Rape Defense Lawyer Maryland Heights, MO

Rape Defense Lawyer in Maryland Heights, MO. If you are facing a rape accusation in Maryland Heights, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you are undoubtedly going through one of the most challenging times of your life. The potential consequences are severe, 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 Maryland Heights, MO legal system.

You need to hire Combs Waterkotte. Call one of our knowledgeable Maryland Heights, MO rape defense lawyers immediately 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.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Maryland Heights, MO: What are the Penalties in Missouri?

The penalties for rape charges in Maryland Heights, 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 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. You need a rape defense lawyer in your corner in Maryland Heights, 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

As defined by RSMo. § 566.031, rape in the second degree occurs when an individual knowingly engages in sexual intercourse without the other person’s 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 factors can lead to more severe penalties for any degree of rape in Maryland Heights, MO, including but not limited to:

• Use of a deadly weapon
• Inflicting serious physical harm to the accuser
• Previous convictions for sexual offenses

Rape Defense Lawyer in Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO is crucial. Key attributes to seek in a defense attorney include:

• Experience & 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 throughout the Maryland Heights, MO area.
• Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney specializing in sexual offenses will possess deeper insights and strategies tailored to these types of cases, as opposed to a general criminal defense lawyer. Combs Waterkotte is a law firm that specializes in the defense of rape and other sexual crimes anywhere in the Maryland Heights, MO area.
• Excellent Communication Abilities: Your lawyer should 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-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 maintains professionalism can provide the support and confidence needed during this tough time. Our legal team is dedicated to providing top-tier legal representation in Maryland Heights, MO.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Maryland Heights, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

If you are facing a rape charge in or near Maryland Heights, 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.

Reasons to hire our Maryland Heights, MO lawyers include:

• Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
  The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Maryland Heights, MO possess extensive knowledge of sexual offense laws throughout Missouri and the legal nuances that come with these cases. They are proficient in the relevant statutes, precedents, and procedural intricacies necessary to build a strong defense.
• Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
  Rape cases often rely on physical evidence, witness testimony, and expert analysis. Our seasoned lawyers perform comprehensive investigations, meticulously gather and examine evidence, and 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 safeguarding against self-incrimination.
• Effective Negotiation:
  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 Maryland Heights, MO: Some Common Defense Strategies Employed by Combs Waterkotte

A Maryland Heights, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte has a wealth of defense strategies to pull from, including:

• Scrutinizing the Credibility of the Accuser: This strategy involves scrutinizing the accuser’s testimony and background to find inconsistencies, potential motives for false accusations, or credibility issues.
• Consent: In Maryland Heights, MO cases where consent is disputed, your defense lawyer can provide evidence and testimony to show that the encounter was consensual. This might include communications between you and the accuser, previous relationship history, or witness testimony.
• 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 Testimony: Presenting an alibi or witness testimony 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, like obtaining evidence illegally or violating your rights, our Maryland Heights, MO rape defense lawyer can move to have such evidence suppressed.

When you’re accused of rape in or around Maryland Heights, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading rape defense lawyer in Maryland Heights, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting 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 Maryland Heights, MO residents:

• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney
• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer

Reach Out to an Expert Maryland Heights, MO Rape Defense Lawyer Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

Facing a rape accusation in Maryland Heights, MO or anywhere in Missouri requires the immediate expertise of a specialized attorney. From protecting your rights and thoroughly investigating the case to crafting effective defense strategies, a proactive Maryland Heights, MO rape defense lawyer is key to securing the best possible outcome in your case.

Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review in Maryland Heights, MO.