Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Weatherby Lake, MO. Don’t underestimate internet sex crime allegations in Weatherby Lake, MO. You might 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.
These accusations are serious, but you have a path forward. Work with the leading internet sex crimes lawyer in Weatherby Lake, MO, Combs Waterkotte. We’ve fought thousands of cases, many of them just like yours. We know how delicate they can be and are committed to respecting you while building your defense.
On this page, you’ll learn about common online sex crime charges in Weatherby Lake, MO, and why you need an expert criminal defense attorney to fight them. If you need expert advice for your case, call our team at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online to set up a confidential 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 firm defends in Weatherby Lake, MO
- The role of Federal law in your case
- Things to avoid if you’ve been accused of an internet sex crime
- How our lawyers fight online sex crime allegations in Weatherby Lake, MO
- How a sex crime conviction can affect your life
- How to talk to a Weatherby Lake, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer now
How Your Weatherby Lake, MO, Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Can Help
If you’re facing online sex crime charges, contacting a skillful Weatherby Lake, MO, sex crime defense lawyer should be the first thing you do. The right attorney will help with not only the legal aspects of your case, but also public perception.
On the legal side, your attorney starts their job while the police are conducting their investigation. Typically, this means communicating with law enforcement on your behalf and supporting you during interrogations. 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. In doing so, you can examine possible motives behind the accusations, rather than take them at face value.
Finally, your criminal defense lawyer will help you protect your reputation. Sex crime accusations carry a stigma that others don’t, and that can have a wide-reaching impact on your life. 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 Weatherby Lake, MO, Internet Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
Working with a local Weatherby Lake, MO, internet sex crimes attorney is essential. But there are many options available, and it can be hard to figure out the right one for your case. When you’re picking an attorney, look for a firm 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.
- Strong Reputation: Check reviews to see what people think of this attorney.
- 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 offer all of this for you. 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 …
Weatherby Lake, MO, Internet Sex Crime Allegations Our Lawyers Fight
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 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: 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 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. Providing such material to others violates 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 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. This becomes an internet sex crime if the material is put 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 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: 5-30 years in prison, with no possibility for probation or early release for at least 5 years.
Stalking
Statute: § 565.225 | § 565.227
Description: Missouri has different statutes that govern first- and second-degree stalking offenses. 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 to build you a defense. We will tell your side of the story, look for holes in the state’s case, and defend your rights/freedom against injustice.
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 Weatherby Lake, MO. You may also need to fight 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. Federal prosecutors are often some of the best at their jobs. It can feel unwinnable on your own.
Your Weatherby Lake, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer can’t be someone who stops when the federal government gets involved. 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.
How to Handle Accusations of an Online Sex Crime
As soon as you’re aware that you’re facing online sex crime charges in Weatherby Lake, MO, you need to take the right steps to defend your freedom. 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.
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
Any time you’re facing criminal charges, this should be your first step. An attorney can help you make it through interrogations, come up with a defense strategy, negotiate with the prosecutor, and more. Trying to clear up the accusation on your own is always a bad idea.
Don’t: Talk to the Police Without Counsel
If the evidence against you is weak, you might think that an interview with the police is not a big deal. But that’s a mistake. Regardless of your situation, a poorly handled interview can sink your case.
Do: Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent
You might find yourself in a police interrogation before your lawyer arrives – don’t talk. Invoke your Fifth Amendment rights and politely request to speak with your attorney.
Don’t: Reach Out to the Alleged Victim
If you personally know the alleged victim, your might be thinking about talking with them to figure things out. 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 preserve the evidence. And don’t keep anything from your attorney – they’re there to help.
Don’t: Delete Information
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.
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 you deserve a defense that’s tailored to your situation. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide clients with defenses designed to fit best into 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 Weatherby Lake, MO, internet sex crimes lawyer might use in your case:
- Lack of Intent: Some cases can hinge on intent. For example, if you bought 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 the police made a legal error while collecting evidence, we can file for suppression.
- 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 logged into your computer to stalk someone.
- Alibi: Related to mistaken identity, we can build a case that you couldn’t have committed the crime because you were elsewhere at the time.
- False Allegations: Unfortunately, there are sometimes false allegations of sex crimes, often as a part of interpersonal conflict. 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.
On top of that, you’ll have to register as a sex offender. This could be at the federal and/or state level. In Weatherby Lake, MO, there is a path for some people to remove their name from the sex offender 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 could lose your job, there are restrictions on where you can live, and your family could be torn apart. On top of that, people will be quick to judge you after finding out about the conviction.
For all these reasons, it’s important to fight for your freedom in court, with an experienced attorney at your side.
Talk To an Experienced Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer in Weatherby Lake, MO, Today
Our firm 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 well-respected team which serves the entire state of Missouri.
- Easy communication and regular updates on your case.
- A mission to help good people in bad situations.
- An investigation team lead by a former law enforcement officer supporting our attorneys.
If you need an internet sex crimes lawyer in Weatherby Lake, MO, call a lawyer any time, day or night at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no strings attached consultation.
