Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Knob Noster, MO. Don’t underestimate internet sex crime allegations in Knob Noster, MO. You might think that these accusations are not as severe as molestation or sexual assault, but some can be Class A felonies, resulting in a decades-long prison sentence.
Don’t try to fight these allegations alone. Work with the leading internet sex crimes lawyer in Knob Noster, MO, Combs Waterkotte. Our firm has handled hundreds of sex crime cases. We’re here to help, not to judge.
Continue reading to learn about the types of internet sex crime accusations you could face in Knob Noster, MO, and why you need a skilled criminal defense attorney to protect your rights. If you’re facing charges and need help now, call us at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online to schedule a confidential 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 can help you defend yourself
- What to look for when deciding which attorney to work with
- Internet sex crime charges our lawyers defend in Knob Noster, MO
- The role of Federal law in your case
- Things to avoid if you’ve been accused of an internet sex crime
- Different ways our attorneys fight online sex crime allegations in Knob Noster, MO
- How a sex crime conviction can affect your life
- How to get in touch with a Knob Noster, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer now
What Your Knob Noster, MO, Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Does for You
If someone’s accusing you of committing an internet sex crime, contacting a skillful Knob Noster, 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, it’s never too early to call an attorney. They can even protect you while detectives are investigating the allegations. This usually involves speaking to law enforcement on your behalf and supporting you during interrogations. In the meantime, they will look for exculpatory evidence.
The two major factors in most online sex crime charge defenses are consent and the legality of evidence. Your attorney should talk to you about both of these options to discover what’s right for you. It’s important to dissect the motives behind the accusations, rather than take them at face value.
Additionally, your criminal defense lawyer will help you protect your reputation. Sex crime accusations carry a stigma that’s uniquely negative, and that can have a wide-reaching impact on your life. An attorney should ideally help you handle yourself in public and protect you from the spotlight.
Top Internet Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Qualities
Working with a local Knob Noster, 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 picking an attorney, look for a firm 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: Look for someone who cares about your wellbeing, not just a paycheck.
- Positive Reputation: You want someone who’s well regarded, both amongst clients and peers.
- 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 provide all of the above. 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 here to give you a top-quality defense.
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 …
Knob Noster, MO, Internet Sex Crime Allegations Our Lawyers Fight
Missouri has a wide variety of laws governing sexual conduct on the internet. Below are some of the ones we defend in Knob Noster, 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. In most cases, this doesn’t include accidental possession.
Penalty: Typically a Class D felony. In certain circumstances, like possession videos instead of a still picture, 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 ages 15-17. Providing such material to others violates this law.
Penalty: First Degree: Class B felony, or Class A felony if promoted to 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 convince 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: Missouri has different statutes that govern first- and second-degree stalking offenses. 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 if you’d previously been convicted of a crime with the same alleged victim.
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 listen to your 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 Knob Noster, MO
The local district attorney isn’t your only opponent if you’re facing internet sex crime charges in Knob Noster, MO. You may also need to fight 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 are more likely to get federal attention because the internet is not bound within a given state.
Federal criminal charges are often even more serious than state charges. The prosecutors are often more experienced and have stronger teams behind them. It can feel unwinnable on your own.
Your Knob Noster, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer can’t be someone who stops when the federal government gets involved. 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 won’t back down, no matter who you’re facing.
How to Handle Accusations of an Online Sex Crime
As soon as you’re aware that you’re facing online sex crime charges in Knob Noster, MO, you need to take the right steps to protect your freedom. In many cases, you making mistakes can lead to a conviction. But by preventing them, you’re more likely to get a positive outcome.
Here are the main Do’s and Don’t’s to follow if you’re accused of an internet sex crime:
Do: Reach Out to a Lawyer
This should be the first thing you do once you find out about the accusations. An attorney can help you interact with investigators, come up with a defense strategy, negotiate with the district attorney, and more. Trying to clear up the accusation on your own is always a bad idea.
Don’t: Speak with Investigators 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, a poorly handled interview can sink your case.
Do: Invoke Your FIfth Amendment Rights
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: Reach Out to Your Accuser
If you personally know the alleged victim, you might be tempted to reach out to them. But this will likely end up hurting your case. 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 talk with you about any evidence that can be used to protect you. Before anything can be lost or deleted, take screenshots or other steps to save whatever you have. And let your attorney know about anything you find.
Don’t: Delete Evidence
Attempting to hide or delete information can hurt your case. Similar to contacting the alleged victim, in the end, this can make you look guilty.
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.
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 a defense strategy designed to fit their situation. We pick out an appropriate strategy and customize it to your situation.
Below are six of the most common defenses your Knob Noster, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer might use in your case:
- Lack of Intent: Intent doesn’t matter for every internet sex crime, but for many, it does. For example, if you bought 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 evidence was collected illegally, we can file for it to be suppressed.
- Consent: Consent doesn’t apply to every defense, but for some, it does. For example, it can be legal to post sexual images of someone online if you have their permission. 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 logged into your computer to stalk someone.
- 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, there are sometimes false allegations of sex crimes, often as a part of interpersonal conflict. We can investigate the accuser’s motives and use this to raise reasonable doubt.
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
A conviction will lead to a prison sentence, in most cases. 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 Knob Noster, 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 are also treated harshly.
Finally, you’ll be up against a very negative public opinion. Potential employers may not want to hire you, landlords may not want to lease to you, and you could lose custody of your children. Beyond that, people will be quick to judge you after finding out about the conviction.
For all these reasons, it’s critical that you work with your defense lawyer to prevent these outcomes.
Don’t Wait: Call Now for an Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Knob Noster, MO
Our firm has what it takes to defend you. We don’t take shortcuts or settle for bad deals – we fight for your rights and are here to support you. We offer:
- A well-respected team which serves the entire state of Missouri.
- Easy communication and regular updates on your case.
- Insight into how the state builds its cases, from prior prosecuting experience.
- An investigation team lead by a former law enforcement officer supporting our attorneys.
If you need an internet sex crimes lawyer in Knob Noster, MO, get in touch with one of our representatives today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
