Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Ivanhoe, MO. Internet sex crimes are some of the most serious accusations you can face in Missouri. You might think that these charges are not as severe as rape or sexual abuse, 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 Ivanhoe, MO, Combs Waterkotte. We’ve fought thousands of cases, many of them just like yours. We’re here to help, not to judge.
Continue reading to learn about the types of internet sex crime accusations you could face in Ivanhoe, MO, and why it’s important to find a skilled criminal defense attorney to protect your rights. If you want to know what we can do for your case, call our team at (314) 900-HELP or send us a note online to schedule a free case review.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
500+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 80 Years
On This Page
- How an online sex crimes lawyer will work to defend you
- Key qualities to think about when looking for a criminal defense attorney
- Internet sex crime charges our lawyers defend in Ivanhoe, MO
- Why you need to think about Federal criminal defense
- Things to avoid if you’re facing internet sex crime allegations
- Different ways our attorneys fight online sex crime accusations in Ivanhoe, MO
- How a sex crime conviction can affect your life
- How to talk to a Ivanhoe, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer now
The Role of Your Ivanhoe, MO, Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Your Case
If you’ve been accused of an online sex crime, your first step should be, talking to a respected Ivanhoe, MO, sex crime defense lawyer should be the first thing you do. The right attorney will help with not only the legal aspects of your case, but also public perception.
On the legal side, your attorney starts their job while the police are conducting their investigation. It’s common for them to help by communicating with law enforcement on your behalf and advising you on what to say. In the meantime, they will look 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 build a strong legal defense that examines the legality of the state’s investigation and/or whether the alleged victim consented. It’s important to dissect possible intentions behind the accusations, rather than accept them uncritically.
Lastly, your criminal defense lawyer will help you promote a positive image. Sex crime accusations carry a stigma which can be hard to overcome, and that can have a wide-reaching impact on your life. An attorney can promote your side of the story and protect you from the spotlight.
Top Internet Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Qualities
Working with a local Ivanhoe, MO, internet sex crimes attorney is essential. But there are many options available, and it can be hard to figure out the right one for your case. When you’re evaluating your options, look for someone which can give you the following:
- Experience: Your attorney should know the ins and outs of the law you’re accused of breaking.
- Client-Centered Approach: You’re more than a case number, and your attorney should listen to your story, not build an impersonal defense.
- 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. When you choose us, you get a team who cares about you, has decades of experience, is known for success, and is always ready to take a case to trial. 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 …
Common Internet Sex Crime Charges in Ivanhoe, MO
There are a wide variety of actions that fall into the ‘internet sex crimes’ category. Here are some of the most common ones:
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: Ordinarily a Class D felony. In certain circumstances, like having more than 20 images, 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. 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 promoted to 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 refers to situations where 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 can occur online, either in second- or first-degree. 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.
Whether it’s one of the allegations above or another one entirely, Combs Waterkotte is ready to defend you. We will tell your side of the story, look for holes in the state’s case, and keep you in the loop for any/all updates.
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 Ivanhoe, MO. You could also have to defend against federal sex crime allegations. Normally, for the federal government to be involved, the alleged offense needs to occur on federal property or cross state lines. Internet crimes in particular are affected by this, since the internet goes beyond Missouri state borders.
It can be even harder to defend yourself in federal court. The prosecutors are often more experienced and have stronger teams behind them. It can feel unwinnable on your own.
Your Ivanhoe, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer can’t be someone who stops when the federal government gets involved. You need a team who’s ready to fight in federal court. At Combs Waterkotte, you get a team of attorneys, support staff, and investigators who won’t back down, no matter who you’re facing.
Do’s and Don’t’s of Internet Sex Crime Accusations
If you’ve been charged with an online sex crime in Ivanhoe, MO, you need to take the right steps to defend your innocence. Small mistakes early in the process can have large effects later down the line. But if you avoid them, you’re maximizing your defense’s power.
Below are the main Do’s and Don’t’s to follow if you’re accused of an internet sex crime:
Do: Contact a Lawyer
Whatever your situation is, a lawyer should be your first call. An attorney can help you handle interviews, come up with a defense strategy, negotiate with the prosecutor, and more. Trying to clear up the accusation on your own is always a bad idea.
Don’t: Speak with Investigators Alone
You might be tempted to talk things out, thinking you can avoid legal trouble. But this is where most people make mistakes. Regardless of your situation, a poorly handled interview can sink your case.
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 speak with your attorney.
Don’t: Contact the Alleged Victim
If you’re falsely accused, something is being blown out of proportion, or if the alleged victim changes their story, it’s possible you’re thinking about contacting them. But this can get you in even more trouble. Even if you don’t mean it, this contact could be seen as intimidation, making you look guilty.
Do: Gather and Preserve Evidence
Your internet sex crimes lawyer will use whatever evidence you have to build your defense. Before anything can be lost or deleted, take screenshots or other steps to preserve the evidence. And let your attorney know about anything you find.
Don’t: Delete Evidence
Deleting incriminating evidence can worsen your situation. 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 Ivanhoe, MO, Internet Sex Crime Lawyers Use in Court
Your case 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.
Here are six of the most common defenses your Ivanhoe, 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 computer 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 the police made a legal error while collecting evidence, we can file for it to be suppressed.
- 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: With internet crimes, it can be hard to properly identify who the person is behind the keyboard. 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: To help show a 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, some people will make false allegations of a sex crime in order to hurt others. If the alleged victim is telling a false story, we can construct an alternative narrative to show your innocence.
Free book
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
Like most other crimes, internet sex crime convictions can result in a prison sentence. The length of the sentence depends on what you’re being accused of. 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 Ivanhoe, MO, there is a path for some people to remove their name from the sex offender registry, though this is only after a 10 or 20 year period post-sentence. Regardless, violations can have harsh penalties in and of themselves.
Finally, you can face informal penalties and a social stigma. You could lose your job, there are restrictions on where you can live, and your family could be torn apart. On top of that, people will likely treat you differently if they find out about your conviction.
For all these reasons, you need to work with your defense lawyer to prevent these outcomes.
Defend Your Freedom: Call Combs Waterkotte Today for a Leading Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Ivanhoe, MO
Our team 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.
- A mission to help good people in bad situations.
- A wide range of investigative resources, including a former law enforcement officer.
If you need an internet sex crimes lawyer in Ivanhoe, MO, call us any time, day or night at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your charges online for a no strings attached case review.
