Rape Defense Lawyer in New London, MO. If you are facing a rape accusation in New London, 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 New London, MO legal system.
Turn to Combs Waterkotte for help. Call one of our esteemed New London, MO rape defense lawyers immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review and get expert guidance on how to proceed.
Legal Videos

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 …

Too Intoxicated to Give Consent?
Missouri criminal defense lawyers Steven Waterkotte and Chris Combs talk about alleged victims being too intoxicated to give consent. Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Most people …

Criminal Lawyer Talks About Representing Sex Criminals
Real Criminal Defense Lawyer talks about representing sex criminals. Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: I always say probably what the public views as the most vile or despicable …

Your Word Against Theirs in Court
Are just allegations enough to get charged with a crime? When it's your word against theirs in court. Episode Transcript Chris Combs: And allegations alone will do it. Steve hit on this …

What Happens When You Are Charged With a Child Sex Crime?
What happens when you are charged with a child sex crime? Episode Transcript Chris Combs: If you're a tier three sex offender, you can only have approved electronic devices. You have to …
Rape Defense Lawyer in New London, MO: What are the Penalties in Missouri?
The penalties for rape charges in New London, 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 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 ranges from 5 years to life imprisonment. 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 New London, 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.
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, 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 either degree of rape in New London, 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 New London, 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 New London, MO. Important qualities to look for in a defense attorney include:
- Experience & Track Record: You should look for a lawyer with a proven track record in handling rape defense cases just like yours. Their previous successes can be indicative of their ability to manage your case effectively. The rape defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte have more than seven decades of combined experience defending clients and their innocence in the New London, MO area and beyond.
- 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 focuses on the defense of rape and other sexual crimes anywhere in the New London, MO area.
- Excellent Communication Skills: Your lawyer 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 offer expert legal advice and guidance.
- Empathy & Professionalism: Dealing with a rape accusation is emotionally challenging. A compassionate attorney who maintains professionalism can provide the support and confidence needed during this difficult time. Our legal team is dedicated to providing top-tier legal representation in New London, MO.
Ralls County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Ralls County and Missouri.
Rape Defense Lawyer in New London, MO: The Importance of Hiring Combs Waterkotte
If you have been charged with rape in or anywhere around New London, MO, the first step you should take is 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 New London, MO lawyers include:
- Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in New London, MO have a deep understanding 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 needed to build a strong defense. - Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
Rape cases often hinge on physical evidence, witness testimonies, and expert analysis. Our seasoned lawyers conduct thorough investigations, meticulously gather and examine 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. - 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 New London, MO: Some Common Defense Strategies Employed by Combs Waterkotte
A New London, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte utilizes a range of defense tactics, including:
- Challenging the Accuser’s Credibility: This strategy involves scrutinizing the accuser’s testimony and background to find inconsistencies, possible motives for false accusations, or other credibility issues.
- Consent: In New London, MO cases where consent is disputed, your defense lawyer can present evidence and testimony that demonstrate the encounter was consensual. This can include communications between you and the accuser, past relationship history, or witness testimony.
- Forensic Evidence: Challenging forensic evidence, such as DNA, is critical. Our skilled rape defense lawyer collaborates with forensic experts to identify any errors or misinterpretations in the prosecution’s evidence.
- Alibi and Witness Evidence: Presenting an alibi or witness testimony that contradicts 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 New London, MO rape defense lawyer will work to have such evidence excluded.
When you’re accused of rape in or around New London, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal rape defense lawyer in New London, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our seasoned rape defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in New London and beyond:

Contact an Experienced New London, MO Rape Defense Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you are facing a rape accusation in New London, 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 thoroughly investigating the case to developing robust defense strategies, an assertive New London, MO rape defense lawyer is indispensable in getting the best possible outcome in your case.
Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review in New London, MO.

