Rape Defense Lawyer Franklin County, MO

Rape Defense Lawyer in Franklin County, MO. Facing a rape accusation in Franklin 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. You need to hire a specialized rape defense attorney to navigate the complexities of the Franklin County, MO legal system and get you the best possible outcome.

Turn to Combs Waterkotte for help. Call one of our knowledgeable Franklin 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.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Franklin County, MO: Understanding the Penalties in Missouri

Facing rape charges in Franklin 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 he or she has sexual intercourse with another individual 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 penalty for this offense ranges from 5 years to life imprisonment. More severe charges carry mandatory minimum sentences of 15-30 years. You need a rape defense lawyer in your corner in Franklin County, MO, doing whatever it takes to fight for you. 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. This offense is classified as a class C felony, which can result in a person sentence ranging from 3 to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

Aggravating Factors

Certain circumstances can lead to more severe penalties for either degree of rape in Franklin County, MO, including but not limited to:

• Use of a deadly weapon
• Causing serious physical injury to the other individual
• Having prior convictions for sexual offenses

Rape Defense Lawyer in Franklin County, MO: Qualities of an Effective Attorney to Have on Your Side

The gravity of a rape accusation makes hiring a knowledgable and tenacious rape defense lawyer in Franklin County, MO a necessity. Important qualities to look for 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 have over 60 years of combined experience defending clients and their innocence in Franklin County, MO.
• Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney specializing in sexual offenses will possess 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 the defense of rape and other sexual crimes anywhere in the Franklin County, MO area.
• Strong Communication Skills: Your attorney should clearly explain legal terms, processes, and strategies, making sure you fully understand your situation and options. Combs Waterkotte’s rape defense lawyers offer free, no-strings-attached case reviews that offer expert legal advice and guidance.
• Empathy & Professionalism: Dealing with a rape accusation is emotionally taxing. An empathetic attorney who maintains professionalism can give you the support and confidence you need during this difficult time. Our legal team stops at nothing to provide you with the best possible legal representation throughout the Franklin County, MO area.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Franklin County, MO: Why You Need to Hire Combs Waterkotte

If you have been charged with rape in or around Franklin County, MO, your first move should be to call a rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte right away. 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 Franklin County, MO lawyers include:

• Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
  The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Franklin 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 statutes, precedents, and procedural intricacies needed to build a strong defense.
• Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
  Rape cases often hinge on physical evidence, witness testimony, and expert analysis. Our experienced lawyers conduct thorough investigations, meticulously gather and scrutinize evidence, and 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 Franklin County, MO: Effective Defense Tactics by Combs Waterkotte

A Franklin County, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte has a wealth of defense strategies to pull from, including:

• Challenging the Credibility of the Accuser: This defense strategy involves examining the accuser’s testimony and background for inconsistencies, possible motives for false accusations, or credibility concerns.
• Consent: In Franklin County, MO cases where consent is at issue, your defense lawyer can provide evidence and testimony to show that the encounter was consensual. This might include prior communications, previous relationship history, or witness testimony.
• Forensic Evidence: Challenging forensic evidence, such as DNA, is critical. Our experienced rape defense lawyer collaborates with 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 disputes 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 in any way, our Franklin County, MO rape defense lawyer can move to have such evidence suppressed.

When you’re facing a rape accusation in or around Franklin County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the best rape defense lawyer in Franklin County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our seasoned rape defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Franklin County, MO residents:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney
• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer

Reach Out to an Expert Franklin County, MO Rape Defense Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Immediately

Facing a rape accusation in Franklin County, MO or anywhere in Missouri requires the immediate expertise of a specialized attorney. From protecting your rights and thoroughly investigating the case to forming robust defense strategies, a proactive Franklin County, MO rape defense lawyer is indispensable in getting the best possible outcome.

Reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review in Franklin County, MO.