Rape Defense Lawyer in Holts Summit, MO. Facing a rape accusation in Holts Summit, 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 Holts Summit, MO legal system.
You need to hire Combs Waterkotte. Reach out to one of our esteemed Holts Summit, MO rape defense lawyers immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and get expert guidance on how to proceed.
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 Holts Summit, MO: Understanding the Penalties in Missouri
Facing rape charges in Holts Summit, 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 through 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. It’s crucial to have a dedicated rape defense lawyer on your side in Holts Summit, 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 deserve.
Rape in the Second Degree
As defined by RSMo. § 566.031, rape in the second degree occurs when an individual knowingly engages in sexual intercourse without the other person’s consent. This crime is 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 enhanced penalties under either degree of rape in Holts Summit, MO, including but not limited to:
- Use of a deadly weapon
- Inflicting serious physical harm to the accuser
- Previous convictions for sexual offenses

Rape Defense Lawyer in Holts Summit, 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 Holts Summit, MO a necessity. Things to look for in a defense attorney include:
- Experience & Proven Track Record: Seek out a lawyer with a demonstrated history of handling rape defense cases similar to yours. Their past achievements can reflect their capability to effectively manage your case. The rape defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte boast more than 60 years of combined experience defending clients and their innocence in the Holts Summit, MO area and beyond.
- Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney who focuses on sexual offenses will have deeper insights and strategies specific to these cases, as opposed 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 Holts Summit, MO area.
- Strong Communication Skills: Your attorney should be able to clearly explain legal terms, processes, and strategies, ensuring you fully understand your situation and options. Combs Waterkotte’s rape defense lawyers offer free, no-strings-attached consultations that do exactly that – providing expert legal advice and guidance.
- Compassion & Professionalism: Dealing with a rape accusation is emotionally challenging. An empathetic attorney who maintains professionalism can give you the support and confidence you need during this tough time. Our legal team stops at nothing to provide you with the best possible legal representation in Holts Summit, MO.
Callaway County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Callaway County and Missouri.
Rape Defense Lawyer in Holts Summit, MO: Why You Need to Hire Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing a rape charge in or anywhere around Holts Summit, MO, your first move should be to call 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 Holts Summit, MO lawyers include:
- Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Holts Summit, 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 intricacies needed to build a strong defense. - Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
Rape cases often hinge on physical evidence, witness testimony, and expert analysis. Our seasoned attorneys perform comprehensive investigations, meticulously gather and scrutinize evidence, and rigorously challenge the prosecution’s assertions. - Protection of Rights:
A Combs Waterkotte defense attorney will vigilantly protect your constitutional rights 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 Holts Summit, MO: Effective Defense Tactics by Combs Waterkotte
A Holts Summit, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte utilizes a range of defense tactics, including:
- Scrutinizing the Accuser’s Credibility: This strategy involves examining the accuser’s testimony and background for inconsistencies, potential motives for false accusations, or other credibility issues.
- Consent: In Holts Summit, MO cases where consent is disputed, your defense lawyer can present evidence and testimony to show that the encounter was consensual. This can include communications between you and the accuser, previous relationship history, or witness testimony.
- Forensic Evidence: Challenging forensic evidence, such as DNA, is essential. Our knowledgeable rape defense lawyer collaborates with forensic experts to identify any errors or misinterpretations in the prosecution’s evidence.
- Alibi and Witness Testimony: Providing an alibi or witness evidence that contradicts the accuser’s account can be a strong defense strategy.
- Procedural Defenses: If law enforcement or the prosecution failed to adhere to proper procedures, such as conducting illegal searches or violating your rights, our Holts Summit, MO rape defense lawyer can move to suppress that evidence.
When you’re facing a rape accusation in or around Holts Summit, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best rape defense lawyer in Holts Summit, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our seasoned rape defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Holts Summit and beyond:

Contact an Experienced Holts Summit, MO Rape Defense Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re accused of rape in Holts Summit, MO or anywhere in Missouri, consulting with a specialized attorney is a crucial first step to protect your future. From protecting your rights and thoroughly investigating the case to forming effective defense strategies, an assertive Holts Summit, MO rape defense lawyer is essential to achieving the best possible outcome in your case.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation in Holts Summit, MO.

