Rape Defense Lawyers, Braymer, MO. Rape allegations are hard to handle, and the charges have some of the harshest penalties in Missouri. Facing these charges can feel like it’s the end of your life.
But it’s not. Allegations and charges are not guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is here to battle against bad outcomes.
We defend Braymer, MO, residents’ right to due process and give them a proper defense against all criminal charges. We’re free to give you a consult on your case today—talk to us at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online to get started.
Get the justice you deserve. Our rape and sexual assault defense attorneys will treat you like a person, not a case number. Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to speak with someone anytime, any day.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
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Over 1 Million
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400+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 60 Years
Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
When you’ve been accused of rape in Braymer, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers immediately. If you try to fight the allegations by yourself, you’re up against the below consequences:
- A Prison Sentence. Different charges in the second degree can potentially result in prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the first-degree offences can go as far as life in prison without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, felons lose several rights, most notably the right to vote, the right to possess a gun, 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 Impacts. You can lose your job even before a conviction.
If you look at the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s hard to even think of a plan to move forward. This is why it’s critical that you bring in Braymer, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready to protect you.
When you hire us, you’re getting the following from the team crafting your 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 helped clients in thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
- A strong defense that is built for trial in case we need to go that far.
- Strong relationships with the state, which we will leverage when negotiating a favorable plea deal if that can effectively protect your interests.
Don’t wait for “things to blow over” (they won’t)—speak with 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 Braymer, MO Rape Charges:
Combs Waterkotte’s Braymer rape defense lawyers have deep knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what strategies work to defend against the charges:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the question is not whether sexual activity occurred, but whether it was consensual.
- Alibi: It’s highly unfortunate, but sometimes rape victims accuse the wrong person, and an alibi can be key to your defense.
- Physical Evidence: Evidence can make or break a case. Whether it’s DNA, injury reports, communication records, or something else.
- Fourth Amendment or Fifth Amendment Rights Violations: Sometimes, something goes wrong with the state’s investigation or how they handle the evidence—that can lead to it being thrown out for rights violations.
Rape defense strategies are not one-size-fits-all. They need to be custom-made for each case. At Combs Waterkotte, we craft the strongest defense possible for your specific case and will give you honest, helpful advice on how to move forward.
What’s the Difference Between Rape, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy in Braymer, 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 distinguishes statutory and forcible rape, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
Here are the different Braymer, MO, criminal charges you could be facing when someone accuses you of ‘rape:’
First Degree Rape:
First Degree Rape is defined in Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030 as having sexual intercourse with someone who is unable to consent, or coercing them to have sex with force or threats of force (additionally, this includes drugging them).
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 without having their consent.
Compared to first-degree rape charges, the difference is 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.
As opposed to the above rape charges, the differentiating factor with statutory 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 laws specifically having to do with sexual intercourse with individuals from fourteen to sixteen.
First Degree Sodomy:
First Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.060 as engaging in either oral, anal, or digital sex with someoneor otherwise penetrating someone, and this is done while the alleged victim cannot consent, or is made to do so by force.
You may notice that the language for this statute is nearly identical to that of first-degree rape; 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, when the alleged victim states that they did not give consent.
As with second-degree rape, the differentiator between this and first-degree sodomy is that the alleged victim was able to consent, but did not for that instance/act.
While the details of the alleged crime and the penalties all vary, one common trend is the lack of consent. Missouri defines consent for sex as an affirmative, elective agreement to engage in sexual activity from all relevant individuals who have the capacity to give consent. Checking that all parties consent is important before beginning any sexual activity.
Combs Waterkotte’s Braymer rape defense lawyers will fight against rape, statutory rape, sodomy, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be charged with.
Common Braymer, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“Without proof, the police in Braymer won’t arrest you for rape.”
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).
“Innocent people don’t need attorneys.”
The Reality: Whatever the circumstances, it’s critical to have an experienced team of rape defense lawyers watching your back, even if you’re innocent. You don’t want to attempt to go through the court process 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.
“If someone’s had any alcohol, they can’t legally give consent.”
The Reality: In reality, 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 Protects Against Rape Charges in Braymer, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Facing a rape accusation can be disturbing . And fighting against it on your own is hard. But you don’t have to go it alone. You can have Combs Waterkotte building your defense.
We’re here to help good people in bad situations. Our rape defense lawyers know what it takes to build a stellar defense against these charges. And we want to deliver you the best possible outcome.
Speak with one of our representatives today at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online form for a free, confidential consultation.
