Rape Defense Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO. Facing a rape accusation in Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO legal system.
You need to hire Combs Waterkotte. Call one of our knowledgeable Lake St. Louis, MO rape defense lawyers right now 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 Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? Andrew Russek, a lawyer with leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses the sex offender registry and federal sex …
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State?
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than …
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …
Everything You Need To Know About Federal Criminal Charges
Featured on Hexxen Studios, Chris Combs and Andrew Russek sat down to talk about federal criminal charges. In this video, you can learn about different types of federal charges, how they differ …
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 …
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? Andrew Russek, a lawyer with leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses the sex offender registry and federal sex …
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State?
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than …
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …
Everything You Need To Know About Federal Criminal Charges
Featured on Hexxen Studios, Chris Combs and Andrew Russek sat down to talk about federal criminal charges. In this video, you can learn about different types of federal charges, how they differ …
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 …
Rape Defense Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO: Understanding the Penalties in Missouri
The penalties for rape charges in Lake St. Louis, MO are severe and can vary depending on the specifics of your case. They 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 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 is anywhere from 5 years to life imprisonment. Some 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 Lake St. Louis, 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 need and deserve.
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, punishable by 3 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Aggravating Factors
Certain circumstances can lead to more severe penalties for any degree of rape in Lake St. Louis, MO, including but not limited to:
- Use of a deadly weapon
- Inflicting serious physical harm to the accuser
- Previous convictions for sexual offenses
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Protect Your Life
A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
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Know Your Next Steps
Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
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Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
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Rape Defense Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO: Essential Qualites for an Effective Attorney on Your Side
Given the severity of a rape accusation, hiring a knowledgable and persistent rape defense lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO is crucial. Key attributes to seek in a defense attorney include:
- Experience & Proven Track Record: It is vital to choose a lawyer with a proven history of successfully handling rape defense cases. Their past achievements can reflect their capability to effectively manage your case. The rape defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte boast over 60 years of combined experience defending clients and their innocence in the Lake St. Louis, 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, unlike 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 Lake St. Louis, MO area.
- Excellent Communication Skills: Your attorney should be able to clearly explain legal terms, processes, and strategies, making sure you fully understand your situation and options. Combs Waterkotte’s rape defense lawyers provide free, no-strings-attached consultations that offer expert legal advice and guidance.
- Empathy & Professionalism: Facing a rape accusation is emotionally challenging. An empathetic attorney who maintains professionalism can provide 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 Lake St. Louis, MO.
St. Charles County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Charles County and Missouri.
Rape Defense Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
If you have been charged with rape in or near Lake St. Louis, MO, your first move should be to call 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.
Reasons to hire our Lake St. Louis, MO lawyers include:
- Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Lake St. Louis, MO have a deep understanding 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 requirements essential for crafting a strong defense. - Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
Rape cases often rely on physical evidence, witness testimonies, and expert analysis. Our seasoned lawyers conduct thorough investigations, meticulously gather and scrutinize evidence, and 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 minimizes the impact on your life.
Rape Defense Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO: Effective Defense Tactics by Combs Waterkotte
A Lake St. Louis, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte utilizes a range of defense tactics, including:
- Challenging the Accuser’s Credibility: This approach involves scrutinizing the accuser’s testimony and background for inconsistencies, possible motives for false accusations, or credibility concerns.
- Consent: In Lake St. Louis, MO cases where consent is at issue, your defense lawyer can present evidence and testimony that demonstrate the encounter was consensual. This might include prior communications, previous relationship history, or witness testimony.
- Forensic Evidence: Examining and challenging forensic evidence, like DNA, can be crucial. Our skilled rape defense lawyer partners with forensic experts to find any mistakes or misinterpretations in the prosecution’s evidence.
- Alibi and Witness Evidence: Presenting an alibi or witness evidence that disputes the accuser’s account can be an effective 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 Lake St. Louis, MO rape defense lawyer can move to suppress that evidence.
When you’re facing a rape accusation in or around Lake St. Louis, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal rape defense lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable rape defense lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Lake St. Louis, MO residents:
Reach Out to an Expert Lake St. Louis, MO Rape Defense Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Immediately
Facing a rape accusation in Lake St. Louis, MO or anywhere in Missouri requires the immediate expertise of a specialized attorney. From defending your rights and thoroughly investigating the case to developing effective defense strategies, a proactive Lake St. Louis, MO rape defense lawyer is essential to achieving 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 Lake St. Louis, MO.
