Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Lathrop, MO. Don’t underestimate internet sex crime allegations in Lathrop, MO. It can be tempting to think that these accusations are less serious than rape or sexual assault, 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 Lathrop, MO, Combs Waterkotte. We’ve fought thousands of cases, many of them just like yours. No matter your circumstances, we’re ready to craft a staunch defense.
Continue reading to learn about the types of internet sex crime accusations you could face in Lathrop, MO, and why you need an accomplished criminal defense attorney to defend you. If you want to know what we can do for your case, call our team 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 work to defend you
- Key qualities to think about when looking for a criminal defense attorney
- Internet sex crime charges our lawyers defend in Lathrop, 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 accusations in Lathrop, MO
- How a sex crime conviction can affect your life
- How to get in touch with a Lathrop, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer today
How Your Lathrop, MO, Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Can Help
If you’re facing online sex crime charges, talking to a seasoned Lathrop, MO, sex crime defense lawyer should be your first step. The right attorney will help with not only the legal aspects of your case, but also public perception.
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 advising you on what to say. They will also conduct their own investigation for exculpatory evidence.
Online sex crimes often hinge on either consent or how evidence was found. 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 the motives behind the accusations, rather than take them at face value.
Finally, your criminal defense lawyer will help you promote a positive image. Sex crime accusations carry a stigma that’s uniquely negative, and that can impact you regardless of the case’s outcome. An attorney who’s comfortable speaking in front of the press can defend your reputation and protect you from the spotlight.
Top Internet Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Qualities
Working with a local Lathrop, MO, internet sex crimes attorney is essential. But it’s not always clear who the right lawyer is for your case. When you’re deciding who to represent you, look for someone which offers 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: Even if you end up taking a plea deal, having a trial-ready strategy is an important piece of leverage.
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 …
Common Internet Sex Crime Charges in Lathrop, MO
There are a wide variety of actions that fall into the ‘internet sex crimes’ category. 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. The possession normally has to be intentional.
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 ages 15-17. Selling or giving such material away breaks 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 refers to situations where an adult over the age of 21 uses the internet, phone, or other electronic device to convince 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 involves causing emotional distress to someone without a legitimate reason. First-degree stalking is similar, but includes 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 to defend you. We will tell your side of the story, look for holes in the state’s case, and fight for the best outcome possible in your case.
Why You Need to Know About Federal Internet Sex Crime Charges in Lathrop, MO
Internet sex crime cases in Lathrop, MO, aren’t just facing the state prosecutor. You’re also potentially looking at 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. Judges have a reputation for being harsher. It’s easy to feel intimidated and overwhelmed when walking into federal court to defend yourself.
Your Lathrop, 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 doesn’t give up when the federal prosecutors enter the room.
What to Do if You’ve Been Accused of an Online Sex Crime in Lathrop
When facing internet sex crime allegations in Lathrop, 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 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
Any time you’re facing criminal charges, this should be your first step. An attorney can help you interact with investigators, come up with a defense strategy, negotiate plea deals, and more. It’s never a good idea to try to handle things yourself.
Don’t: Speak with Investigators 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, you’re not required to say anything without a lawyer.
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 ask to speak with your attorney.
Don’t: Reach Out to the Alleged Victim
If this is all some sort of misunderstanding between you and the alleged victim, your might be thinking about talking with them to figure things out. But this can have serious, negative consequences for your defense. Even if you aren’t trying to, this contact could be seen as intimidation, hurting your case.
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 the evidence. And don’t keep anything from your attorney – they’re there to help.
Don’t: Delete Evidence
Attempting to hide or delete information can hurt your case. If you do this, you can face additional charges and extended punishments.
The following document provides a guide on how to handle sex crime accusations: What to Do if You’re Accused of a Sex Crime.
Common Defenses Our Lawyers Use Against Internet Sex Crime Allegations
Your 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.
Here are six of the most common tactics your Lathrop, 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: 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 it to be suppressed.
- 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: 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, some people will weaponize sex crime allegations for their own means (for example, in a child custody battle). 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
The first thing most people think of as a consequence is a prison sentence. How long you could be sent to prison for is determined by . 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 to register as a sex offender. This could be at the federal and/or state level. In Lathrop, MO, some individuals are able to request removal from the registry, but this can take a decade, or longer. In the meantime, violations can have harsh penalties in and of themselves.
Finally, you’ll be up against a very negative public opinion. You can face career consequences, landlords may not want to lease to you, and your family could be torn apart. Additionally, people will likely treat you differently if they find out about your conviction.
Because of this, it’s critical that you act fast and do what you can to avoid a conviction in the first place.
Get Help From Your Lathrop, MO Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Now
Our team is ready to represent you. We don’t take shortcuts or settle for bad deals – we fight for your rights and are here to support you. We bring the following to the table:
- A well-respected team which serves the entire state of Missouri.
- Help when you need it most, through our 24/7 support.
- Prior experience with the prosecutor’s office, and insights into how they build their cases.
- A wide range of investigative resources, including a former law enforcement officer.
If you need an internet sex crimes lawyer in Lathrop, MO, reach out to an attorney today at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation.
