Rape Defense Lawyers, Adrian, MO. Rape allegations can be life-altering, and Missouri legal statutes are very punitive for rape convictions. Being called an alleged rapist can feel like your life is over.
But it’s not. Accusations and indictments are not convictions. And Combs Waterkotte is on your side to battle to defend you against bad outcomes.
We protect Adrian, MO, residents’ rights and give them a well-built case against any criminal charges. We’re available to talk about your case today—talk to us at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online for a confidential consultation.
Get the justice you deserve. Our rape and sexual assault defense lawyers will treat you like a person, not a case number. Reach out online or dial (314) 900-HELP to speak with someone anytime, any day.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
400+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 60 Years
Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
When you’ve been charged with a sex crime in Adrian, MO, you need a team of rape defense lawyers right away. If you don’t hire someone, you’re up against the following:
- Prison Time. Second-degree rape and sodomy charges all carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the first-degree offences can go as far as life in prison.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, people convicted of felonies lose several significant rights, most notably the right to vote, second amendment rights, and certain employment rights. Depending on your situation, your parental rights may also be affected.
- 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 be fired even before a conviction.
When you hear about the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Because of this, it’s important for you to bring in Adrian, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to protect you.
When you hire us, you’re getting the following from the team building your rape/sexual assault defense:
- A client-centered approach because we want to be sure we are capturing your story, needs, and goals.
- A skillful group of rape defense lawyers who have helped clients in thousands of cases, many just like yours.
- A strong defense that is prepared for trial should your case go that far.
- Strong relationships with prosecutors, which we lean on to come up with a plea deal to give you positive outcomes without going through a trial.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds a case against you—get a hold of 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 …
Defensive Tactics Our Attorneys Use Versus Adrian, MO Rape Charges:
Our team of Adrian rape defense lawyers have wide knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and use effective strategies to defend against the charges:
- Consent: In some rape cases, rather than being centered around whether or not the two parties had sex, the question is on consent, whether it was given or not, and whether it was freely given or not.
- Alibi: Alibis create reasonable doubt by providing evidence indicating that you were somewhere else at the time of the crime.
- 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.
Your case needs a custom-designed strategy to give you the best possible odds at a positive outcome. At Combs Waterkotte, we craft the finest defense possible for your situation and will tell you what outcomes we think are realistically achievable for you, and how best to get there.
What’s the Difference Between Rape, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy in Adrian, MO?
If someone asked you to describe rape, the first thing that comes to mind is probably forcing someone to have sex against their will. But Missouri rape law has multiple different categories of rape, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
Here are the different Adrian, MO, criminal charges you could be actually charged with when accused of ‘rape:’
First Degree Rape:
First Degree Rape is defined in Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030 as engaging in sex with another person who is unable to consent, or coercing them to have sex with force or threats of force (this also includes drugging them while they are unaware).
This is normally regarded as the most serious charge of the six outlined on this page
Second Degree Rape:
Second Degree Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.031 as having sex with a person who does not consent, and you’re aware that they do not.
This is distinguished 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 it doesn’t matter if the alleged victim states that they provided “consent,” because people under that age are not legally able to do so.
Second Degree Statutory Rape:
Second Degree Statutory Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.034 as an adult over the age of twenty-one engaging in sexual intercourse with someone under the age of seventeen.
Statutory rape degrees are distinguished by the age of the alleged victim and offender. It’s also important to be aware that Missouri has special ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws having to do with 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 someoneor otherwise penetrating a person, while that individual cannot consent, or is coerced to do so via force.
This law reads and works very similarly to Missouri’s first-degree rape law; the main difference is that rape covers sexual intercourse, while sodomy covers other sexual acts.
Second Degree Sodomy:
Second Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.061 as engaging in either oral, anal, or digital sex with an individual or otherwise penetrating that person, when the alleged victim states that they did not give consent.
Similar to second-degree rape, the differentiator between this and first-degree sodomy is that the alleged victim could have given consent, but states they did not.
While the details of the alleged crime and the penalties all vary, no matter which action or degree you look at, you’ll find one of the key features is a lack of consent. Missouri defines consent for sexual intercourse as an affirmative, unforced agreement to engage in sexual activity from all involved individuals who are able to give consent. Ensuring that everyone gives consent is important prior to beginning any sexual activity.
Combs Waterkotte’s Adrian rape defense lawyers will defend you against all of the above charges and any other sexual assault allegations you may be charged with.
Common Adrian, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“Without proof, the police in Adrian won’t arrest you for rape.”
The Reality: If there’s no physical evidence, that can hurt the state’s chances of getting a conviction. However,, 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: If you’re up against rape charges, you’ll always want agroup of rape defense lawyers watching your back, whether you’re innocent or guilty. You don’t want to try and navigate Missouri law without help or slip up and say something that can be misinterpreted.
“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.
“If someone’s had any alcohol, they can’t legally give consent.”
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 how drunk is 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 Adrian, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
A rape allegation can throw your life into disarray. And being the only person on your side is scary. But you have a path forward. You can have Combs Waterkotte at your back.
We don’t charge by the hour, so you can get in touch with us 24/7 if you need something for your case. Our rape defense lawyers know what it takes to build a stellar defense against these charges. And we’re ready to take your case.
Reach us now at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online form for a free, confidential consultation.
