Rape Defense Lawyers, Camden Point, MO. Rape accusations carry a lot of stigma, and Missouri law treats people convicted of rape severely. Facing these charges can feel like it’s the end of your life.
But it’s not. Accusations and indictments are not guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is on your side to battle against negative outcomes.
We defend Camden Point, MO, residents’ rights and give them a well-built defense against all criminal charges. We’re ready to start working on your case today—reach us by phone at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our contact form online to get started.
You need a leading defense attorney. Our rape and sexual assault defense lawyers will listen to your side of the story and build a defense around it. Contact us online or dial (314) 900-HELP to speak with someone anytime, any day.
Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
When you’ve been charged with a sex crime in Camden Point, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers right away. Should you not hire anyone, you’re risking the below consequences:
- Years In Prison. Different charges in the second degree can carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the harsher first-degree charges can be as high as life in prison without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, felons lose many rights, particularly the right to vote, the right to possess a firearm, and certain employment rights. It can also have an impact on 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 be fired just for being accused of rape.
If you look at the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, they can be overwhelming. To give yourself the best chance to avoid these, it’s important for you to find Camden Point, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready to protect you.
Here’s what we bring to the table when crafting your rape/sexual assault defense:
- A client-centered approach because it’s important to fully know your side of the story before building a defense.
- An experienced team of rape defense lawyers who have helped clients in thousands of cases, several just like yours.
- A strong defense that is prepared for trial in case we need to go that far.
- Longstanding relationships with the state, which we can use to negotiate a favorable plea deal if it is the best way to 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 Combs Waterkotte Uses Versus Camden Point, MO Rape Charges:
Our Camden Point rape defense lawyers have intense knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what strategies work to defend 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: DNA, medical reports, location data, and more can all be key in establishing a narrative of events.
- 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 craft the finest 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 Camden Point, MO?
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 distinguishes statutory and forcible rape, and distinguishes sodomy as a separate offense.
Here are the different Camden Point, 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 sex with another person who is incapable of consent, or using force to force them to have sex (this also includes giving them substances without their knowledge).
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 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 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.
As opposed to the above rape charges, the differentiating factor with statutory rape is that the alleged victim could have voluntarily agreed to have sex (this would not count as consent, legally).
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.
Second-degree statutory rape is different from first-degree because of the age requirements. It’s also important to be aware that Missouri has special ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws in regards to sex with individuals between the ages of fourteen and sixteen.
First Degree Sodomy:
First Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.060 as engaging in either oral, anal, or digital sex with a personor otherwise penetrating that person, and this is done while that individual is unable to consent, or is made to do so by force.
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 a person or otherwise penetrating someone, while knowing the other person does not consent.
Just like with 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 for that instance/act.
Rape, statutory rape, and sodomy all have details that make them different from one another, however, they all involve 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 capable of giving consent. Obtaining clear consent is important prior to beginning any sexual activity.
Combs Waterkotte’s Camden Point rape defense lawyers will defend you against all of the above charges and any other sexual assault allegations you may be up against.
Common Camden Point, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can’t be arrested/charged in Camden Point 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).
“You don’t need a lawyer if you’re innocent.”
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 say something you think is innocuous that is later twisted to make you look guilty.
“It’s illegal to have sex with someone under 17 in Missouri.”
The Reality: While the age of consent in Missouri is 17, 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: While there are some cases where a person objectively cannot consent, such as if they are unconscious, 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 Defends Against Rape Charges in Camden Point, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Facing a rape accusation can be disturbing . And trying to go it alone is setting yourself up for failure. But you don’t have to go it alone. You can have Combs Waterkotte building your defense.
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 offer high-quality legal expertise to all of our clients. And whatever charges you’re up against, we’re ready to talk.
Reach us today at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential consultation.
