Rape Defense Lawyer Osage County, MO

Rape Defense Lawyer in Osage County, MO. Facing a rape accusation in Osage County, 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 Osage County, MO legal system.

Turn to Combs Waterkotte for help. Reach out to one of our knowledgeable Osage County, MO rape defense lawyers immediately 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 Osage County, MO: What are the Penalties in Missouri?

The penalties for rape charges in Osage County, 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 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 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 Osage County, MO, fighting tirelessly 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

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 crime 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 enhanced penalties for any degree of rape in Osage County, MO, including but not limited to:

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

Rape Defense Lawyer in Osage County, 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 Osage County, 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 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 throughout the Osage County, MO area.
• Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney specializing in sexual offenses will possess more profound insights and strategies specific to these cases, compared to a general criminal defense lawyer. Combs Waterkotte is a law firm that focuses on defending against rape and other sexual crimes anywhere in the Osage County, MO area.
• Strong 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 provide free, no-strings-attached case reviews that do exactly that – providing expert legal advice and guidance.
• Empathy & Professionalism: Dealing with a rape accusation is emotionally taxing. A compassionate attorney who upholds professionalism can offer the support and confidence you need during this difficult time. Our legal team is dedicated to providing top-tier legal representation throughout the Osage County, MO area.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Osage County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

If you have been charged with rape in or near Osage County, 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.

Why you should hire our Osage County, MO attorneys:

• Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
  The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Osage County, 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 relevant statutes, precedents, and procedural requirements essential for crafting a robust defense.
• Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
  Rape cases often hinge on physical evidence, witness testimony, and expert analysis. Our seasoned lawyers conduct thorough investigations, meticulously gather and scrutinize evidence, and challenge the prosecution’s case.
• Protection of Rights:
  A Combs Waterkotte defense attorney will make sure that your constitutional rights are protected 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 minimizes the impact on your life.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Osage County, MO: Some Common Defense Strategies Employed by Combs Waterkotte

A Osage County, 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 examining the accuser’s testimony and background to find inconsistencies, motives for false accusations, or credibility concerns.
• Consent: In Osage County, 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.
• Forensic Evidence: Challenging forensic evidence, such as DNA, is essential. Our skilled rape defense lawyer will work with a network of forensic experts to identify any errors or misinterpretations in the evidence presented by the prosecution.
• Alibi and Witness Evidence: Providing 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 failed to adhere to proper procedures, such as conducting illegal searches or violating your rights in any way, our Osage County, MO rape defense lawyer can move to have such evidence suppressed.

When you are facing a rape accusation in or around Osage County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal rape defense lawyer in Osage County, 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 offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Osage County and beyond:

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

Get in Touch With a Skilled Osage County, MO Rape Defense Lawyer Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

If you’re accused of rape in Osage County, MO or anywhere in Missouri, consulting with a specialized attorney is a crucial first step to protect your future. From protecting your rights and thoroughly investigating the case to developing robust defense strategies, an aggressive Osage County, MO rape defense lawyer is essential to achieving 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 Osage County, MO.