advice, use this document to make sure you’re not missing anything: What to Do if You’re Accused of a Sex Crime.
Defense Claycomo, MO, Internet Sex Crime Lawyers Use in Court
Your situation is unique, and your defense should be, too. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide clients with defenses designed to fit best into their situation. You’re involved at every stage, and we work with you to figure out the best approach.
Below are six of the most common defenses your Claycomo, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer might use in your case:
- Lack of Intent: Some cases can hinge on intent. For example, if you purchased a used phone without knowing it had child pornography on it, you never intended to possess it.
- Rights Violation: Evidence against you needs to be collected in a legal manner. If you weren’t read your Miranda rights before a statement, or evidence was collected illegally, we can file for suppression.
- Consent: Some actions are only illegal if the alleged victim did not consent. If we can provide compelling evidence that they did, it will erode the state’s case. Note that this does not apply to offenses involving minors.
- Mistaken Identity: With internet crimes, it can be hard to properly identify who the person is behind the keyboard. It’s possible someone hacked into your social media account and used it to send explicit messages, or another person found your wifi password and used it to distribute obscene images of a child.
- Alibi: To help show a mistaken identity, we can build a case that you couldn’t have committed the crime because you were elsewhere at the time.
- False Allegations: Unfortunately, some people will weaponize sex crime allegations for their own means (for example, in a child custody battle). If the alleged victim is telling a false story, we can construct an alternative narrative to show your innocence.
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Charged With a Sex Crime? Common Defense Strategies in Sex Crime Cases
Combs Waterkotte is Missouri and Illinois’s leading sex crime defense law firm. Our team of expert criminal defense attorneys have handled over 10,000 cases – many just like yours – and have saved out clients from over 1 million days from jail or prison.
Penalties for an Online Sex Crime Conviction
A conviction will lead to a prison sentence, in most cases. The specific penalty is determined by what law you’re accused of violating. A lighter allegation that’s a Class A misdemeanor has a maximum of one year, while a Class A felony can go up to 30 years, or even life imprisonment.
In addition to the prison sentence, you’ll have join the sex offender registry. This could be at the federal and/or state level. In Claycomo, MO, some individuals are able to request removal from the registry, but this can take a decade, or longer. And while you’re waiting, violations can have harsh penalties in and of themselves.
Finally, you’ll have to deal with the informal consequences. Potential employers may not want to hire you, there are restrictions on where you can live, and you could lose custody of your children. On top of that, people will be quick to judge you after finding out about the conviction.
Because of this, you need to act fast and do what you can to avoid a conviction in the first place.
Defend Your Innocence: Call Combs Waterkotte Today for a Leading Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Claycomo, MO
Our team is here to help. We’re not going to make false promises or sugarcoat your situation – we’re going to come up with a plan to help you get out of it. We offer:
- A team with a track record of success.
- Easy communication and regular updates on your case.
- A mission to help good people in bad situations.
- An investigation team lead by a former law enforcement officer supporting our attorneys.
If you need an internet sex crimes lawyer in Claycomo, MO, call us today at (314) 900-HELP or send us a message for a free, confidential consult.
