Rape Defense Lawyer St. Louis County, MO

Rape Defense Lawyer in St. Louis County, MO. If you are facing a rape accusation in St. Louis 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 a permanent mark on your criminal record. You need to hire a specialized rape defense attorney to navigate the complexities of the St. Louis County, MO legal system and get you the best possible outcome.

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

Rape Defense Lawyer in St. Louis County, MO: Understanding the Penalties in Missouri

The penalties for rape charges in St. Louis 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 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 penalties for this crime range from 5 years to life imprisonment, with more severe charges carrying mandatory minimum sentences of 15-30 years. You need a rape defense lawyer in your corner in St. Louis County, 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.

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, 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 enhanced penalties under either degree of rape in St. Louis County, MO, including but not limited to:

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

Rape Defense Lawyer in St. Louis County, MO: Key Attributes 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 St. Louis County, MO is crucial. Things to look for in a defense attorney include:

• Experience & Proven Track Record: It is vital to choose a lawyer with a proven history of successfully handling rape defense cases. Their past achievements can reflect their capability to effectively manage your case. The rape defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte have over seven decades of combined experience defending clients and their innocence throughout the St. Louis 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, 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 St. Louis County, MO area.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Your lawyer should be able to 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-strings-attached consultations to provide expert legal advice and guidance.
• Empathy & Professionalism: Dealing with a rape accusation is emotionally taxing. An empathetic attorney who upholds professionalism can give you the support and confidence needed during this tough time. Our legal team is committed to providing you with the best possible legal representation in St. Louis County, MO.

Rape Defense Lawyer in St. Louis County, MO: Why You Need to Hire Combs Waterkotte

If you are facing a rape charge in or around St. Louis County, MO, the first thing you should do is 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 St. Louis County, MO attorneys:

• Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
  The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in St. Louis County, MO have an 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 essential for crafting a robust defense.
• Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
  Rape cases often rely on physical evidence, witness testimonies, and expert analysis. Our seasoned lawyers perform comprehensive investigations, meticulously gather and examine evidence, and challenge the prosecution’s assertions.
• Protection of Rights:
  A Combs Waterkotte defense attorney will make sure 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.
• 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 lessens the impact on your life.

Rape Defense Lawyer in St. Louis County, MO: Some Common Defense Strategies Employed by Combs Waterkotte

A St. Louis County, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte employs a variety of defense strategies, including:

• Scrutinizing the Credibility of the Accuser: This strategy involves analyzing the accuser’s testimony and background to find inconsistencies, potential motives for false accusations, or other credibility issues.
• Consent: In St. Louis 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.
• Analyzing Forensic Evidence: Examining and challenging forensic evidence, like DNA, can be crucial. Our experienced rape defense lawyer will work with a network of forensic experts to find any mistakes or misinterpretations in the evidence presented by the prosecution.
• Alibi and Witness Testimony: Presenting an alibi or witness evidence that disputes the accuser’s account can be a strong defense strategy.
• Procedural Defenses: If law enforcement or the prosecution failed to adhere to proper procedures, such as obtaining evidence illegally or violating your rights in any way, our St. Louis County, MO rape defense lawyer can move to have such evidence suppressed.

When you’re facing a rape accusation in or around St. Louis County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the ideal rape defense lawyer in St. Louis County, 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 offers expertise in the following areas for St. Louis County, MO residents:

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

Get in Touch With a Skilled St. Louis County, MO Rape Defense Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

Facing a rape accusation in St. Louis County, MO or anywhere in Missouri requires the immediate expertise of a specialized attorney. From protecting your rights and thoroughly investigating the case to developing robust defense strategies, an aggressive St. Louis County, MO rape defense lawyer is indispensable in getting the best possible outcome.

Reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review in St. Louis County, MO.