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Lake St. Louis, MO

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Last Updated: August 6, 2024

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.

Turn to Combs Waterkotte for help. Call one of our esteemed Lake St. Louis, MO rape defense lawyers right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and receive expert advice on your next steps.

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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 ranges from 5 years to life imprisonment. More severe charges carry mandatory minimum sentences of 15-30 years. You need a rape defense lawyer in your corner in Lake St. Louis, 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 and 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. 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 more severe penalties for either 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
  • Having prior convictions for sexual offenses

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Rape Defense Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO: Qualities of an Effective Attorney to Have 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. 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 over 60 years 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 possess deeper 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 Lake St. Louis, MO area.
  • Excellent Communication Abilities: Your attorney should 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 to provide expert legal advice and guidance.
  • Compassion & Professionalism: Facing a rape accusation is emotionally challenging. An empathetic attorney who upholds professionalism can provide the support and confidence you need during this tough time. Our legal team is committed to providing you with the best possible legal representation in Lake St. Louis, MO.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO: The Importance of Hiring Combs Waterkotte

If you are facing a rape charge in or anywhere around Lake St. Louis, MO, your first move should be to contact 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.

Why you should hire our Lake St. Louis, MO attorneys:

  • Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
    The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Lake St. Louis, 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 statutes, precedents, and procedural intricacies needed to build a robust defense.
  • Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
    Rape cases often hinge on physical evidence, witness testimony, and expert analysis. Our experienced lawyers perform comprehensive investigations, meticulously 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.
  • 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 lessens 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 analyzing the accuser’s testimony and background for inconsistencies, motives for false accusations, or other credibility concerns.
  • Consent: In Lake St. Louis, MO cases where consent is disputed, your defense lawyer can provide evidence and testimony that demonstrate the encounter was consensual. This can include prior communications, past relationship history, or witness testimony.
  • Analyzing Forensic Evidence: Challenging forensic evidence, such as DNA, is essential. Our knowledgeable rape defense lawyer partners with forensic experts to find any mistakes or misinterpretations in the prosecution’s evidence.
  • Alibi and Witness Testimony: Presenting 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, our Lake St. Louis, MO rape defense lawyer will work to have such evidence excluded.

When you’re facing a rape accusation in or around Lake St. Louis, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best rape defense lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our seasoned rape defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Lake St. Louis, MO residents:

Rape Defense Lawyer Lake St. Louis, MO | Criminal Defense Law Firm Near Me in Lake St. Louis, MO | Combs Waterkotte

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 protecting your rights and thoroughly investigating the case to developing strong defense strategies, an aggressive Lake St. Louis, MO rape defense lawyer is key to securing the best possible outcome in your case.

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

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