Rape Defense Lawyers, Kansas City, Missouri. Rape accusations carry a lot of stigma, and the charges have some of the harshest penalties in Missouri. Being accused can feel like it’s the end of your life.
But it’s not. Accusations and charges aren’t convictions. And Combs Waterkotte is here to fight against those outcomes.
We protect Kansas City residents’ rights and give them a proper defense against all criminal charges. We’re ready to start working on your case today—give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our contact form online to get started.
We are here to help, not to judge. Our rape and sexual assault defense attorneys will listen to your side of the story and build a defense around it. contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to get started.
Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in Kansas City, Missouri, you need a team of rape defense lawyers immediately. If you don’t hire someone, you’re up against the following:
- A Prison Sentence. The second-degree offences listed above all carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the first-degree offences can go as far as life sentences.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, felons lose several rights, most notably the right to vote, the right to possess a firearm, and certain employment rights. It can also affect your parental rights.
- Sex Offender Registration. If you’re convicted of rape, your name will likely be put on a public sex offender registry.
- Career Consequences. You can lose your job if you’re accused of rape (even if it’s just allegations).
When you see the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it can be overwhelming. This is why it’s critical that you find Kansas City, Missouri, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready to help.
Here’s what we bring to the table when building a rape/sexual assault defense:
- A client-centered approach where we take the time to get to know you personally and fully understand your story.
- An experienced team of rape defense lawyers who have handled thousands of cases, many just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is ready for trial if your case goes that far.
- Strong relationships with prosecutors, which we can use to negotiate a plea deal if it is the best way to protect your interests.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds a case against you—call us now at (314) 900-HELP to speak with one of our rape defense lawyers today.
Legal Videos
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? Andrew Russek, a lawyer with leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses the sex offender registry and federal sex …
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State?
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than …
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …
Everything You Need To Know About Federal Criminal Charges
Featured on Hexxen Studios, Chris Combs and Andrew Russek sat down to talk about federal criminal charges. In this video, you can learn about different types of federal charges, how they differ …
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 …
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? Andrew Russek, a lawyer with leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses the sex offender registry and federal sex …
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State?
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than …
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …
Everything You Need To Know About Federal Criminal Charges
Featured on Hexxen Studios, Chris Combs and Andrew Russek sat down to talk about federal criminal charges. In this video, you can learn about different types of federal charges, how they differ …
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 …
Defense Strategies Combs Waterkotte Uses Against Kansas City, Missouri Rape Charges:
Our Kansas City rape defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and use effective strategies to fight against them:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the argument will center around whether consent was freely given or not.
- Alibi: In cases of mistaken identity or outright false allegations, an alibi can prove that you were elsewhere at the time.
- Physical Evidence: Even if you don’t have an alibi, physical evidence like DNA might be able to exonerate you.
- Fourth Amendment or Fifth Amendment Rights Violations: Improperly obtained evidence can be thrown out before it is used against you.
Each case is unique, and each defense needs to be tailored to the specifics of the case. At Combs Waterkotte, we build the strongest defense possible for your circumstances and will give you honest, helpful advice on how to move forward.
What’s the Difference Between Rape, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy in Kansas City, Missouri?
When most people think of rape, the first thing that comes to mind is probably forcing someone to have sex against their will. But Missouri rape law separates out two categories of rape, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
Here are the different Kansas City criminal charges you could be facing when accused of ‘rape:’
First Degree Rape:
First Degree Rape is defined in Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030 as having sex with someone who is unable to consent, or using force to force them to have sex (this also includes giving them substances without their knowledge).
First-degree rape is the main criminal charge that most people think of when they hear “rape.”
Second Degree Rape:
Second Degree Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.031 as having sex with someone when you know you don’t have their consent.
This is different from first-degree rape in that the alleged victim is capable of consenting, but is saying they did not.
First Degree Statutory Rape:
First Degree Statutory Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.032 as having sex with someone younger than fourteen years old.
What makes this different from first-degree rape is that whether the alleged victim “consented” or not is irrelevant.
Second Degree Statutory Rape:
Second Degree Statutory Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.034 as having sex with someone younger than seventeen years old while being older than twenty-one.
The difference between first-degree and second-degree rape is the age range. Keep in mind that Missouri has some additional laws regarding sex with individuals between the ages of fourteen and sixteen.
First Degree Sodomy:
First Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.060 as having either oral, anal, or digital sex with someone or otherwise penetrating someone, and this is done while the alleged victim is unable to consent, or is forced to participate.
This is very similar to first-degree rape charges; the only difference is the alleged type of act performed.
Second Degree Sodomy:
Second Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.061 as having either oral, anal, or digital sex with someone or otherwise penetrating someone, while knowing the other person does not consent.
Similar to second-degree rape, the difference between first-degree sodomy and second-degree sodomy is that the alleged victim had the capacity to consent, but did not do so.
While the details of the alleged crime and the penalties all vary, one common trend is the lack of consent. Missouri defines consent for sexual activity as an affirmative, unforced agreement to engage in sexual activity from both individuals who have the capacity to give consent. Obtaining clear consent is important before engaging in any sexual activity.
Our Kansas City rape defense lawyers will defend you against all of the above charges and any other sexual assault allegations you may be facing.
Common Kansas City, Missouri Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can’t be arrested/charged in Kansas City if there’s no physical evidence.”
The Reality: While a lack of physical evidence against you can make it harder for a prosecutor to convict you, all that the police need to arrest you is probable cause (which doesn’t have to be more than an accusation).
“If you’re innocent of the charges, you don’t need a lawyer.”
The Reality: You always need a team of rape defense lawyers on your side, even if you’re innocent. You don’t want to face a complex legal system alone or make a mistake that unintentionally makes you look guilty.
“Missouri, law says nobody can have sex with someone under 17.”
The Reality: While the age of consent in Missouri is 17, the state does have ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws that allow people aged 14-16 to have sex with a partner up to four years older than themselves.
“A person can’t consent if they’ve had something to drink.”
The Reality: While there are some cases where a person objectively cannot consent, such as if they are unconscious, there isn’t a legal definition of being too drunk to consent. That said, if there’s ever a question as to someone’s ability to consent, don’t have sex.
Combs Waterkotte Defends Against Rape Charges in Kansas City. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Being accused of rape is traumatizing. And fighting against it on your own is hard. But you don’t have to go it alone. You can have Combs Waterkotte on your side.
We won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve. Our rape defense lawyers have the experience and expertise necessary to craft a forceful defense. And we’re ready to take your case.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
