Rape Defense Lawyers, Buckner, MO. Rape allegations can be life-altering, and Missouri law treats people convicted of rape severely. Being accused can feel like your life is over.
But it’s not. Accusations and indictments are not the same as guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is on your side to fight against bad outcomes.
We protect Buckner, MO, residents’ freedom and give them a proper case against any criminal charges. We’re available to talk about your case today—reach us by phone at (314) 900-HELP or use our online form for a confidential consultation.
Get the justice you deserve. Our rape and sexual assault defense attorneys will be in your corner from day one. Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP for 24/7 support.
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Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
If you’ve been charged with a sex crime in Buckner, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers immediately. If you don’t hire someone, you’re potentially looking at the following:
- Years In Prison. Second-degree rape and sodomy charges all potentially result in prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the harsher first-degree charges can be as high as life sentences.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, convicted felons lose several significant rights, including 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.
- Job Consequences. You can lose your job even before a conviction.
If you look at the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This is why it’s important for you to bring in Buckner, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready to help.
Here’s what we bring to the table when building your rape/sexual assault defense:
- A client-centered approach because we want to be sure we are capturing your story, needs, and goals.
- An adept team of rape defense lawyers who have handled thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
- A strong defense that is built for trial if your case goes that far.
- Longstanding relationships with prosecutors across the state, 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—call us now at (314) 900-HELP to talk to 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 Our Lawyers Use Versus Buckner, MO Rape Charges:
Our team of Buckner rape defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what techniques work to fight against related charges:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the argument will center around whether consent 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.
Each case is unique, and each defense needs to be tailored to the specifics of the case. At Combs Waterkotte, we create the strongest defense possible for your circumstances and will keep you informed and up to date on how your case is progressing.
What’s the Difference Between Rape, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy in Buckner, MO?
When most people think of rape, the prototypical image would be someone being physically forced to have nonconsensual sex. But Missouri rape law separates out two categories of rape, and categorizes certain acts as sodomy instead of rape.
Here are the different Buckner, 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 someone who is incapable of consent, or using force to force them to have sex (additionally, this includes drugging them).
This is the bar against which other charges are measured
Second Degree Rape:
Second Degree Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.031 as engaging in sexual intercourse with another 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 states that 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 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 statutory rape is the age range. It’s also relevant to know that Missouri has some additional laws regarding sex 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 another person, and this is done while that individual cannot consent, or is made to do so by force.
This is very similar to first-degree rape charges; 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 having either oral, anal, or digital sex with someone or otherwise penetrating another person, when the alleged victim states that they did not give consent.
In parallel to second-degree rape, the difference between first-degree sodomy and second-degree sodomy is that the alleged victim was able to 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, elective agreement to engage in sexual activity from all involved individuals who are able to give consent. Checking that all parties consent is important prior to beginning any sexual action.
Combs Waterkotte’s Buckner rape defense lawyers will build a defense for you for any of the charges listed above, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be up against.
Common Buckner, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can only be arrested for rape in Buckner if there’s physical evidence.”
The Reality: If there’s no physical evidence, that can hurt the state’s chances of getting a conviction. However,, if the police have probable cause (which only has to be alleged victim testimony), they can make an arrest.
“There’s no reason to hire an attorney if you’re innocent.”
The Reality: You always need an experienced team of rape defense lawyers watching your back, whether you’re innocent or guilty. You don’t want to attempt to go through the court process without help or say something you think is innocuous that is later twisted to make you look guilty.
“You can’t have sex with someone younger than 17 in Missouri.”
The Reality: This misconception is rooted in truth, because 17 is in fact the age of consent in Missouri. However, 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: There are some situations where it is impossible for someone to give consent (most notably if they are unconscious), however, 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 Buckner, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Facing a rape accusation can be disturbing . And fighting against it on your own is hard. But you have another option. You can have Combs Waterkotte at your back.
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.
Speak with one of our representatives today at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online form for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
