Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Trimble, MO. Accused of an internet sex crime in Trimble? You might think that these charges are less serious than molestation or sexual assault, but some can be Class A felonies, resulting in a decades-long prison sentence.
You need help if you want to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. Work with the leading internet sex crimes lawyer in Trimble, 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.
This page will go over some of the most common online sex crime charges in Missouri, and why it’s important to find an expert criminal defense attorney to defend you. If you’re facing charges and need help now, call our team at (314) 900-HELP or send us a note online to schedule a free consultation.
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On This Page
- How an online sex crimes lawyer will give you assistance
- What to look for when looking for a sex crimes attorney
- Internet sex crime charges our firm defends in Trimble, MO
- The intersection between online crime charges and Federal law
- What to do if you’ve been accused of an internet sex crime
- Different ways our attorneys defend online sex crime accusations in Trimble, MO
- How a sex crime conviction can affect your life
- How to get in touch with a Trimble, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer now
What Your Trimble, MO, Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Does for You
If someone’s accusing you of committing an internet sex crime, talking to a skillful Trimble, 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 advising you on what to say. 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 thoroughly investigate both of these avenues to see if they are viable defensive strategies. In doing so, you can examine possible intentions behind the accusations, rather than accept them uncritically.
Lastly, your criminal defense lawyer will help defend you from slander. 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
If you’re facing internet sex crime charges, you need an internet sex crimes attorney in Trimble, 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 someone with the following:
- Experience: Ideally with the exact crime you’ve been charged with.
- Client-First 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: Regardless of the charge you’re facing, preparing for trial gives you an advantage throughout your case.
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 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 Trimble, 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 Trimble, MO:
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 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 minors older than that. 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 is when a person creates child pornography, whether on purpose or out of carelessness. 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 is when an adult who’s 21 or older 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.
Whether it’s one of the allegations above or another one entirely, Combs Waterkotte is ready to build you a defense. We will learn your case inside and out, look for holes in the prosecution’s case, and keep you in the loop for any/all updates.
The Intersection Between Federal Charges and State Charges for Internet Sex Crimes in Trimble, MO
The local district attorney isn’t your only opponent if you’re facing internet sex crime charges in Trimble, MO. 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 frequently involve the federal government, because they inherently go beyond state borders.
You probably don’t want to face federal criminal 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 Trimble, 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 won’t back down, no matter who you’re facing.
Do’s and Don’t’s of Internet Sex Crime Accusations
As soon as you’re aware that you’re facing online sex crime charges in Trimble, MO, you need to take proactive steps to protect your freedom. In many cases, you making mistakes can lead to a conviction. But avoiding them can help your case immensely.
Below 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
This should be the first thing you do once you find out about the accusations. An attorney can help you make it through interrogations, 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 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 could accidentally say something that makes you look guilty.
Do: Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent
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: Contact the Alleged Victim
If you personally know the alleged victim, 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, reaching out 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 it’s lost, take screenshots or other steps to save whatever you have. And let your attorney know about anything you find.
Don’t: Delete Information
Attempting to hide or delete information can hurt your case. If you do this, you can face additional charges and extended punishments.
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.
Common Defenses Our Lawyers Use Against Internet Sex Crime Allegations
Your situation is unique, and your defense should be, too. 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.
Below are six of the most common defenses your Trimble, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer might use in your case:
- Lack of Intent: Some cases can hinge on intent. For example, if you purchased a used phone 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 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: 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 weaponize sex crime allegations for their own means (for example, in a child custody battle). 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.
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 join the sex offender registry. This could be at the federal and/or state level. In Trimble, 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. Regardless, 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. Beyond that, people will likely treat you differently if they find out about your conviction.
For all these reasons, you need to fight for your freedom in court, with a skilled attorney at your side.
Don’t Wait: Call Now for an Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Trimble, MO
Our team is ready to represent you. 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 a track record of success.
- Easy communication and regular updates on your case.
- Insight into how the state builds its cases, from prior prosecuting experience.
- An investigation team lead by a former law enforcement officer supporting our attorneys.
If you need an internet sex crimes lawyer in Trimble, MO, contact us any time, day or night at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free consult.
