Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Rayville, MO. Accused of an internet sex crime in Rayville? It can be tempting to think that these accusations are less serious than molestation or sexual abuse, but depending on what you’ve been accused of, you could be facing a life sentence.
If you’re facing these allegations, you can get help. Work with the leading internet sex crimes lawyer in Rayville, MO, Combs Waterkotte. Our firm has handled hundreds of sex crime cases. We’re here to help, not to judge.
This page will go over some of the most common online sex crime charges in Missouri, and why it’s important to find a skillful 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 tell us about your case online to schedule a free consultation.
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This Page Covers
- How an online sex crimes lawyer can give you assistance
- What to look for when deciding which attorney to work with
- Internet sex crime charges our lawyers defend in Rayville, MO
- The intersection between online crime charges and Federal law
- What to do if you’re being charged with an internet sex crime
- Tactics our team uses to fight online sex crime allegations in Rayville, MO
- Formal and informal penalties for a conviction
- How to talk to a Rayville, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer today
How Your Rayville, MO, Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Can Help
If you’re facing online sex crime charges, getting in touch with a seasoned Rayville, 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. It’s common for them to help by speaking to law enforcement on your behalf and supporting you during interrogations. While the police are looking for evidence to convict you, your lawyer 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 talk to you about both of these options to discover what’s right for you. In doing so, you can examine possible motives behind the accusations, rather than accept them uncritically.
Finally, your criminal defense lawyer will help you promote a positive image. Sex crime accusations carry a stigma that others don’t, 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.
What to Look for in Your Rayville, MO, Internet Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing internet sex crime charges, you need an internet sex crimes attorney in Rayville, MO, who’s experienced with those charges. 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 a firm which can give you 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.
- Positive Reputation: You want someone who’s well regarded, both amongst clients and peers.
- Trial-Ready Strategy: Regardless of the charge you’re facing, 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 …
Internet Sex Crime Charges We Defend in Rayville, MO
Internet sex crimes isn’t a formal category in Missouri – instead, it refers to certain sex crimes allegedly done in such a way that the internet was involved. Below are some of the ones we defend in Rayville, 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. The possession normally has to be intentional.
Penalty: Normally 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 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 is when a person creates child pornography, whether on purpose or out of carelessness. 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 occurs when 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 could be any of a number of different actions, depending on the circumstances. 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.
Regardless of the internet sex crime allegations you’re up against, Combs Waterkotte is ready to defend you. We will learn your case inside and out, 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 Rayville, MO. You may also need to fight 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 frequently involve the federal government, because they inherently go beyond 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. It’s easy to feel intimidated and overwhelmed when walking into federal court to defend yourself.
Your Rayville, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer can’t be someone who only fights in state court. 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 will fight for justice against any opponent.
How to Handle Accusations of an Online Sex Crime
When facing internet sex crime allegations in Rayville, MO, you need to take proactive steps to defend your freedom. Making mistakes early on can lead to a conviction. But by preventing them, you’re more likely to get a positive outcome.
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 an Attorney
This should be the first thing you do once you find out about the accusations. An attorney can help you interact with investigators, avoid future mistakes, negotiate with the prosecutor, and more. It’s never a good idea to try to handle things yourself.
Don’t: Speak with Investigators On Your Own
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, a poorly handled interview can sink your case.
Do: Invoke Your FIfth Amendment Rights
Whatever you do, if you end up in an interrogation room without a lawyer, don’t talk. Invoke your right to remain silent and politely request to speak with your attorney.
Don’t: Reach Out to Your Accuser
If you personally know 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, leading to additional charges.
Do: Gather and Preserve Evidence
Your internet sex crimes lawyer will need evidence to build an effective 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. Similar to contacting the alleged victim, in the end, this can make you look guilty.
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 situation 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.
Here are six of the most common tactics your Rayville, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer might use in your case:
- Lack of Intent: For several accusations, you can be found innocent if you didn’t intend to commit the action. For example, if you purchased a used phone without knowing it had child pornography on it, you never intended to possess it.
- Rights Violation: Law enforcement and the prosecution have to follow rules when making their case. If you weren’t read your Miranda rights before a statement, or evidence was collected illegally, we can push for suppression.
- 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: 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.
Along with the prison term, you’ll have to register as a sex offender. This could be at the federal and/or state level. In Rayville, MO, it’s sometimes possible to remove your name from the registry, though this is only after a 10 or 20 year period post-sentence. And while you’re waiting, violations can have harsh penalties in and of themselves.
Finally, you can face informal penalties and a social stigma. You can face career consequences, there are restrictions on where you can live, and you could lose custody of your children. Additionally, you likely won’t get a chance to defend yourself against people’s preformed opinions of you.
Because of this, it’s important to fight for your freedom in court, with an experienced attorney at your side.
Don’t Wait: Call Now for an Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Rayville, MO
Our firm is here to help. We don’t take shortcuts or settle for bad deals – we fight for your rights and are here to support you. When you hire us, you’re getting:
- A well-respected team which serves the entire state of Missouri.
- Help when you need it most, through our 24/7 support.
- 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 Rayville, MO, call one of our representatives now at (314) 900-HELP or send us a message for a free consult.
