Rape Defense Lawyer in Lafayette County, MO. If you are facing a rape accusation in Lafayette County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, this is probably the most daunting and distressing time of your life. The stakes are incredibly high, with possible long-term – if not permanent – consequences including imprisonment, hefty fines, and an irreparable stigma on your criminal 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. Reach out to one of our knowledgeable Lafayette County, MO rape defense lawyers right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review and get expert guidance on how to proceed.
Rape Defense Lawyer in Lafayette County, MO: Understanding the Penalties in Missouri
The penalties for rape charges in Lafayette County, 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 through forcible compulsion – which includes the use of a substance administered without that person’s knowledge or consent, rendering he or she physically or mentally impaired so as to be incapable of making an informed consent to sexual intercourse.
The penalty for this offense is anywhere from 5 years to life imprisonment. Some more severe charges carry mandatory minimum sentences of 15-30 years. You need a rape defense lawyer in your corner in Lafayette County, MO, fighting tirelessly 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 crime 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette County, MO: Essential Qualites for an Effective Attorney 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 past achievements can reflect their capability to effectively manage your case. The rape defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte have more than 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 tailored to these types of 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.
- Excellent Communication Skills: 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-obligation case reviews that do exactly that – providing expert legal advice and guidance.
- Compassion & Professionalism: Facing a rape accusation is emotionally taxing. A compassionate attorney who upholds professionalism can offer the support and confidence needed during this tough time. Our legal team stops at nothing to provide you with the best possible 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: The Importance of Hiring Combs Waterkotte
If you have been charged with rape in or anywhere around Lafayette County, MO, your first move should be to contact 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.
Why you should hire our Lafayette County, MO attorneys:
- Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Lafayette County, MO possess extensive knowledge of sexual offense laws throughout Missouri and the legal nuances that come with these cases. They are well-versed in the statutes, precedents, and procedural intricacies needed to build a strong defense. - Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
Rape cases often rely on physical evidence, witness testimony, and expert analysis. Our seasoned lawyers conduct thorough investigations, meticulously gather and scrutinize evidence, and rigorously challenge the prosecution’s case. - 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 protecting you from self-incrimination. - Negotiation Skills:
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 has a wealth of defense strategies to pull from, including:
- Scrutinizing the Credibility of the Accuser: This defense strategy involves examining the accuser’s testimony and background for inconsistencies, motives for false accusations, or credibility concerns.
- Consent: In Lafayette County, MO cases where consent is disputed, your defense lawyer can provide evidence and testimony that demonstrate the encounter was consensual. This might include communications between you and the accuser, past relationship history, or witness testimony.
- Analyzing Forensic Evidence: Examining and challenging forensic evidence, like DNA, can be crucial. Our experienced rape defense lawyer partners with forensic experts to identify any errors or misinterpretations in the prosecution’s evidence.
- Alibi and Witness Evidence: Providing an alibi or witness testimony that disputes the accuser’s account can be a strong defense strategy.
- Procedural Defenses: If law enforcement or the prosecution did not adhere to proper procedures, such as obtaining evidence illegally or violating your rights in any way, our Lafayette County, MO rape defense lawyer can move to have such evidence suppressed.
When you’re accused of rape in or around Lafayette County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best rape defense lawyer in Lafayette County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed rape defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Lafayette County and beyond:
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
Get in Touch With a Skilled Lafayette County, MO Rape Defense Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Immediately
Facing a rape accusation in Lafayette County, MO or anywhere in Missouri requires the immediate expertise of a specialized attorney. From defending your rights and thoroughly investigating the case to developing robust defense strategies, an aggressive Lafayette County, MO rape defense lawyer is key to securing 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 Lafayette County, MO.