Rape Defense Lawyer Putnam County, MO

Rape Defense Lawyer in Putnam County, MO. If you are facing a rape accusation in Putnam County, 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. To ensure you have the best possible defense, it’s crucial to hire a specialized rape defense attorney who understands the intricacies of the Putnam County, MO legal system.

Turn to Combs Waterkotte for help. Call one of our knowledgeable Putnam County, 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 Putnam County, MO: What are the Penalties in Missouri?

The penalties for rape charges in Putnam 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. It’s crucial to have a dedicated rape defense lawyer on your side in Putnam County, 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 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 offense is classified as a class C felony, carrying 3-10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Aggravating Factors

Certain factors can lead to enhanced penalties for either degree of rape in Putnam County, 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 Putnam County, MO: Key Attributes 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 Putnam County, MO a necessity. Things to look for 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 more than seven decades of combined experience defending clients and their innocence throughout the Putnam County, MO area.
• Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney who focuses on sexual offenses will have more profound insights and strategies specific to these cases, unlike 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 Putnam County, MO area.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Your attorney 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 consultations to provide expert legal advice and guidance.
• Compassion & Professionalism: Facing a rape accusation is emotionally taxing. A compassionate attorney who maintains professionalism can give you the support and confidence you need during this tough time. Our legal team stops at nothing to provide you with the best possible legal representation in Putnam County, MO.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Putnam County, MO: The Importance of Hiring Combs Waterkotte

If you are facing a rape charge in or anywhere around Putnam County, MO, your first move should be to contact a rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte right away. 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 Putnam County, MO lawyers include:

• Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
  The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Putnam County, MO have a deep understanding 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 needed to build a strong defense.
• Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
  Rape cases often hinge on physical evidence, witness testimonies, and expert analysis. Our experienced lawyers perform comprehensive investigations, gather and examine 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 minimizes the impact on your life.

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

A Putnam County, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte utilizes a range of defense tactics, including:

• Scrutinizing the Credibility of the Accuser: This approach involves examining the accuser’s testimony and background to find inconsistencies, motives for false accusations, or credibility issues.
• Consent: In Putnam 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: Examining and challenging forensic evidence, like DNA, can be crucial. Our experienced rape defense lawyer partners with forensic experts to find any mistakes or misinterpretations in the prosecution’s evidence.
• Alibi and Witness Evidence: Providing an alibi or witness testimony that disputes the accuser’s account can be a strong defense strategy.
• Procedural Defenses: If law enforcement or the prosecution did not adhere to proper procedures, like obtaining evidence illegally or violating your rights in any way, our Putnam County, MO rape defense lawyer will work to have such evidence excluded.

When you’re accused of rape in or around Putnam County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the ideal rape defense lawyer in Putnam 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 attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Putnam County, MO residents:

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

Contact an Experienced Putnam County, MO Rape Defense Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Immediately

If you are facing a rape accusation in Putnam County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, seeking the expertise of a specialized attorney is the first essential step in safeguarding your future. From defending your rights and investigating the case to developing strong defense strategies, an aggressive Putnam County, MO rape defense lawyer is essential to achieving the best possible outcome.

Call Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review in Putnam County, MO.