Rape Defense Lawyers, Drexel, MO. Rape accusations carry a lot of stigma, and Missouri law treats people convicted of rape severely. Being accused can seem like a hopeless situation.
But it’s not. Allegations and charges are not convictions. And Combs Waterkotte is here to battle to protect you from bad outcomes.
We protect Drexel, MO, residents’ right to due process and give them a well-built case against any 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 now.
Get the justice you deserve. Our rape and sexual assault defense attorneys will advise you on the best strategy to protect your interests. Reach out online or call (314) 900-HELP for help 24/7.
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:
When you’ve been accused of a sex crime in Drexel, MO, you need a team of rape defense lawyers before you talk to anyone. If you don’t hire an attorney, you’re up against the below consequences:
- Prison Time. The second-degree offences listed below can carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the more serious first-degree offences can be as high as life without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, felons lose several rights, most notably the right to vote, second amendment rights, and certain employment rights. Depending on your situation, your parental rights may also be affected.
- Sex Offender Registration. If you’re convicted of rape, your name will likely be put on a public sex offender registry.
- Career Impacts. You can be fired if you’re accused of rape (even if it’s just allegations).
When you see the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To give yourself the best chance to avoid these, it’s critical that you hire Drexel, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared for your case.
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.
- A knowledgeable team of rape defense lawyers who have experience with thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
- A strong defense that is ready for trial if your case goes that far.
- Strong relationships with the state, which we can use to negotiate a plea deal if that can give you the positive outcomes you need.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds a case against you—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 Drexel, MO Rape Charges:
Our Drexel rape defense lawyers have deep knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and effective ways to defend against the charges:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the question is not whether sexual activity occurred, but whether it was consensual.
- 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: 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 create the finest defense possible for your specific case 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 Drexel, MO?
If you had to define rape, the image that comes to mind is probably that of forcible rape. But Missouri rape law distinguishes statutory and forcible rape, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
We’ve outlined the different Drexel, MO, criminal charges you could be actually charged with when accused 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 unable to consent, or compelling them to engage in sexual intercourse through force (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 an individual when you know you don’t have their consent.
This is different from first-degree rape in that the alleged victim was able to consent at the time, 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 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.
The difference between first-degree and second-degree statutory rape is the age range. It’s also important to be aware that Missouri has special ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws having to do with sex with individuals in the in-between ages of fourteen to sixteen.
First Degree Sodomy:
First Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.060 as engaging in either oral, anal, or digital sex with an individualor otherwise penetrating that person, 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; 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 a person or otherwise penetrating that person, 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.
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, voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity from both individuals who are able to give consent. Obtaining clear consent is important before proceeding with any sexual activity.
Our Drexel rape defense lawyers will build a defense for you for any of the charges listed above, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be charged with.
Common Drexel, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“Without proof, the police in Drexel 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.
“Innocent people don’t need attorneys.”
The Reality: You always need agroup of rape defense lawyers on your side, even if you’re innocent. You don’t want to attempt to go through the court process without help or slip up and say something that can be misinterpreted.
“You can’t have sex with someone younger than 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 that allow people aged 14-16 to have sex with a partner up to four years older than themselves.
“A person can’t consent if they’ve had something to drink.”
The Reality: In reality, 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 Drexel, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
A rape allegation can throw your life into disarray. And being the only person on your side is scary. But you don’t have to go it alone. You can have Combs Waterkotte fighting for your rights.
We have two former prosecutors who know how the state builds its cases against you. Our rape defense lawyers know what it takes to build a stellar defense against these charges. And we’re ready to take your case.
Talk to our team today at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential consultation.
