Rape Defense Lawyer in Buchanan County, MO. Facing a rape accusation in Buchanan County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri is incredibly overwhelming. The stakes are high, with potential penalties including lengthy imprisonment, heavy fines, and a lasting impact on your reputation and record. To ensure you have the best possible defense, it’s crucial to hire a specialized rape defense attorney who understands the intricacies of the Buchanan County, MO legal system.
You need to hire Combs Waterkotte. Reach out to one of our knowledgeable Buchanan County, MO rape defense lawyers right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review to discuss your situation and receive expert advice on your next steps.
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 …
Rape Defense Lawyer in Buchanan County, MO: Understanding the Penalties in Missouri
Facing rape charges in Buchanan County, MO comes with serious consequences that depend on the details of your case. These penalties include:
Rape in the First Degree
According to Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030, an individual commits rape in the first degree if they engage in sexual intercourse with another person who is incapacitated, incapable of consent, or lacks the capacity to consent, or by the use of forcible compulsion – which includes the use of a substance administered without that person’s knowledge or consent, rendering them physically or mentally impaired so as to be incapable of making an informed consent to sexual intercourse.
The penalties for this crime range from 5 years to life imprisonment, with more severe charges carrying mandatory minimum sentences of 15-30 years. It’s crucial to have a dedicated rape defense lawyer on your side in Buchanan County, MO, advocating for you every step of the way. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to get the help you need and deserve.
Rape in the Second Degree
According to RSMo. § 566.031, rape in the second degree involves engaging in sexual intercourse with another person while knowing that they do not consent. The penalty is a class C felony, carrying 3-10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Aggravating Factors
Certain circumstances can lead to enhanced penalties for either degree of rape in Buchanan County, MO, including but not limited to:
- Use of a deadly weapon
- Inflicting serious physical harm to the accuser
- Previous convictions for sexual offenses
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Rape Defense Lawyer in Buchanan County, MO: Essential Qualites for an Effective Attorney on Your Side
The gravity of a rape accusation makes hiring a knowledgable and tenacious rape defense lawyer in Buchanan County, MO a necessity. Key attributes to seek in a defense attorney include:
- Experience & Track Record: You should look for a lawyer with a proven track record in handling rape defense cases just like yours. Their past achievements can reflect their capability to effectively manage your case. The rape defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte boast over seven decades of combined experience defending clients and their innocence throughout the Buchanan County, MO area.
- Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney who focuses on sexual offenses will possess more profound insights and strategies tailored to these types of cases, as opposed to a general criminal defense lawyer. Combs Waterkotte is a law firm that focuses on the defense of rape and other sexual crimes anywhere in the Buchanan County, MO area.
- Strong Communication Abilities: Your attorney should clearly explain legal terms, processes, and strategies, ensuring you fully understand your situation and options. Combs Waterkotte’s rape defense lawyers offer free, no-obligation case reviews that offer expert legal advice and guidance.
- Compassion & Professionalism: Dealing with a rape accusation is emotionally taxing. A compassionate attorney who maintains professionalism can give you the support and confidence needed during this tough time. Our legal team is committed to providing you with the best possible legal representation throughout the Buchanan County, MO area.
Buchanan County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Buchanan County and Missouri.
Rape Defense Lawyer in Buchanan County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
If you have been charged with rape in or around Buchanan County, MO, your first move should be to call a rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte immediately. Our attorneys are available 24/7 by calling (314) 900-HELP or reaching out online to discuss the specifics of your case.
Reasons to hire our Buchanan County, MO lawyers include:
- Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Buchanan County, MO have a deep understanding of sexual offense laws throughout Missouri and the legal nuances that come with these cases. They are proficient in the relevant statutes, precedents, and procedural requirements necessary to build a strong defense. - Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
Rape cases often rely on physical evidence, witness testimony, and expert analysis. Our seasoned attorneys perform comprehensive investigations, gather and scrutinize evidence, and rigorously challenge the prosecution’s case. - Protection of Rights:
A Combs Waterkotte defense attorney will make sure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process. This includes preventing unlawful searches and seizures, ensuring you receive a fair trial, and safeguarding against self-incrimination. - Effective Negotiation:
If a trial is not in your best interest, our skilled rape defense legal team can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce charges or secure a plea deal that lessens the impact on your life.
Rape Defense Lawyer in Buchanan County, MO: Effective Defense Tactics by Combs Waterkotte
A Buchanan County, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte utilizes a range of defense tactics, including:
- Challenging the Accuser’s Credibility: This defense strategy involves analyzing the accuser’s testimony and background for inconsistencies, possible motives for false accusations, or other credibility concerns.
- Consent: In Buchanan County, MO cases where consent is disputed, your defense lawyer can present evidence and testimony to show that the encounter was consensual. This might include prior communications, previous relationship history, or witness testimony.
- Analyzing Forensic Evidence: Challenging forensic evidence, such as DNA, is essential. Our knowledgeable rape defense lawyer will work with a network of forensic experts to identify any errors or misinterpretations in the prosecution’s evidence.
- Alibi and Witness Evidence: Providing an alibi or witness evidence that contradicts the accuser’s account can be a powerful defense strategy.
- Procedural Defenses: If law enforcement or the prosecution did not follow proper procedures, such as conducting illegal searches or violating your rights, our Buchanan County, MO rape defense lawyer will work to have such evidence excluded.
When you’re accused of rape in or around Buchanan County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal rape defense lawyer in Buchanan County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our seasoned rape defense lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Buchanan County and beyond:
Get in Touch With a Skilled Buchanan County, MO Rape Defense Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you are facing a rape accusation in Buchanan County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, seeking the expertise of a specialized attorney is the first essential step in safeguarding your future. From defending your rights and investigating the case to developing effective defense strategies, an aggressive Buchanan County, MO rape defense lawyer is indispensable in getting the best possible outcome in your case.
Reach out to Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation in Buchanan County, MO.
