Rape Defense Lawyer in Lafayette County, MO. Facing a rape accusation in Lafayette 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 Lafayette County, MO legal system.
You need to hire Combs Waterkotte. Call one of our esteemed Lafayette County, MO rape defense lawyers immediately 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 Lafayette County, MO: Understanding the Penalties in Missouri
Facing rape charges in Lafayette County, MO comes with serious consequences that depend on the details of your case. These penalties include:
Rape in the First Degree
As defined by Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030, rape in the first degree occurs when an individual has sexual intercourse with someone 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 Lafayette 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.
Rape in the Second Degree
RSMo. § 566.031 qualifies rape in the second degree as sexual intercourse with another individual knowing that he or she does so without that person’s 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 factors can lead to more severe penalties for any degree of rape in Lafayette County, MO, including but not limited to:
- Use of a deadly weapon
- Causing serious physical injury to the other individual
- Previous convictions for sexual offenses
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Rape Defense Lawyer in Lafayette County, 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 Lafayette County, MO. 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 previous successes can be indicative of their ability to manage your case effectively. The rape defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte have over seven decades of combined experience defending clients and their innocence in the Lafayette County, MO area and beyond.
- Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney specializing in sexual offenses will possess more profound insights and strategies specific to these cases, compared 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 Lafayette County, MO area.
- Strong Communication Abilities: Your lawyer 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 case reviews that offer expert legal advice and guidance.
- Compassion & Professionalism: Dealing with a rape accusation is emotionally challenging. An empathetic attorney who upholds professionalism can give you the support and confidence you need during this difficult time. Our legal team is dedicated to providing top-tier legal representation in Lafayette County, MO.
Lafayette County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Lafayette County and Missouri.
Rape Defense Lawyer in Lafayette County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
If you have been charged with rape in or near Lafayette County, MO, the first thing you should do is 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 Lafayette County, MO lawyers include:
- Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Lafayette County, MO have an extensive knowledge of sexual offense laws throughout Missouri and the legal nuances that come with these cases. They are well-versed in the relevant statutes, precedents, and procedural requirements needed to build a robust defense. - Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
Rape cases often hinge on physical evidence, witness testimonies, and expert analysis. Our experienced attorneys perform comprehensive investigations, gather and scrutinize evidence, and challenge the prosecution’s assertions. - 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 protecting you from 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 Lafayette County, MO: Effective Defense Tactics by Combs Waterkotte
A Lafayette County, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte employs a variety of defense strategies, including:
- Challenging the Credibility of the Accuser: This approach involves examining the accuser’s testimony and background for inconsistencies, potential motives for false accusations, or other credibility issues.
- Consent: In Lafayette County, MO cases where consent is at issue, your defense lawyer can provide evidence and testimony that demonstrate the encounter was consensual. This might include communications between you and the accuser, previous relationship history, or witness statements.
- Forensic Evidence: Examining and challenging forensic evidence, like DNA, can be crucial. Our skilled rape defense lawyer collaborates with forensic experts to identify any errors or misinterpretations in the evidence presented by the prosecution.
- Alibi and Witness Evidence: Providing an alibi or witness testimony that contradicts the accuser’s account can be a strong defense strategy.
- Procedural Defenses: If law enforcement or the prosecution failed to follow proper procedures, like obtaining evidence illegally or violating your rights in any way, our Lafayette County, MO rape defense lawyer will work to have such evidence excluded.
When you are accused of rape in or around Lafayette County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading rape defense lawyer in Lafayette County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed rape defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Lafayette County and beyond:
Reach Out to an Expert Lafayette County, MO Rape Defense Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re accused of rape in Lafayette County, MO or anywhere in Missouri, consulting with a specialized attorney is a crucial first step to protect your future. From protecting your rights and investigating the case to forming strong defense strategies, a proactive Lafayette County, MO rape defense lawyer is essential to achieving the best possible outcome in your case.
Call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation in Lafayette County, MO.
