First Degree Statutory Rape Lawyer Kansas City, MO
Hire the top first degree statutory rape defense law firm in Kansas City, Missouri. Whether you’ve been arrested or charged, we can help you.
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First Degree Statutory Rape Lawyer Kansas City, MO
A first degree statutory rape accusation in Kansas City, Missouri can leave you facing decades in prison, sex offender registration requirements, and permanent damage to your reputation. You need a defense team with the experience and resources to fight back against charges this serious.
Combs Waterkotte’s Kansas City statutory rape lawyers have successfully defended against Missouri statutory sex crimes in the past. We’re here to listen to your account without judgment, investigate the facts, explain your options, and protect your rights from the start. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
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!
Y.I.V.
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
What Is First Degree Statutory Rape in Missouri?
Under RSMo §566.032, first degree statutory rape involves sexual intercourse with someone younger than 14 years of age. Prosecutors do not have to prove any physical force or threats in statutory rape cases; even a consenting sexual act can result in a charge.
To prove statutory rape, the state must establish:
- The prohibited conduct
- The child’s age when the sex act allegedly occurred
- The defendant’s involvement
Under Missouri law, sexual intercourse has a specific statutory definition. A relationship, inappropriate messages, or touching do not necessarily establish a completed statutory rape offense.
“[Combs Waterkotte] kept my charges from going to state court. [They] got 3 of my charges reduced to municipal code violations to keep them off my record… 10/10 definitely recommend this [firm]!”
-Michael R. | Combs Waterkotte Client
Consent, Mistaken Age, and Close-in-Age Relationships
Under RSMo §566.020, the state addresses two specific age-related issues when it comes to statutory rape charges and defenses against them:
- Consent: Minors cannot legally consent to sexual acts with adults in Missouri
- Mistake about age: Believing the child was of age is not a recognized defense (even if a child misrepresents their age)
The first degree statutory rape statute also has no close-in-age exceptions. In other words, do not assume a small age difference makes certain sexual conduct lawful.
Attempted First Degree Statutory Rape
Under Missouri law, an attempt requires a purpose to commit an offense and a substantial step toward that purpose. A completed sexual act is not required for someone to be charged with attempted first degree statutory rape.
As potential penalties go, attempted first degree statutory rape is charged the same as statutory rape. Offenders face the same criminal penalties for an attempt and a completed act.
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First Degree Statutory Rape Compared with Other Missouri Sex Crimes
The state of Missouri has several sexual offenses on the books, and the specific charge you face depends on the conduct the state alleges you to have committed. While some offenses may be similar to first degree statutory rape, key differences can affect your charge and potential sentencing:
| Related offense | Key difference |
|---|---|
| Second degree statutory rape | The accused must be at least 21 and the other person younger than 17 |
| First degree rape | Involves forcible compulsion, incapacity, or inability to consent (rather than an age difference) |
| First degree statutory sodomy | Involves a child under 14 and conduct and “deviate sexual intercourse” (instead of intercourse more generally) |
| First degree child molestation | Involves sexual contact with a child under 14 plus an aggravated sexual offense (intercourse is not required) |
These distinctions can make a huge difference when reviewing a charge or a potential plea offer. A different offense is not necessarily a lesser offense, and changing the charge may not eliminate sex offender registration requirements.
Penalties for a First Degree Statutory Rape Conviction in Kansas City, MO
Unlike most Missouri criminal offenses, first degree statutory rape is an unclassified felony with its own sentencing rules. Under the first degree statutory rape statute, the following conduct can result in the following prison sentences:
| Circumstance established in court | Authorized or required imprisonment |
|---|---|
| Baseline offense | A term of at least 10 years (to life) |
| Child younger than 12, or aggravated sexual offense | A term of at least 15 years (to life) |
| Persistent sexual offender | Life without eligibility for probation or parole |
| Predatory sexual offender | Life with a court-set minimum before parole eligibility (lifelong parole supervision if released) |
What Makes a First Degree Statutory Rape Offense Aggravated?
An aggravated sexual offense increases potential penalties if you’re convicted. These acts typically involve:
- Serious physical injury to the child
- A threatening display of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument
- Subjecting the child to intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse with multiple people
- A prior sex offense conviction
- Acts performed by multiple people as part of an established pattern of activity
- An incestual sex act
Separate persistent and predatory sexual offender rules may apply in your case. Under RSMo §566.125, prior convictions can bring sentence enhancements, and predatory status can also depend on qualifying prior acts or multiple victims, even without an earlier conviction.
Parole Eligibility for Statutory Rape Charges
First degree statutory rape is a dangerous felony. Under RSMo §558.019, offenders must serve 85% of their dangerous felony sentence upon conviction before they’re eligible for parole or probation.
Sex Offender Registry and Additional Consequences for a First Degree Statutory Rape Conviction
First degree statutory rape is a Tier III sexual offense. Tier III sex offenses are the most serious category under Missouri law and bring grave consequences, including:
- Lifetime sex offender registration: RSMo §589.400 requires Tier III offenders to remain registered for life
- Frequent reporting: RSMo §589.414 requires in-person verification every 90 days and status updates for changes of residency or vacations
- Lifetime supervision and monitoring: RSMo §217.735 requires lifetime electronic monitoring for convicted individuals
- No ordinary expungement: Under RSMo §610.140, Tier III sex offenses may not be expunged from an individual’s criminal record
A proposed prison term is only part of what you need to understand when negotiating with prosecutors. When you work with us on your case, we’ll explain how sex offender registry obligations could affect your housing, work, and daily life before you make a plea decision.
Criminal Defense Stategies Against First Degree Statutory Rape Charges
Though Missouri laws around age and consent can limit possible defense strategies in a statutory rape case, a defense attorney can still help you fight your charges. Here are some of the strategies we at Combs Waterkotte have used to win statutory rape cases in Missouri in the past.
Identity, Age, and the Alleged Timeline
We compare accusations with birth records, witness accounts, work schedules, location data, and available video evidence. A supported alibi, mistaken identification defense, or incorrect age calculation can change the case. When allegations span several dates, we examine each alleged event and develop a timeline to help prove your whereabouts.
Interview Methods and Inconsistent Accounts
We review police interviews and recordings to look for potential issues. Leading questions, information supplied by other people, and material changes in an account may require further investigation. Our attorneys can dig to find information that may challenge the prosecution’s version of events.
Medical, DNA, and Digital Evidence
Our team examines evidence collection procedures, chain of custody, lab conclusions, and whether an expert’s opinion goes beyond the actual findings. We also seek complete message threads and account records rather than relying on isolated screenshots. When appropriate, we can hire independent experts to help evaluate disputed medical or technical evidence.
Unlawful Searches and Improperly Obtained Statements
We examine warrants, phone searches, and interview procedures for violations of your constitutional rights. An unlawful search may support a motion to suppress evidence. Excluding critical evidence can weaken the prosecution’s case and result in either reduced charges or even an outright dismissal.
What to Do When You Are Accused of First Degree Statutory Rape in Kansas City, MO
Trying to resolve a statutory rape allegation yourself can be difficult (if not outright impossible). Before speaking with investigators or anyone connected to the accusation, be sure to take the following steps:
- Get legal advice: Invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney before answering investors’ questions.
- Preserve evidence: Do not delete messages, alter devices, or create a misleading account of the events.
- Avoid contacting the alleged victim: Do not confront the child, approach their family members, or ask anyone to influence a witness.
- Follow court orders: Comply with bond and no-contact conditions, attend hearings, and avoid discussing your case online.
Why Choose Combs Waterkotte for Your Kansas City Statutory Rape Defense?
Our Kansas City sex crimes attorneys bring decades of combined experience to fighting statutory rape charges. We provide direct, honest answers, investigate every aspect of the case, and prepare to challenge the state’s evidence in court. You deserve representation that takes your future seriously and fights for the best possible outcome.
From the initial investigation through negotiations or trial, we help you understand what is disputed, what the prosecution has to prove, and what each available option would mean for you. We’ve successfully handled over 15,000 criminal cases, and we’re ready to add yours to our growing list.
How We Build Your First Degree Statutory Rape Defense
When taking on a statutory rape charge in Kansas City, Missouri, our work is tailored to the specifics of the allegation and the records available in your case. We focus on:
- Early investigation: Identifying witnesses and seeking time-sensitive records before they disappear
- Evidence review: Testing the prosecution’s account against independent records and qualified expert analysis
- Sentencing review: Checking age allegations, aggravating factors, prior findings, and the applicable statutory version
- Case strategy: Pursuing dismissal or reduced charges when supported, evaluating offers, and preparing for trial when necessary
Contact a First Degree Statutory Rape Lawyer in Kansas City, Missouri
A first degree statutory rape allegation can spiral out of control quickly. Getting qualified legal help can be the difference between going free and spending years behind bars. At Combs Waterkotte, he represents people facing serious sex crime allegations in Kansas City, Jackson County, and throughout all of Missouri. Call (314) 900-HELP or request a free, confidential consultation online and take the first step toward fighting back against your statutory rape charges.
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.
Can a Sex Crime Conviction be Expunged From My Record in Missouri?
Do I Need a Lawyer if I’m Innocent in a Sex Crime Case?
Can I Sue for Being Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault?
How Can I Clear My Name After Being Falsely Accused Of a Sex Crime?
How Does the Sex Offender Registry Work in Missouri?
Can Sex Crime Charges Be Dropped?
What Are the Different Levels of the Sex Offender Registry in Missouri?
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