Rape Defense Lawyers, Edgerton, MO. Rape allegations can be life-altering, and the charges have some of the harshest penalties in Missouri. Being called an alleged rapist can seem like a hopeless situation.
But it’s not. Accusations and indictments are not guilt. And Combs Waterkotte is ready to fight to protect you from those outcomes.
We defend Edgerton, MO, residents’ right to due process and give them a strong defensive plan against all criminal charges. We’re available to talk about your case today—reach us by phone at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a confidential consultation.
Get the justice you deserve. 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.
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:
If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in Edgerton, 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 in danger of the following:
- Prison Time. The second-degree offences listed below all potentially result in prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the first-degree offences can go as far as life without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, felons lose several significant rights, including 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 Consequences. You can be fired if you’re accused of rape (even if it’s just allegations).
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 critical that you hire Edgerton, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to help.
We take pride in offering the following 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 handled thousands of cases, several just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is prepared for trial should your case go that far.
- Effective, working relationships with prosecutors across the state, which we will leverage when negotiating a favorable plea deal to give you positive outcomes without going through a trial.
Don’t wait for “things to blow over” (they won’t)—call 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 …
Defenses Our Lawyers Use Against Edgerton, MO Rape Charges:
Combs Waterkotte’s Edgerton rape defense lawyers have deep knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and effective strategies to fight against them:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the argument will center around whether consent 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: 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: If the state broke any rules when gathering evidence, we can argue to have it thrown out.
Rape defense strategies are not one-size-fits-all. They need to be custom-made for each case. At Combs Waterkotte, we construct the strongest 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 Edgerton, MO?
If someone asked you to describe rape, the image that comes to mind is probably that of forcible rape. But Missouri rape law separates out two categories of rape, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
We’ve outlined the different Edgerton, MO, criminal charges you could formally be up against when someone makes allegations 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 compelling them to engage in sexual intercourse through force (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 engaging in sexual intercourse with an individual when you know you don’t have their consent.
This is distinguished from first-degree rape in that the alleged victim is capable of consenting, but states that they did not.
First Degree Statutory Rape:
First Degree Statutory Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.032 as an adult engaging in sexual intercourse with someone younger than fourteen.
As opposed to the above rape charges, the differentiating factor with statutory 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.
The difference between first-degree and second-degree statutory rape is the age range. It’s also relevant to know that Missouri has special ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws regarding sexual intercourse with individuals between the ages of fourteen and 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 that person, and this is done while that individual cannot 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; 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 another person or otherwise penetrating another person, with the knowledge that the other person does not consent.
In parallel to second-degree rape, the differentiator between this and first-degree sodomy is that the alleged victim could have given 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 sex as an affirmative, elective agreement to engage in sexual activity from all relevant individuals who are able to give consent. Obtaining clear consent is important before beginning any sexual action.
Our Edgerton rape defense lawyers will defend you against all of the above charges and any other sexual assault allegations you may be up against.
Common Edgerton, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can only be arrested for rape in Edgerton if there’s physical evidence.”
The Reality: This misconception is rooted in the difference between arrests, charges, and convictions. You can be charged and convicted of rape without physical evidence, although it is harder for the state to do so. Meanwhile, you can be arrested for nothing more than probable cause, which can include the accusations themselves.
“Innocent people don’t need attorneys.”
The Reality: If you’re up against rape charges, you’ll always want an expert group of rape defense lawyers watching out for your interests, even if you’re innocent. You don’t want to face a complex legal system without help or slip up and say something that can be misinterpreted.
“Missouri law says nobody can have sex with someone under 17.”
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: 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 Defends Against Rape Charges in Edgerton, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Being accused of rape is traumatizing. And fighting against it on your own is hard. But you have another option. 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 tell us about your case online for a free, confidential consultation.
