Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Sugar Creek, MO. Internet sex crimes are some of the most serious accusations you can face in Missouri. You might think that these accusations are less serious than molestation or sexual assault, 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 Sugar Creek, MO, Combs Waterkotte. We’ve fought thousands of cases, many of them just like yours. We’re here to help, not to judge.
On this page, you’ll learn about common online sex crime charges in Sugar Creek, MO, and why it’s essential to work with an accomplished criminal defense attorney to defend you. If you need expert advice for your case, call us at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to schedule a free case review.
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On This Page
- How an online sex crimes lawyer will give you assistance
- Key qualities to think about when deciding which attorney to work with
- Internet sex crime charges our lawyers defend in Sugar Creek, MO
- The intersection between online crime charges and Federal law
- What to do if you’re being charged with an internet sex crime
- How our lawyers fight online sex crime allegations in Sugar Creek, MO
- Formal and informal penalties for a conviction
- How to talk to a Sugar Creek, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer today
What Your Sugar Creek, MO, Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Does for You
If you’ve been accused of an online sex crime, your first step should be, speaking with a skillful Sugar Creek, MO, sex crime defense lawyer should be the first thing you do. The right attorney will defend you in the legal realm as well as the court of public opinion.
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 communicating with the police on your behalf and advising you on what to say. While the police are looking for evidence to convict you, your lawyer will look 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 possible intentions behind the accusations, rather than accept them without question.
Finally, your criminal defense lawyer will help defend you from slander. Sex crime accusations carry a stigma that others don’t, 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
For many reasons, you need a local Sugar Creek, MO, internet sex crimes attorney when facing these charges. 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: Ideally with the exact crime you’ve been charged with.
- Client-Centered Approach: Look for someone who cares about your wellbeing, not just a paycheck.
- Strong Reputation: You want someone who’s well regarded, both amongst clients and peers.
- 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 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 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 …
Sugar Creek, MO, Internet Sex Crime Allegations Our Lawyers Fight
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. The alleged offender has to have them either on purpose, or recklessly.
Penalty: Typically a Class D felony. In certain circumstances, like having more than 20 images, 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 minors older than that. 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. 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 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: 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 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.
Whatever type of internet sex crime charge you’re facing, Combs Waterkotte is ready to build you a defense. We will learn your case inside and out, dissect the prosecution’s case, and fight for the best outcome possible in your case.
Why You Need to Know About Federal Internet Sex Crime Charges in Sugar Creek, MO
Unfortunately, if you’ve been accused of an internet sex crime in Sugar Creek, MO, you may have to deal with more than just the local prosecutor. You could also have to defend against 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 in particular are affected by this, since the internet goes beyond Missouri state borders.
It can be even harder to defend yourself in federal court. Judges have a reputation for being harsher. By yourself, your chances are slim. With the right attorney, you get a fighting chance.
Your Sugar Creek, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer can’t be someone who backs down in the face of adversity. 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.
What to Do if You’ve Been Accused of an Online Sex Crime in Sugar Creek
If you’ve been charged with an online sex crime in Sugar Creek, MO, you need to take thoughtful steps to protect 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: Contact 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: Talk to the Police Without Counsel
You might be tempted to talk things out, thinking you can avoid legal trouble. But this is where most people make mistakes. 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 Fifth Amendment rights 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 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 need evidence to build an effective defense. Before it’s lost, take screenshots or other steps to save whatever you have. As you find it, be sure to share it with your attorney.
Don’t: Delete Information
Deleting incriminating evidence can worsen your situation. If you do this, you can face additional charges and extended punishments.
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 Sugar Creek, MO, Internet Sex Crime Lawyers Use in Court
Each case is unique, and your defense should be, too. 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 Sugar Creek, 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 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 push for suppression.
- Consent: Consent applies in cases where someone agreed to an action – while it doesn’t always apply, this often legalizes it. 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 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: 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. We can investigate the accuser’s motives and use this to raise reasonable doubt.
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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
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 join the sex offender registry. This could be at the federal and/or state level. In Sugar Creek, MO, some individuals are able to request removal from the registry, but this requires you to wait 10 or 20 years, without any other related convictions. Regardless, violations can have harsh penalties in and of themselves.
Finally, you’ll have to deal with the informal consequences. Potential employers may not want to hire you, there are restrictions on where you can live, and your family could be torn apart. On top of that, you likely won’t get a chance to defend yourself against people’s preformed opinions of you.
For all these reasons, it’s critical that you act fast and do what you can to avoid a conviction in the first place.
Talk To an Experienced Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Sugar Creek, MO, Today
Combs Waterkotte is here to help. You shouldn’t settle for anything less than Missouri’s leading criminal defense law firm. We bring the following to the table:
- A team with over 80 years of combined courtroom experience.
- 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.
- Experienced investigation capabilities to support your legal defense.
If you need an internet sex crimes lawyer in Sugar Creek, MO, get in touch with our team now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free case review.
