Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Lake Winnebago, MO. Accused of an internet sex crime in Lake Winnebago? It can be tempting to think that these accusations are less serious than molestation or sexual abuse, but the penalties for a conviction are often felonies, leading to years in prison.
Don’t try to fight these allegations alone. Work with the leading internet sex crimes lawyer in Lake Winnebago, MO, Combs Waterkotte. We have extensive experience fighting for clients accused of internet sex crimes. No matter your circumstances, we’re ready to craft a staunch defense.
On this page, you’ll learn about common online sex crime charges in Lake Winnebago, MO, and why you need an accomplished criminal defense attorney to fight them. If you need expert advice for your case, call our team at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to schedule a free case review.
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This Page Covers
- How an online sex crimes lawyer can protect your freedom
- What to look for when looking for a criminal defense attorney
- Internet sex crime charges our firm defends in Lake Winnebago, MO
- Why you need to think about Federal criminal defense
- What to do if you’re facing internet sex crime allegations
- Tactics our team uses to defend online sex crime allegations in Lake Winnebago, MO
- The penalties you can face if you’re convicted of an online sex crime
- How to talk to a Lake Winnebago, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer now
What Your Lake Winnebago, MO, Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Does for You
If you’re facing online sex crime charges, talking to a respected Lake Winnebago, 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. It’s common for them to help by speaking to 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 build a strong legal defense that examines the legality of the state’s investigation and/or whether the alleged victim consented. In doing so, you can examine possible intentions behind the accusations, rather than accept them without question.
Lastly, your criminal defense lawyer will help you protect your reputation. 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.
What to Look for in Your Lake Winnebago, MO, Internet Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
For many reasons, you need a local Lake Winnebago, MO, internet sex crimes attorney when facing these charges. But many people get lost when trying to pick the right person to represent them. When you’re deciding who to represent you, look for someone with the following:
- Experience: Ideally with the exact crime you’ve been charged with.
- Client-Centered Approach: When you meet with your attorney, they should listen to you with compassion.
- Strong Reputation: Check reviews to see what people think of this attorney.
- Trial-Ready Strategy: Regardless of the charge you’re facing, a trial-ready strategy maximizes your chances of a positive outcome.
Combs Waterkotte’s online sex crime lawyers offer all of this for you. When you work with us, you’re getting a dedicated legal team that is known for delivering positive results. 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 Lake Winnebago, MO
There are a wide variety of actions that fall into the ‘internet sex crimes’ category. Below are some of the ones we defend in Lake Winnebago, 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: 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 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 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 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. While this may be a physical act, it becomes an internet sex crime if the material is posted 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 over the age of 21 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 is similar, but includes 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.
Whatever type of internet sex crime charge you’re facing, Combs Waterkotte is ready for your case. We will listen to your story, look for holes in the state’s case, and fight for the best outcome possible in your case.
The Intersection Between Federal Charges and State Charges for Internet Sex Crimes in Lake Winnebago, MO
Unfortunately, if you’ve been accused of an internet sex crime in Lake Winnebago, MO, you may have to deal with more than just the local prosecutor. 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.
Federal criminal charges are often even more serious than state charges. The prosecutors are often more experienced and have stronger teams behind them. By yourself, your chances are slim. With the right attorney, you get a fighting chance.
Your Lake Winnebago, 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 doesn’t give up when the federal prosecutors enter the room.
How to Handle Accusations of an Online Sex Crime
As soon as you’re aware that you’re facing online sex crime charges in Lake Winnebago, MO, you need to take thoughtful steps to defend your innocence. Small mistakes early in the process can have large effects later down the line. But by preventing them, you’re more likely to get a positive outcome.
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 with the district attorney, and more. Trying to clear up the accusation on your own is always a bad idea.
Don’t: Talk to the Police Alone
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, you could accidentally say something that makes you look guilty.
Do: Invoke Your FIfth Amendment Rights
If you’re arrested, you might be put in an interrogation room before your attorney is there – don’t talk. State that you are invoking your Fifth Amendment rights and politely request to see your attorney.
Don’t: Reach Out to Your Accuser
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 have serious, negative consequences for your defense. Even if you don’t mean it, this contact could be seen as intimidation, hurting your case.
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.
Defense Lake Winnebago, MO, Internet Sex Crime Lawyers Use in Court
Your case is unique, and your defense should be built on a solid foundation. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide clients with tailored defenses that maximize the chance of a positive outcome. We pick out an appropriate strategy and customize it to your situation.
Below are six of the most common tactics your Lake Winnebago, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer might use to defend you:
- 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: 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 without justification, 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: Related to mistaken identity, we can build a case that you couldn’t have committed the crime 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. We will work to raise reasonable doubt as to why your accuser might be making these allegations.
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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.
Consequences of an Online Sex Crime Conviction
Like most other crimes, internet sex crime convictions can result in 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.
On top of that, you’ll have join the sex offender registry. This could be at the federal and/or state level. In Lake Winnebago, MO, there is a path for some people to remove their name from the sex offender registry, but this requires you to wait 10 or 20 years, without any other related convictions. In the meantime, violations can have harsh penalties in and of themselves.
Finally, you can face informal penalties and a social stigma. You can face career consequences, landlords may not want to lease to you, and you could lose custody of your children. Beyond that, people will likely treat you differently if they find out about your conviction.
For all these reasons, it’s critical that you act fast and do what you can to avoid a conviction in the first place.
Don’t Wait: Call Now for an Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Lake Winnebago, 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. We offer:
- A team with over 80 years of combined courtroom experience.
- Easy communication and regular updates on your case.
- Insight into how the state builds its cases, from prior prosecuting experience.
- Experienced investigation capabilities to support your legal defense.
If you need an internet sex crimes lawyer in Lake Winnebago, MO, call an attorney today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a confidential consultation.
