Rape Defense Lawyer in Crestwood, MO. Facing a rape accusation in Crestwood, 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 Crestwood, MO legal system.
You need to hire Combs Waterkotte. Call one of our experienced Crestwood, MO rape defense lawyers right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation 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 …
Rape Defense Lawyer in Crestwood, MO: What are the Penalties in Missouri?
The penalties for rape charges in Crestwood, MO are severe and can vary depending on the specifics of your case. They 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 can involve administering a substance without the person’s knowledge or consent, impairing their ability to make an informed decision.
The penalties for this crime range from 5 years to life imprisonment, with more severe charges carrying mandatory minimum sentences of 15-30 years. You need a rape defense lawyer in your corner in Crestwood, MO, fighting tirelessly for you. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to get the help you 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. This offense is classified as a class C felony, punishable by 3 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Aggravating Factors
Certain factors can lead to more severe penalties for either degree of rape in Crestwood, MO, including but not limited to:
- Use of a deadly weapon
- Causing serious physical injury to the other individual
- Previous convictions for sexual offenses

Rape Defense Lawyer in Crestwood, MO: Key Attributes of an Effective Attorney to Have on Your Side
The seriousness of a rape accusation necessitates hiring a knowledgable and determined rape defense lawyer in Crestwood, MO. Key attributes to seek in a defense attorney include:
- Experience & Proven 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 have over seven decades of combined experience defending clients and their innocence throughout the Crestwood, MO area.
- Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney who focuses on sexual offenses will have more profound insights and strategies tailored to these types of cases, compared to a general criminal defense lawyer. Combs Waterkotte is a law firm that specializes in defending against rape and other sexual crimes anywhere in the Crestwood, MO area.
- Strong Communication Abilities: Your lawyer should clearly explain legal terms, processes, and strategies, ensuring you fully understand your situation and options. Combs Waterkotte’s rape defense lawyers provide free, no-strings-attached case reviews that do exactly that – providing expert legal advice and guidance.
- Empathy & Professionalism: Dealing with a rape accusation is emotionally challenging. An empathetic attorney who maintains professionalism can give you the support and confidence needed during this difficult time. Our legal team stops at nothing to provide you with the best possible legal representation in Crestwood, MO.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Rape Defense Lawyer in Crestwood, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing a rape charge in or around Crestwood, MO, your first move should be to contact a rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte now. 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 Crestwood, MO lawyers include:
- Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Crestwood, MO have an extensive knowledge of sexual offense laws throughout Missouri and the legal nuances that come with these cases. They are proficient in the statutes, precedents, and procedural requirements necessary to build a robust defense. - Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
Rape cases often hinge on physical evidence, witness testimonies, and expert analysis. Our seasoned attorneys conduct thorough investigations, meticulously gather and examine evidence, and rigorously challenge the prosecution’s case. - Protection of Rights:
A Combs Waterkotte defense attorney will ensure 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 going to trial isn’t the best option for you, our adept rape defense 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 Crestwood, MO: Some Common Defense Strategies Employed by Combs Waterkotte
A Crestwood, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte utilizes a range of defense tactics, including:
- Scrutinizing the Credibility of the Accuser: This approach involves scrutinizing the accuser’s testimony and background for inconsistencies, motives for false accusations, or other credibility issues.
- Consent: In Crestwood, MO cases where consent is disputed, your defense lawyer can provide evidence and testimony to show that the encounter was consensual. This might include communications between you and the accuser, past relationship history, or witness testimony.
- Forensic Evidence: Examining and challenging forensic evidence, like DNA, can be crucial. Our experienced rape defense lawyer will work with a network of forensic experts to find any mistakes or misinterpretations in the evidence presented by the prosecution.
- 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 adhere to proper procedures, such as conducting illegal searches or violating your rights in any way, our Crestwood, MO rape defense lawyer can move to suppress that evidence.
When you are accused of rape in or around Crestwood, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best rape defense lawyer in Crestwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our seasoned rape defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Crestwood, MO residents:

Contact an Experienced Crestwood, MO Rape Defense Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Immediately
If you’re accused of rape in Crestwood, MO or anywhere in Missouri, consulting with a specialized attorney is a crucial first step to protect your future. From defending your rights and thoroughly investigating the case to crafting effective defense strategies, an aggressive Crestwood, MO rape defense lawyer is key to securing the best possible outcome in your case.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review in Crestwood, MO.

