Rape Defense Lawyers, Clinton, MO. Rape accusations carry a lot of stigma, and Missouri legal statutes are very punitive for rape convictions. Facing these charges can feel like your life is over.
But it’s not. Allegations and charges aren’t guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is ready to battle against bad outcomes.
We protect Clinton, MO, residents’ right to due process and give them a well-built defense against all criminal charges. We’re available to talk about your case today—give us a call 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 attorneys will treat you like a person, not a case number. Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP for 24/7 support.
Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
When you’ve been accused of rape in Clinton, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers before you talk to anyone. If you go it alone, you’re risking 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 without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, people convicted of felonies lose several rights, most notably the right to vote, the right to possess a gun, 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 Impacts. 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 critical that you hire Clinton, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to protect you.
Here’s what we bring to the table when building 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 accomplished team of rape defense lawyers who have experience with thousands of cases, several just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is built for trial if your case goes that far.
- Effective, working relationships with the state, which we will leverage when negotiating a 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 …
Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use Against Clinton, MO Rape Charges:
Our team of Clinton rape defense lawyers have intense knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and use effective strategies to defend against the charges:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the question is not whether sexual activity occurred, but whether it was consensual.
- 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 create the most powerful 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 Clinton, MO?
When most people think of 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.
Below are the different Clinton, 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 sex with another person who cannot consent, or using force to force them to have sex (this also includes drugging them while they are unaware).
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 someone who does not consent, and you’re aware that they do not.
This is different from first-degree rape in that the alleged victim is capable of consenting, but claims 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 distinguishes this from first-degree and second-degree 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. Keep in mind that Missouri has special ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws having to do with sexual activity with individuals between the ages of fourteen and sixteen.
First Degree Sodomy:
First Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.060 as participating in either oral, anal, or digital sex with another personor otherwise penetrating a person, and this is done while that individual is unable to consent, or is forced to participate.
You may notice that the language for this statute is nearly identical to that of first-degree rape; even the penalties are the same. The difference between these two laws is in the action(s) that allegedly took place.
Second Degree Sodomy:
Second Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.061 as participating in 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, what distinguishes second-degree from first-degree 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, one common trend is the lack of consent. Missouri defines consent for sex as an affirmative, elective agreement to engage in sexual activity from both individuals who are capable of giving consent. Checking that all parties consent is important before beginning any sexual action.
Our Clinton rape defense lawyers will defend you against all of the above charges and any other sexual assault allegations you may be facing.
Common Clinton, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can’t be arrested/charged in Clinton 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, you can be arrested for nothing more than probable cause, which can include the accusations themselves.
“If you’re innocent of the charges, you don’t need a lawyer.”
The Reality: Whatever the circumstances, it’s critical to have a team of rape defense lawyers on your side, even if you’re innocent. You don’t want to attempt to go through the court process alone 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: Missouri’s age of consent is 17. But, 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 Clinton, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
A rape allegation can throw your life into disarray. And trying to go it alone is setting yourself up for failure. But you have a path forward. You can have Combs Waterkotte on your side.
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 we’re ready to get started right away.
Speak with one of our representatives today at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our contact form for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
