Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Drexel, MO. Internet sex crimes are some of the most serious accusations you can face in Missouri. It can be tempting to think that these convictions are less serious than rape or sexual assault, but the penalties for a conviction are often felonies, leading to years in prison.
These accusations are serious, but you have a path forward. Work with the leading internet sex crimes lawyer in Drexel, MO, Combs Waterkotte. We’ve fought thousands of cases, many of them just like yours. We know how delicate they can be and are committed to respecting you while building your defense.
On this page, you’ll learn about common online sex crime charges in Drexel, MO, and why it’s important to find a talented criminal defense attorney to fight them. 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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On This Page
- How an online sex crimes lawyer will give you assistance
- Key qualities to think about when looking for a sex crimes attorney
- Internet sex crime charges our lawyers defend in Drexel, MO
- The role of Federal law in your case
- Do’s and Don’t’s if you’re being charged with an internet sex crime
- Different ways our attorneys fight online sex crime allegations in Drexel, MO
- The penalties you can face if you’re convicted of an online sex crime
- How to get in touch with a Drexel, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer today
What Your Drexel, MO, Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Does for You
If you’re facing online sex crime charges, getting in touch with a respected Drexel, MO, sex crime defense lawyer should be the first thing you do. 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 communicating with the police on your behalf and supporting you during interrogations. They will also conduct their own investigation for exculpatory evidence.
The two major factors in most online sex crime charge defenses are consent and the legality of 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 without question.
Finally, your criminal defense lawyer will help defend you from slander. Sex crime accusations carry a stigma that others don’t, and that can affect you long before a conviction. An attorney should ideally help you handle yourself in public and protect you from the spotlight.
Top Internet Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Qualities
If you’re facing internet sex crime charges, you need an internet sex crimes attorney in Drexel, MO, who’s experienced with those charges. But it’s not always clear who the right lawyer is for your case. When you’re evaluating your options, look for someone which can give you the following:
- Experience: Ideally with the exact crime you’ve been charged with.
- Client-Centered Approach: Look for someone who cares about your wellbeing, not just a paycheck.
- Strong Reputation: Check reviews to see what people think of this attorney.
- Trial-Ready Strategy: Regardless of the charge you’re facing, 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 won’t stop fighting till you get the justice you deserve.
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 Drexel, MO
Missouri has a wide variety of laws governing sexual conduct on the internet. Here are a few of the most common charges we defend against:
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. In most cases, this doesn’t include accidental possession.
Penalty: Typically 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 child pornography typically refers to giving it out. There are two degrees: First degree is for material that depicts someone under the age of 14, while second degree is for minors older than that. Providing such material to others violates 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 includes photographing or taking video of a child in a sexual situation.
Penalty: Class B or Class A felony.
Solicitation (Enticement) of a Minor
Statute: § 566.151
Description: Solicitation of a minor occurs 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 engage in sexual activity.
Penalty: 5-30 years in prison, with no possibility for probation or early release for at least 5 years.
Stalking
Statute: § 565.225 | § 565.227
Description: Stalking could be any of a number of different actions, depending on the circumstances. Second-degree stalking is more general, and includes cases where one person disturbs or follows another person, causing emotional stress. First-degree stalking covers more advanced cases, like making threats to the alleged victim and/or their family.
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.
Regardless of the internet sex crime allegations you’re up against, 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.
Federal Charges: Why They Matter for Internet Sex Crime Cases
The local district attorney isn’t your only opponent if you’re facing internet sex crime charges in Drexel, 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.
You probably don’t want to face federal criminal charges. Judges have a reputation for being harsher. It’s easy to feel intimidated and overwhelmed when walking into federal court to defend yourself.
Your Drexel, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer can’t be someone who only fights in state court. You need a team with the strength to take on the U.S. government. At Combs Waterkotte, you get a team of attorneys, support staff, and investigators who will fight for justice against any opponent.
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 Drexel, MO, you need to take the right steps to protect your innocence. In many cases, you making mistakes can lead to a conviction. But avoiding them can help your case immensely.
Below are the main Do’s and Don’t’s to follow if you’re accused of an internet sex crime:
Do: Reach Out to an Attorney
This should be the first thing you do once you find out about the accusations. An attorney can help you handle interviews, avoid future mistakes, negotiate with the district attorney, and more. It’s never a good idea to try to handle things yourself.
Don’t: Talk to the Police Without Counsel
If the evidence against you is weak, you might think that an interview with the police is not a big deal. But that’s a mistake. Regardless of your situation, you could accidentally say something that makes you look guilty.
Do: Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent
If you’re arrested, you might be put in an interrogation room before your attorney is there – don’t talk. Invoke your right to remain silent and politely ask to see your attorney.
Don’t: Reach Out to the Alleged Victim
If you personally know the alleged victim, it’s possible you’re thinking about contacting them. But this will likely end up hurting your case. Even if you are polite and respectful, this contact could be seen as intimidation, leading to additional charges.
Do: Gather and Preserve Evidence
Your internet sex crimes lawyer will need evidence to build an effective 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. Similar to contacting the alleged victim, in the end, this can make you look guilty.
If you’ve just been accused and are trying to figure out what to do, follow the steps on this document: What to Do if You’re Accused of a Sex Crime.
Common Defenses Our Lawyers Use Against Internet Sex Crime Allegations
Each case is unique, and you deserve a defense that’s tailored to your situation. 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.
Here are six of the most common defenses your Drexel, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer might use in your case:
- Lack of Intent: Some cases can hinge on intent. For example, if you bought a used phone without knowing it had child pornography on it, you never intended to possess it.
- Rights Violation: There are rules for how the police are supposed to conduct their investigations. If you weren’t read your Miranda rights before a statement, or evidence was collected illegally, we can push for suppression.
- Consent: Consent applies in cases where someone agreed to an action – while it doesn’t always apply, this often legalizes it. Note that this does not apply to offenses involving minors.
- Mistaken Identity: Unfortunately, you could be a victim of identity theft and impersonation. It’s possible someone stole your credit card information and used it to purchase child pornography, or another person found your wifi password and used it to distribute obscene images of a child.
- Alibi: Related to mistaken identity, we can build a case that you are factually innocent because you weren’t accessing the internet at the time.
- False Allegations: Unfortunately, there are sometimes false allegations of sex crimes, often as a part of interpersonal conflict. 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
The first thing most people think of as a consequence is a prison sentence. 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.
Along with the prison term, you’ll have join the sex offender registry. This could be at the federal and/or state level. In Drexel, MO, some individuals are able to request removal from the registry, but this requires you to wait 10 or 20 years, without any other related convictions. And while you’re waiting, violations are also treated harshly.
Finally, you’ll be up against a very negative public opinion. Potential employers may not want to hire you, there are restrictions on where you can live, and your family could be torn apart. On top of that, people will be quick to judge you after finding out about the conviction.
Because of this, it’s critical that you work with your defense lawyer to prevent these outcomes.
Talk To an Experienced Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Drexel, MO, Today
Our firm has what it takes to defend you. You shouldn’t settle for anything less than Missouri’s leading criminal defense law firm. When you hire us, you’re getting:
- A well-respected team which serves the entire state of Missouri.
- Easy communication and regular updates on your case.
- Prior experience with the prosecutor’s office, and insights into how they build their cases.
- An investigation team lead by a former law enforcement officer supporting our attorneys.
If you need an internet sex crimes lawyer in Drexel, MO, reach out to a lawyer today at (314) 900-HELP or send us a message for a no strings attached case review.
