Rape Defense Lawyers, Concordia, MO. Rape allegations can be life-altering, and Missouri legal statutes are very punitive for rape convictions. Facing these charges can feel like a hopeless situation.
But it’s not. Allegations and charges are not the same as guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to fight against those outcomes.
We protect Concordia, MO, residents’ rights and give them a strong defensive plan against all criminal charges. We’re available to talk about your case today—give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or use our online form 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 dial (314) 900-HELP for 24/7 support.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
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Over 1 Million
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400+ Perfect
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Over 60 Years
Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
If you’ve been accused of rape in Concordia, MO, you need a team of rape defense lawyers before you do anything else in your case. If you try to fight the charges without a lawyer, you’re potentially looking at the following:
- A Prison Sentence. Second-degree rape and sodomy charges can carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the harsher first-degree charges can go as far as life in prison without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, convicted felons lose several significant rights, including the right to vote, second amendment rights, 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 lose your job if you’re accused of rape (even if it’s just allegations).
If you look at the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s hard to even think of a plan to move forward. To give yourself the best chance to avoid these, you’ll need to find Concordia, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared for your case.
Here’s what we bring to the table when crafting your rape/sexual assault defense:
- A client-centered approach where we take the time to get to know you personally and fully understand your story.
- An adept team of rape defense lawyers who have experience with thousands of cases, many just like yours.
- A strong defense that is built for trial if your case goes that far.
- Effective, working relationships with prosecutors, which we can use to negotiate a favorable plea deal if that can give you the positive outcomes you need.
Don’t give the state a chance to build a case you can’t defend against—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 Combs Waterkotte Uses Against Concordia, MO Rape Charges:
Our team of Concordia rape defense lawyers have deep knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and effective ways to defend against related charges:
- 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: In cases of mistaken identity or outright false allegations, an alibi can prove that you were elsewhere at the time.
- Physical Evidence: Evidence can make or break a case. Whether it’s DNA, injury reports, communication records, or something else.
- 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.
Rape defense strategies are not one-size-fits-all. They need to be custom-made for each case. At Combs Waterkotte, we build the strongest defense possible for your specific case and will tell you what outcomes we think are realistically achievable for you, and how best to get there.
What’s the Difference Between Rape, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy in Concordia, 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 has multiple different categories of rape, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
Here are the different Concordia, MO, criminal charges you could be facing when someone makes allegations of ‘rape:’
First Degree Rape:
First Degree Rape is defined in Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030 as engaging in sex with another person 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 having sex with an individual without having their consent.
This is distinguished 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.
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 an adult over the age of twenty-one engaging in sexual intercourse with someone under the age of seventeen.
Statutory rape degrees are distinguished by the age of the alleged victim and offender. It’s also relevant to know that Missouri has special ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws having to do with sexual intercourse with individuals from fourteen to sixteen.
First Degree Sodomy:
First Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.060 as having either oral, anal, or digital sex with a personor otherwise penetrating a person, and this is done while the alleged victim cannot consent, or is made to do so by force.
You may notice that the language for this statute is nearly identical to that of first-degree rape; the only difference is the alleged type of act performed.
Second Degree Sodomy:
Second Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.061 as engaging in either oral, anal, or digital sex with another person or otherwise penetrating an individual, while knowing the other person does not consent.
As with second-degree rape, the difference between first-degree sodomy and second-degree sodomy is that the alleged victim could have given consent, but did not do so.
Rape, statutory rape, and sodomy all have details that make them different from one another, however, one common trend is the 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. Checking that all parties consent is important before proceeding with any sexual action.
Combs Waterkotte’s Concordia rape defense lawyers will fight against rape, statutory rape, sodomy, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be facing.
Common Concordia, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“Without proof, the police in Concordia won’t arrest you for rape.”
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: If you’re up against rape charges, you’ll always want an expert group of rape defense lawyers on your side, even if you’re innocent. 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.
“It’s illegal to have sex with someone under 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 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 there’s ever a question as to someone’s ability to consent, don’t have sex.
Combs Waterkotte Defends Against Rape Charges in Concordia, 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 another option. You can have Combs Waterkotte fighting for your freedom.
We have a stellar reputation with over 400 five star reviews. Our rape defense lawyers have the experience and expertise necessary to craft a forceful defense. And whatever charges you’re up against, we’re ready to talk.
Speak with one of our representatives now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
