Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Orrick, MO. Accused of an internet sex crime in Orrick? You might think that these charges 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 Orrick, MO, Combs Waterkotte. We have extensive experience fighting for clients accused of internet sex crimes. We know how delicate they can be and are committed to respecting you while building your defense.
Continue reading to learn about the types of internet sex crime accusations you could face in Orrick, MO, and why it’s important to find an accomplished criminal defense attorney to protect your rights. 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 set up a free case review.
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This Page Covers
- How an online sex crimes lawyer can give you assistance
- Key qualities to think about when deciding which attorney to work with
- Internet sex crime charges our lawyers defend in Orrick, MO
- The intersection between online crime charges and Federal law
- Steps to take if you’re being charged with an internet sex crime
- Different ways our attorneys fight online sex crime allegations in Orrick, MO
- Formal and informal penalties for a conviction
- How to contact a Orrick, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer now
What Your Orrick, MO, Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Does for You
If someone’s accusing you of committing an internet sex crime, talking to a skillful Orrick, MO, sex crime defense lawyer should be your first step. 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. This usually involves speaking to law enforcement 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 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 accept them uncritically.
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 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
For many reasons, you need a local Orrick, 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 evaluating your options, look for someone which offers the following:
- Experience: Ideally with the exact crime you’ve been charged with.
- Client-First Approach: When you meet with your attorney, they should listen to you with compassion.
- Positive Reputation: You want to work with someone who is known for getting positive results for clients.
- Trial-Ready Strategy: Even if you end up taking a plea deal, a trial-ready strategy maximizes your chances of a positive outcome.
Combs Waterkotte’s online sex crime lawyers provide all of the above. We are dedicated to providing our clients with quality legal representation. 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 Orrick, MO
Missouri has a wide variety of laws governing sexual conduct on the internet. Here are some of the most common ones:
Possessing Child Pornography
Statute: § 573.037
Description: Possession of child pornography occurs when a person has sexual pictures or videos of a minor in their possession. 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 (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. 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 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 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: 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 could be any of a number of different actions, depending on the circumstances. Second-degree stalking involves causing emotional distress to someone without a legitimate reason. First-degree stalking covers more advanced cases, like actions done in violation of a restraining order.
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, dissect the prosecution’s case, and defend your rights/freedom against injustice.
Federal Charges: Why They Matter for Internet Sex Crime Cases
Internet sex crime cases in Orrick, MO, aren’t just facing the state prosecutor. You’re also potentially looking at 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.
You probably don’t want to face federal criminal charges. Federal prosecutors are often some of the best at their jobs. It’s easy to feel intimidated and overwhelmed when walking into federal court to defend yourself.
Your Orrick, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer can’t be someone who backs down in the face of adversity. 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 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 Orrick, MO, you need to take proactive steps to defend your freedom. In many cases, you making mistakes can lead to a conviction. 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: 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 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 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’re not required to say anything without a lawyer.
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 ask to see your attorney.
Don’t: Reach Out to 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 will likely end up hurting your case. Even if you don’t mean it, reaching out 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 it’s lost, take screenshots or other steps to preserve the evidence. 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.
Defense Orrick, 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 a defense strategy designed to fit 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 Orrick, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer might use to defend you:
- Lack of Intent: Intent doesn’t matter for every internet sex crime, but for many, it does. 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 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: With internet crimes, it can be hard to properly identify who the person is behind the keyboard. It’s possible someone hacked into your social media account and used it to send explicit messages, 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 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. 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
A conviction will lead to a prison sentence, in most cases. 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 Orrick, MO, it’s sometimes possible to remove your name from the registry, but this requires you to wait 10 or 20 years, without any other related convictions. In the meantime, violations are also treated harshly.
Finally, you’ll have to deal with the informal consequences. You could lose your job, landlords may not want to lease to you, and you could lose custody of your children. Additionally, people will be quick to judge you after finding out about the conviction.
Because of this, you need to act fast and do what you can to avoid a conviction in the first place.
Get Help From Your Orrick, MO Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Now
Combs Waterkotte has what it takes to defend you. We’re not going to make false promises or sugarcoat your situation – we’re going to come up with a plan to help you get out of it. We offer:
- A team with over 80 years of combined courtroom experience.
- Help when you need it most, through our 24/7 support.
- A mission to help good people in bad situations.
- Experienced investigation capabilities to support your legal defense.
If you need an internet sex crimes lawyer in Orrick, MO, reach out to one of our representatives right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free consultation.
