Additional Links
- Criminal Lawyers With Payment Plans
- What to Do If You're Accused of a Sex Crime
- What Happens When You Are Wrongfully Accused of a Sex Crime?
- Should I Talk to the Police Without a Lawyer if Accused of a Sex Crime?
- How Can I Prove My Innocence in a Sex Crime Case?
- Sex Crimes and Your Right to a Defense
- Can I Be Arrested for a Sex Crime Without Evidence?
- How is Consent Defined in Missouri?
- If I'm Convicted of a Sex Crime, Do I Have to Register as a Sex Offender?
We help people just like you protect their freedom and fight the life-changing consequences of sex crime charges. Speak to a St. Louis sex crimes lawyer today at (314) 900-HELP. View our client testimonials here.
Types of Sex Crimes We Defend in St. Louis
Sex crime charges in Missouri cover a wide range of accusations, each carrying severe penalties and lasting consequences. Our St. Louis sex crime lawyers have the experience, skill, and determination to defend clients against all of the following charges:
Offenses Involving Minors
Sex crimes involving minors are some of the most aggressively prosecuted charges in Missouri. A conviction can lead to extremely long prison sentences, lifetime sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your reputation. These cases require immediate legal action and a carefully built defense.
- Statutory Sodomy – Allegations of engaging in deviate sexual intercourse with a minor, typically carrying severe penalties and mandatory registration.
- Statutory Rape Defense – Charges for sexual intercourse with a minor under Missouri's age of consent, often resulting in lengthy prison sentences and lifelong registry requirements.
- Child Pornography Defense – Accusations of creating, possessing, or distributing explicit images or videos involving minors, which can lead to federal charges and harsh sentencing.
- Statutory Sex Crimes – Broad category covering other sex offenses involving minors, including charges related to inappropriate contact, solicitation, or online communication.
Penalties:
Summary of Missouri Sex Crime Penalties
| Offense | Missouri Statute | Potential Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory Rape – 1st Degree | §566.032 RSMo | 5 years to life in prison; mandatory lifetime registry |
| Statutory Rape – 2nd Degree | §566.034 RSMo | Up to 7 years in prison; mandatory registry |
| Statutory Sodomy – 1st Degree | §566.062 RSMo | 5 years to life in prison; mandatory lifetime registry |
| Statutory Sodomy – 2nd Degree | §566.064 RSMo | Up to 7 years in prison; mandatory registry |
| Child Pornography | §573.037 RSMo | 5 to 30 years in prison; mandatory registry |
| Child Molestation – 1st Degree | §566.067 RSMo | 5 years to life in prison; mandatory lifetime registry |
| Child Molestation – 2nd Degree | §566.068 RSMo | Up to 7 years in prison; mandatory registry |
Forcible or Non-Consensual Offenses
Missouri treats forcible and non-consensual sex crimes with the highest level of severity. These cases can carry decades-long prison sentences, lifetime sex offender registration, and devastating personal and professional consequences. Early legal representation is essential to challenge the evidence and protect your rights.
- Rape and Sexual Assault Defense – Charges involving accusations of non-consensual sexual intercourse or sexual contact, often based on highly disputed facts and carrying serious prison time.
- Sexual Abuse – Allegations of sexual misconduct or inappropriate contact without consent, which can result in felony convictions and mandatory registration.
- Sexual Misconduct – Covers a range of behaviors, including indecent exposure or unwanted sexual advances, that can lead to serious legal penalties and lifelong social consequences.
Penalties:
| Offense | Missouri Statute | Potential Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Rape – 1st Degree | §566.030 RSMo | 5 years to life in prison; mandatory lifetime registry |
| Rape – 2nd Degree | §566.031 RSMo | Up to 7 years in prison; mandatory registry |
| Sexual Abuse – 1st Degree | §566.100 RSMo | Up to 15 years in prison; mandatory registry |
| Sexual Abuse – 2nd Degree | §566.101 RSMo | Up to 7 years in prison; mandatory registry |
| Sexual Misconduct – 1st Degree | §566.093 RSMo | Up to 4 years in prison; registry may apply depending on circumstances |
| Sexual Misconduct – 2nd Degree | §566.095 RSMo | Up to 15 days in jail; typically not a registry offense |
Public or Internet-Based Sex Crimes
Some sex crime charges stem from alleged behavior in public places or online spaces. These offenses can result in harsh penalties, damage to your public reputation, and mandatory sex offender registration, depending on the severity of the accusation.
- Indecent Exposure – Charges for exposing oneself in public, which can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges and serious reputational harm.
- Internet Sex Crimes – Allegations involving illegal online activity, such as solicitation, exploitation, or possession of unlawful content, which often involve complex digital evidence.
- Prostitution Defense – Charges related to offering, agreeing to, or engaging in sexual acts for compensation, which can carry fines, jail time, and lasting social stigma.
- Solicitation Defense – Accusations of attempting to pay for sexual services or soliciting another person to engage in a sex act, often based on undercover operations.
Penalties:
| Offense | Missouri Statute | Potential Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Indecent Exposure (Sexual Misconduct – 1st Degree) | §566.093 RSMo | Up to 4 years in prison; registry may apply depending on circumstances |
| Internet Sex Crimes (Enticement of a Child) | §566.151 RSMo | 5 to 30 years in prison; mandatory registry |
| Internet Sex Crimes (Promoting Sexual Performance by a Child) | §573.023 RSMo | Up to 15 years in prison; mandatory registry |
| Prostitution | §567.020 RSMo | Up to 6 months in jail for first offense; registry typically not required |
| Solicitation | §567.030 RSMo | Up to 1 year in jail; registry typically not required |
Special Circumstances
Some sex crime charges involve complex situations, special relationships, or high-profile accusations that require a tailored defense strategy. These cases can carry enhanced penalties and can have significant lifelong consequences.
- Sexual Contact with a Student – Charges involving alleged inappropriate sexual behavior between a school employee and a student, which can result in felony charges and professional consequences.
- Human Sex Trafficking – Serious federal and state charges accusing individuals of forcing, recruiting, or transporting others for sexual exploitation, often carrying extremely long prison sentences.
| Offense | Missouri Statute | Potential Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Sexual Contact with a Student | §566.086 RSMo | Up to 4 years in prison; mandatory registry |
| Sexual Conduct with a Student by a Teacher, Employee, or Volunteer | §566.090 RSMo | Up to 4 years in prison; mandatory registry |
| Human Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation | §566.206 RSMo | Up to life in prison; mandatory registry |
What Happens After a Sex Crime Accusation in St. Louis?
Being accused of a sex crime in Missouri is life-altering, even before formal charges are filed. The process moves quickly, and early mistakes can have lasting consequences. Here’s what you can expect after an accusation is made:
Investigation and Arrest
Police and prosecutors typically begin with an investigation, which may involve interviews, searches, digital evidence collection, and sometimes undercover operations. In many cases, the accused is arrested early in the process based on the initial complaint. If law enforcement believes they have probably cause, they'll officially arrest and charge you.
Formal Charges and Arraignment
After an arrest, the prosecutor will formally file charges. At your arraignment, you will enter a plea, and the court will decide on bail or pretrial release conditions. Sex crimes often involve strict release terms or high bail amounts.
Pretrial Hearings and Negotiations
Sex crime cases often involve multiple pretrial hearings to address motions, evidence challenges, and discovery. In some cases, your attorney can negotiate reduced charges or alternative outcomes before trial begins.
Trial or Resolution
If your case proceeds to trial, prosecutors will present evidence such as forensic results, digital records, and witness testimony. Your defense attorney will work to challenge this evidence and present a strong case on your behalf. Many sex crime cases resolve before trial through dismissal, plea agreements, or diversion when available.
Read more about the sex crime criminal justice process here:
- What Should I Do If I’m Accused Of a Sex Crime in Missouri?
- How Long Does a Sexual Assault Case Take?
- What Happens During a Sexual Assault Investigation?
- How Can I Clear My Name After Being Falsely Accused Of a Sex Crime?
- What Should I Do If the Alleged Rape Victim Wants to Drop the Charges?
- What Are My Rights If Accused of Sexual Assault?
- Can I Get Bail If Charged with Rape?
- Can I Be Arrested for a Sex Crime Without Evidence?
Consequences of Sex Crime Convictions in St. Louis
Missouri sex crime convictions can result in severe criminal penalties, mandatory sex offender registration, and lifelong consequences that impact your freedom, reputation, and livelihood. Penalties vary based on the specific charge, your criminal history, and the age of the alleged victim.
Prison Sentences
Many Missouri sex crimes are classified as felonies with lengthy prison terms. For example, statutory rape in the first degree (§566.032 RSMo) can result in a minimum of five years to life in prison. Statutory sodomy (§566.062 RSMo) also carries a mandatory minimum of five years. Lesser offenses, like sexual misconduct (§566.093 RSMo), may still result in jail time and serious consequences even if charged as misdemeanors.
Sex Offender Registration
Most sex crimes in Missouri require mandatory registration on the Missouri Sex Offender Registry. Registration periods can range from 10 years to lifetime, depending on the severity of the offense and whether the accused has prior convictions.
Additional Consequences
In addition to prison and registration, sex crime convictions can lead to parole restrictions, loss of employment, housing limitations, restrictions on internet use, and damage to family relationships. Simply being accused of a sex crime can create social stigma that lingers even if charges are dismissed or reduced.
Understanding the Missouri Sex Offender Registry
In Missouri, many sex crime convictions require mandatory registration on the Missouri Sex Offender Registry. Being listed can severely limit your freedom, career opportunities, and housing options. Understanding how the registry works is critical to your defense strategy.
Who Has to Register?
Most felony sex crime convictions require mandatory registration. This includes offenses like statutory rape, statutory sodomy, child pornography, and many other crimes involving minors or forcible acts. Some misdemeanor offenses, such as certain cases of sexual misconduct, may also trigger registration, depending on the circumstances.
How Long Do You Stay on the Registry?
Missouri uses a three-tier system to determine how long someone must remain on the registry:
- Tier I: Minimum of 15 years with annual check-ins; may petition for removal after 15 years.
- Tier II: Minimum of 25 years with semi-annual check-ins; may petition for removal after 25 years.
- Tier III: Lifetime registration with quarterly check-ins; no removal option without extraordinary legal action.
Registry Restrictions and Consequences
Being listed on the sex offender registry can prevent you from living near schools, parks, or childcare facilities. It can limit employment opportunities and create barriers to rebuilding your life, even after serving a sentence. Registry status is publicly searchable, which can lead to lasting social stigma and loss of privacy.
Avoiding the Registry and Addressing Violations
In some cases, it may be possible to avoid the registry entirely through effective defense strategies, charge reductions, or diversion programs. If you are already on the registry, failing to update your information or comply with check-in requirements can result in additional felony charges.
Learn more about avoiding and addressing sex offender registry issues:
- Avoiding the Sex Offender Registry
- Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
- Sex Offender Registry Violations
Defense Strategies for Sex Crime Charges in St. Louis
When you are facing sex crime charges in Missouri, the right defense strategy can make the difference between a conviction and a second chance. At Combs Waterkotte, we carefully investigate your case to build the strongest possible defense. Common strategies in St. Louis sex crime cases include:
- False Allegations: Prove that the accusations are fabricated or motivated by personal reasons, revenge, or misunderstandings.
- Consent: Argue that both parties consented to the activity, and no crime was committed. Consent is not allowed as a defense for crimes involving minors.
- Mistaken Identity: Demonstrate that the accused was wrongly identified as the perpetrator and that someone else may be responsible.
- Alibi: Provide credible evidence that the accused was in another location when the alleged crime occurred.
- Insufficient Evidence: Challenge the prosecution’s failure to meet the burden of proof and expose weaknesses in their case.
- Constitutional Violations: Argue that law enforcement violated your rights during investigation, search, arrest, or questioning, which may make key evidence inadmissible.
- Entrapment: Show that law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you would not have otherwise committed, often in undercover operations.
Can Sex Crime Charges in Missouri Be Dismissed?
Yes, sex crime charges in Missouri can sometimes be dismissed if the prosecution’s evidence is weak, improperly collected, or if key constitutional rights were violated. In some cases, aggressive pretrial motions and defense negotiations may result in reduced charges or complete dismissal, depending on the facts of your case.
