Rape Defense Lawyers, Clinton, MO. Being accused of rape can turn your world upside down, and Missouri law treats people convicted of rape severely. Being accused can seem like it’s the end of your life.
But it’s not. Accusations and charges are not guilt. And Combs Waterkotte is ready to battle to defend you against those outcomes.
We protect Clinton, MO, residents’ right to due process and give them a well-built case against all criminal charges. We’re available to talk about your case today—talk to us at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation.
Get the justice you deserve. Our rape and sexual assault defense lawyers will advise you on the best strategy to protect your interests. Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to speak with someone anytime, any day.
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Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
If you’ve been charged with a sex crime in Clinton, MO, you need a team of rape defense lawyers immediately. If you go it alone, you’re up against the below consequences:
- A Prison Sentence. Second-degree rape and sodomy charges all potentially result in prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the more serious first-degree offences can go as far as life in prison.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, felons lose several significant rights, including the right to vote, second amendment rights, 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 just for being accused of rape.
If you review 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 hire Clinton, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready for your case.
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.
- An adept team of rape defense lawyers who have helped clients in thousands of cases, many just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is prepared for trial if your case goes that far.
- Longstanding relationships with the state, which we will leverage when negotiating a plea deal to give you positive outcomes without going through a trial.
Don’t give the state a chance to build a case you can’t defend against—get a hold of 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 Combs Waterkotte Uses Versus Clinton, MO Rape Charges:
Our Clinton rape defense lawyers have wide knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and use effective strategies to fight against them:
- Consent: In some rape cases, rather than being centered around whether or not the two parties had sex, the question is on consent, whether it was given or not, and whether it 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: DNA, medical reports, location data, and more can all be key in establishing a narrative of events.
- 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.
Each case is unique, and each defense needs to be tailored to the specifics of the case. At Combs Waterkotte, we build the most powerful defense possible for your situation and will give you honest, helpful advice on how to move forward.
What’s the Difference Between Rape, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy in Clinton, MO?
If you had to define 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.
We’ve outlined the different Clinton, MO, criminal charges you could be actually charged with when someone makes allegations of ‘rape:’
First Degree Rape:
First Degree Rape is defined in Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030 as having sexual intercourse 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 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 without having their consent.
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 makes this different from first-degree 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 an adult over the age of twenty-one engaging in sexual intercourse with someone under the age of seventeen.
Second-degree statutory rape is different from first-degree because of the age requirements. It’s also relevant to know that Missouri has some additional laws in regards to sexual intercourse with individuals in the in-between ages of fourteen to sixteen.
First Degree Sodomy:
First Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.060 as having either oral, anal, or digital sex with an individualor otherwise penetrating another person, while that individual is unable to consent, or is coerced to do so via force.
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 an individual or otherwise penetrating that individual, 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 was able 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, 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, voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity from all relevant individuals who are able to give consent. Obtaining clear consent is important prior to engaging in any sexual activity.
Our Clinton rape defense lawyers will fight against rape, statutory rape, sodomy, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be charged with.
Common Clinton, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can only be arrested for rape in Clinton if there’s 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).
“There’s no reason to hire an attorney if you’re innocent.”
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 try and navigate Missouri law alone or make a mistake that unintentionally makes you look guilty.
“You can’t have sex with someone younger than 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.
“If someone’s had any alcohol, they can’t legally give consent.”
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 how drunk is too drunk to consent. That said, if you’re ever unsure about whether or not someone can consent, don’t have sex.
Combs Waterkotte Defends Against Rape Charges in Clinton, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Being accused of rape is traumatizing. And trying to go it alone is setting yourself up for failure. But you have a path forward. You can have Combs Waterkotte fighting for your rights.
We’re here to help good people in bad situations. 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 our team today at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
