Rape Defense Lawyer Lake St. Louis, MO

Rape Defense Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO. If you are facing a rape accusation in Lake St. Louis, 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. You need to hire a specialized rape defense attorney to navigate the complexities of the Lake St. Louis, MO legal system and get you the best possible outcome.

Turn to Combs Waterkotte for help. 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.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO: Understanding the Penalties in Missouri

Facing rape charges in Lake St. Louis, 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 they engage in sexual intercourse with another person who is incapacitated, incapable of consent, or lacks the capacity to consent, or by the use of forcible compulsion – which includes the use of a substance administered without that person’s knowledge or consent, rendering them physically or mentally impaired so as to be incapable of making an informed consent to sexual intercourse.

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 Lake St. Louis, MO, fighting tirelessly for you. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to get the help you 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. The penalty 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 more severe penalties for any degree of rape in Lake St. Louis, MO, including but not limited to:

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

Rape Defense Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO a necessity. Important qualities to look for in a defense attorney include:

• Experience & Track Record: It is vital to choose a lawyer with a proven history of successfully handling rape defense cases. Their previous successes can be indicative of their ability to manage your case effectively. The rape defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte boast more than seven decades of combined experience defending clients and their innocence in Lake St. Louis, MO.
• Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney who focuses on sexual offenses will have deeper insights and strategies specific to these cases, unlike a general criminal defense lawyer. Combs Waterkotte is a law firm that specializes in defending against rape and other sexual crimes anywhere in the Lake St. Louis, MO area.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Your attorney should clearly explain legal terms, processes, and strategies, ensuring you fully understand your situation and options. Combs Waterkotte’s rape defense lawyers provide free, no-strings-attached consultations that do exactly that – providing expert legal advice and guidance.
• Empathy & Professionalism: Facing a rape accusation is emotionally challenging. A compassionate 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.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

If you have been charged with rape in or around Lake St. Louis, MO, the first thing you should do is 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.

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 possess 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 intricacies essential for crafting a strong defense.
• Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
  Rape cases often rely on physical evidence, witness testimony, and expert analysis. Our experienced attorneys perform comprehensive investigations, gather and examine evidence, and challenge the prosecution’s case.
• Protection of Rights:
  A Combs Waterkotte defense attorney will make sure 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.
• Negotiation Skills:
  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 minimizes the impact on your life.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO: Key Defense Strategies Used by Combs Waterkotte

A Lake St. Louis, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte utilizes a range of defense tactics, including:

• Scrutinizing the Accuser’s Credibility: This defense strategy involves scrutinizing the accuser’s testimony and background for inconsistencies, motives for false accusations, or credibility issues.
• 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 communications between you and the accuser, past relationship history, or witness statements.
• Analyzing Forensic Evidence: Examining and challenging forensic evidence, like DNA, can be crucial. Our skilled 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 testimony that disputes the accuser’s account can be a powerful defense strategy.
• Procedural Defenses: If law enforcement or the prosecution failed to follow proper procedures, such as obtaining evidence illegally or violating your rights in any way, our Lake St. Louis, MO rape defense lawyer can move to have such evidence suppressed.

When you are accused of rape in or around Lake St. Louis, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the leading rape defense lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed rape defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Lake St. Louis, MO residents:

• Weapons Crime Attorney
• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer

Get in Touch With a Skilled Lake St. Louis, MO Rape Defense Lawyer Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

If you are facing a rape accusation in Lake St. Louis, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, seeking the expertise of a specialized attorney is the first essential step in safeguarding your future. From protecting your rights and investigating the case to developing robust defense strategies, an aggressive Lake St. Louis, MO rape defense lawyer is indispensable in getting the best possible outcome.

Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review in Lake St. Louis, MO.