Rape Defense Lawyers, Butler, MO. Rape allegations can be life-altering, and Missouri law treats people convicted of rape severely. Being called an alleged rapist can feel like your life is over.
But it’s not. Accusations and charges aren’t convictions. And Combs Waterkotte is on your side to fight against negative outcomes.
We protect Butler, MO, residents’ rights and give them a proper defensive plan against all criminal charges. We’re free to give you a consult on your case today—give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our contact form online for a free consult.
Get the justice you deserve. Our rape and sexual assault defense attorneys will listen to your side of the story and build a defense around it. Reach out online or call (314) 900-HELP to start today.
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:
If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in Butler, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers immediately. If you don’t hire someone, you’re potentially looking at the below consequences:
- Years In Prison. Different charges in the second degree can potentially result in prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the more serious first-degree offences can be as harsh as life in prison.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, convicted felons lose many rights, most notably the right to vote, the right to own 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 if you’re accused of rape (even if it’s just allegations).
When you see the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s hard to even think of a plan to move forward. Because of this, it’s important for you to bring in Butler, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to help.
Here’s what we bring to the table when crafting your rape/sexual assault defense:
- A client-centered approach because we want to be sure we are capturing your story, needs, and goals.
- A knowledgeable team of rape defense lawyers who have helped clients in thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is prepared for trial should your case go that far.
- Longstanding relationships with the state, which we can use to negotiate a plea deal if that can effectively protect your interests.
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 …
Defenses Our Attorneys Use Against Butler, MO Rape Charges:
Our Butler rape defense lawyers have substantial knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what strategies work to defend 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.
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 circumstances and will give you honest, helpful advice on how to move forward.
What’s the Difference Between Rape, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy in Butler, MO?
If someone asked you to describe rape, the prototypical image would be someone being physically forced to have nonconsensual sex. But Missouri rape law has multiple different categories of rape, and categorizes certain acts as sodomy instead of rape.
Here are the different Butler, MO, criminal charges you could be actually charged with 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 (this also includes giving them substances without their knowledge).
This is the bar against which other charges are measured
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.
Compared to first-degree rape charges, the difference is that the alleged victim was able to consent at the time, 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.
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 having sex with someone younger than seventeen years old while being older than twenty-one.
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 in regards to sexual activity with individuals in the in-between ages of fourteen to sixteen.
First Degree Sodomy:
First Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.060 as participating in either oral, anal, or digital sex with an individualor otherwise penetrating that individual, while that individual 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 participating 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.
In parallel 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.
Rape, statutory rape, and sodomy all have details that make them different from one another, however, 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 activity as an affirmative, elective agreement to engage in sexual activity from all involved individuals who are able to give consent. Ensuring that everyone gives consent is important before engaging in any sexual action.
Combs Waterkotte’s Butler rape defense lawyers will defend you against all of the above charges and any other sexual assault allegations you may be charged with.
Common Butler, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can’t be arrested/charged in Butler 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, if the police have probable cause (which only has to be alleged victim testimony), they can make an arrest.
“You don’t need a lawyer if you’re innocent.”
The Reality: Whatever the circumstances, it’s critical to have agroup 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 on your own or say something you think is innocuous that is later twisted to make you look guilty.
“Missouri law says nobody can have sex with someone under 17.”
The Reality: Missouri’s age of consent is 17. But, the state does have ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws which legalize sex between someone aged 14-16 and another person up to four years older.
“A person can’t consent if they’ve had something to drink.”
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 what level is too drunk to consent. That said, if you have even the slightest suspicion that someone has had too much to drink, don’t have sex.
Combs Waterkotte Protects Against Rape Charges in Butler, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
A rape allegation can throw your life into disarray. And fighting against it on your own is hard. But you have a path forward. You can have Combs Waterkotte protecting your rights.
We have a stellar reputation with over 400 five star reviews. Our rape defense lawyers offer high-quality legal expertise to all of our clients. And we’re ready to get started right away.
Talk to our team today at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online form for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
