First Degree Child Molestation Lawyer Kansas City, MO
Charged or arrested for first degree child molestation in Kansas City, Missouri? We’re here to help. Get in touch with Missouri’s leading criminal defense firm today.
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First Degree Child Molestation Lawyer Kansas City, MO
A first degree child molestation conviction in Kansas City, Missouri can mean decades in prison, lifelong sex offender registration, and strict restrictions after release. If you’re facing these charges, you need an attorney who will examine the evidence, challenge unsupported allegations, and fight aggressively to protect your freedom.
At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve successfully defended Missouri clients against child molestation charges. Our Kansas City sex crimes lawyers listen without judgment and explain your options clearly. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation today.
I owe my life to Combs Waterkotte. If not for them, I would be spending the rest of my life behind bars. There is no amount of words that can explain what they did for me and my family. Its the highest recommendation that I can give.
Alexander B.
Felonies
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If I could give Steve and his team 10 stars I would in a heartbeat. Was facing more then one felony charge and after these guys found the arresting officer violated my 4th Amendment Rights and those charges were dismissed. My family and I can't thank you enough.
Dean J
Felonies
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I was hands down guilty. ON VIDEO !!! In a smaller town, and a job dealing with the public, this was devastating. I made one phone call and spoke for maybe 15 minutes. I DIDN'T appear in court. I am extremely impressed. QUIETLY relieved of the matter!
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Theft
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My fiance had a felony drug charge and Combs Waterkotte got it dismissed! There were no fines, court cost, nothing. Chris is loyal, professional, knowledgeable, and a man of his word. We are forever grateful for you.
Kimberly T.
Drug Crimes
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If I was found guilty, it would have been over 100 years in prison. They promised me that they would fight like hell and get me out of it. After everything was done, I just felt free. Like this wasn’t gonna end with me rotting away in a prison cell. I felt like I could start my life and have a fresh start.
Caleb
Assault 1st, Armed Criminal Action
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I was facing, probably 18 years… I actually got 5 years probation and 40 hours of community service. Without Combs Waterkotte’s help, I don’t think my family could have made it without me. It was just a written book to where it's a perfect ending.
Chris
Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Armed Criminal Action
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I went through what was supposed to be one of the top law firms in St. Louis. They said I wouldn't have no chance. I end up firing the other lawyer and everything and going with Chris. I felt like Combs Waterkotte actually did something for me and wasn't I wasn't just another number on somebody's desk.
Willy
DWI/DUI
Verify onI owe my life to Combs Waterkotte. If not for them, I would be spending the rest of my life behind bars. There is no amount of words that can explain what they did for me and my family. Its the highest recommendation that I can give.
Alexander B.
Felonies
If I could give Steve and his team 10 stars I would in a heartbeat. Was facing more then one felony charge and after these guys found the arresting officer violated my 4th Amendment Rights and those charges were dismissed. My family and I can't thank you enough.
Dean J
Felonies
I was hands down guilty. ON VIDEO !!! In a smaller town, and a job dealing with the public, this was devastating. I made one phone call and spoke for maybe 15 minutes. I DIDN'T appear in court. I am extremely impressed. QUIETLY relieved of the matter!
Y.I.V.
Theft
My fiance had a felony drug charge and Combs Waterkotte got it dismissed! There were no fines, court cost, nothing. Chris is loyal, professional, knowledgeable, and a man of his word. We are forever grateful for you.
Kimberly T.
Drug Crimes
If I was found guilty, it would have been over 100 years in prison. They promised me that they would fight like hell and get me out of it. After everything was done, I just felt free. Like this wasn’t gonna end with me rotting away in a prison cell. I felt like I could start my life and have a fresh start.
Caleb
Assault 1st, Armed Criminal Action
I was facing, probably 18 years… I actually got 5 years probation and 40 hours of community service. Without Combs Waterkotte’s help, I don’t think my family could have made it without me. It was just a written book to where it's a perfect ending.
Chris
Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Armed Criminal Action
I went through what was supposed to be one of the top law firms in St. Louis. They said I wouldn't have no chance. I end up firing the other lawyer and everything and going with Chris. I felt like Combs Waterkotte actually did something for me and wasn't I wasn't just another number on somebody's desk.
Willy
DWI/DUI
How Does Missouri Define First Degree Child Molestation?
Under RSMo §566.067, first degree child molestation requires sexual contact with a child under 14 plus an aggravated sexual offense. Prosecutors have to prove both requirements; the age of the child alone does not establish the offense.
The best way to understand first degree child molestation charges in Kansas City, especially in relation to other degrees of child molestation charges, is to unpack the statutory language and definitions that the offense entails.
“I was charged with a felony… [Combs Waterkotte] was able to get it to a misdemeanor and a fine. It was more than expected. I was so happy with the outcome of my case and I cannot thank [the firm] enough.”
-V.V. | Combs Waterkotte Client
What Counts as Sexual Contact?
Missouri’s definition of sexual contact includes:
- Touching another person with one’s genitals
- Touching another person’s genitals, anus, or a female breast, directly or through clothing
- Causing ejaculate to contact another person.
To qualify as a criminal act, the touching must be done for sexual arousal or gratification, or for the purpose of terrorizing the victim. Intercourse and penetration are not required for acts of sexual contact.
What Makes First Degree Child Molestation Aggravated?
Under RSMo §566.010, a sexual offense can become an aggravated sexual offense under the following circumstances:
- Serious injury: Inflicting serious physical injury on the child
- Weapon display: Threateningly displaying a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument
- Multiple people: Subjecting a child to intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse with more than one person
- Prior sex offense convictions: Being convicted of a certain previous sexual offenses (or equivalent out-of-state offenses)
- Coordinated activity: Acting within an established pattern involving two or more participants
- Incestual acts: Committing child molestation on a child, stepchild, or half sibling
Consent, Mistake About Age, and Close-in-Age Relationships
RSMo §566.020 bars says that consent cannot be used as a defense against child molestation charges when the child is under 14. Believing the child was older than 14 years old is also not a defense. First degree child molestation has no automatic close-in-age exception, so a small age difference does not, by itself, defeat a charge.
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Degrees of Child Molestation Offenses in Kansas City, MO
Missouri separates child molestation into four degrees. Age, age difference, aggravating circumstances, and forcible compulsion can change the charge someone faces. The table below outlines the key differences in Missouri’s child molestation charges:
| Offense | Conduct |
|---|---|
| First degree | Sexual contact with a child under 14 plus an aggravated sexual offense |
| Second degree | Sexual contact with a child under 12 (or with a child under 17 when the defendant is more than four years older and the offense is aggravated) |
| Third degree | Sexual contact with a child under 14 |
| Fourth degree | Sexual contact with a child under 17 when the defendant is more than four years older |
These provisions can often overlap. This means an attorney may be able to, for example, get a first degree child molestation charge dismissed while a defendant is still on the hook for a lesser charge.
Intercourse may result in statutory rape charges, while other acts may support statutory sodomy charges. Those offenses have different legal elements. A molestation charge does not require proof of sexual intercourse.
Penalties for a First Degree Child Molestation Conviction in Kansas City, MO
First degree child molestation is a Class A felony in Kansas City. For adult convictions, RSMo §558.011 establishes the prison range for a conviction, while RSMo §566.067 imposes additional restrictions based on the child’s age:
| Child’s age when the offense occurred | Prison sentence and release restrictions |
|---|---|
| 12 or 13 | 10 to 30 years to life. Parole eligibility depends on minimum-service rules and any additional sentencing findings. |
| Younger than 12 | 10 to 30 years to life. No eligibility for probation, parole, or conditional release. |
First degree child molestation is defined as a dangerous felony. Under RSMo §558.019, individuals convicted of a dangerous felony must serve at least 85% of their sentence before they are eligible for parole or probation (if they are even eligible in the first place).
A predatory sexual offender finding can also require life imprisonment and special court-set release terms under RSMo §.566.125. Certain prior convictions, prior molestation acts, or acts involving multiple victims may support that finding.
Sex Offender Registration and Other Lasting Consequences of a First Degree Child Molestation Conviction
The consequences of a first degree child molestation conviction can extend well beyond a prison sentence. In Kansas City, Missouri, individuals convicted of child molestation can face:
- Sex Offender Registration: First degree child molestation is a Tier III sex offense requiring registration for life and in-person reporting every 90 days
- Supervision and monitoring: RSMo §217.735 requires lifetime supervision with electronic monitoring for first degree child molestation convictions
- Housing restrictions: Missouri’s residency law restricts offenders from living within 1,000 feet of schools or child-care facilities
- Permanent record: A conviction for first degree child molestation is ineligible for expungement under Missouri’s general expungement statute
Defenses Against First Degree Child Molestation Charges in Kansas City, MO
A serious charge requires a serious defense. Combs Waterkotte has successfully handled over 15,000 criminal cases, tailoring the strategies we use to the specifics of our clients’ situations. The defense strategies below may help in your case.
Identity and the Alleged Timeline
Sometimes, prosecutors charge the wrong person entirely. We compare the accusation with work records, attendance logs, messages, photos, and witness accounts. An inaccurate date, mistaken identification, or lack of opportunity may undermine the prosecution’s account. We work to build an alibi defense when we can.
No Prohibited Sexual Contact or Purpose
Accidental contact, legitimate medical care, or ordinary caregiving does not automatically count as criminal sexual contact. We examine what touching allegedly occurred, its context, and whether the evidence supports criminal charges.
An Unsupported Aggravating Circumstance
We examine medical findings, alleged weapon use, family relationships, and the records behind any prior offenses. Prosecutors must establish the aggravation offense required for a first degree charge. Showing that a claimed circumstance does not qualify can change the entire case.
Interview Methods and Witness Statements
To ensure evidence is admissible, we seek interview recordings, identify when key details first appeared, and examine whether questioning influenced your account. RSMo §491.075 allows certain out-of-court statements by children only when specific statutory conditions are satisfied. We challenge admissibility where warranted and evaluate what any statements actually establish.
Unlawful Searches or Improper Questioning
To ensure your rights weren’t violated, we review warrants, phone searches, and police interviews for Fourth Amendment and Fifth Amendment issues. When the legal grounds exist, we seek to exclude unlawfully obtained evidence through Missouri’s suppression procedure.
What to Do If You Are Accused of First Degree Child Molestation in Kansas City, Missouri
What you do in the hours or days after an arrest for first degree child molestation can make or break your case. The defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte highly recommend you take the following steps:
- Speak with a lawyer: Get advice before discussing allegations with police or child protection investigators.
- Do not contact the alleged victim: Do not question the child, confront their family, or ask others to pressure witnesses.
- Preserve records: Do not delete messages, reset devices, or alter any evidence. Give your attorney a private timeline and witness names.
- Follow court orders: Comply with bond conditions and contact restrictions, and request any required clarifications through your attorney.
Why Choose Combs Waterkotte to Handle Your First Degree Child Molestation Case?
Our attorneys bring more than 100 years of combined legal experience to defending against Kansas City sex crime charges. We understand that you need both a serious defense and clear answers about what happens next. We explain the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence, the risks of all your options, and the potential consequences of any proposed resolution.
We prepare cases with trial in mind while using our statewide resources to pursue dismissal or reduced charges when the evidence supports those outcomes. From the outset, we’ll fight for a result that will minimize the impact of your charges on your life, career, and future.
How We Build Your First Degree Child Molestation Defense
Building a defense against child molestation charges is an intensive, multi-faceted process. For us, it comes down to three critical factors:
- Investigating early: We’ll seek time-sensitive records, interview recordings, and independent witnesses before evidence disappears
- Testing the charge: We’ll thoroughly review the age allegations, statutory elements, aggravating factors, and applicable sentencing provisions
- Preparing your options: We’ll present supported challenges, evaluate plea offers, and prepare for trial when necessary
Contact a Kansas City First Degree Child Molestation Lawyer
You do not have to face the force of the criminal justice system alone. Combs Waterkotte can take the lead in building your defense against your first degree child molestation charges to keep you out of prison and your reputation intact. Call (314) 900-HELP or request a free, confidential consultation online to discuss your case and begin protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future.
Resources
For more information on criminal defense in Kansas City or anywhere else in Missouri, call the Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorneys right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a confidential consultation.
How Does the Sex Offender Registry Work in Missouri?
Can the Severity of a Class A Felony Charge Be Reduced in Plea Negotiations?
What Are My Rights When Accused With a Sex Crime?
What Should I Do If I’m Accused Of a Sex Crime in Missouri?
Do I Need a Lawyer if I’m Innocent in a Sex Crime Case?
Can Sex Crime Charges Be Dropped?
What Are the Different Levels of the Sex Offender Registry in Missouri?
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