Rape Defense Lawyers, Freeman, MO. Being accused of rape can turn your world upside down, and Missouri legal statutes are very punitive for rape convictions. Facing these charges can seem like a hopeless situation.
But it’s not. Accusations and charges are not guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is here to fight to protect you from negative outcomes.
We defend Freeman, MO, residents’ freedom and give them a well-built defensive plan against all criminal charges. We’re free to give you a consult on your case today—give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a confidential consult.
You need a leading defense attorney. Our rape and sexual assault defense lawyers will treat you like a person, not a case number. 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 accused of rape in Freeman, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers right away. If you try to fight the allegations by yourself, you’re potentially looking at the below consequences:
- A Prison Sentence. Different charges in the second degree all potentially result in prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the harsher first-degree charges can go as far as life without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, convicted felons lose several rights, including the right to vote, the right to possess a gun, 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.
- 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 easy to feel overwhelmed. Because of this, you’ll need to find Freeman, 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 because we want to be sure we are capturing your story, needs, and goals.
- An experienced team of rape defense lawyers who have experience with thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
- A strong defense that is built for trial in case we need to go that far.
- Longstanding relationships with the state, which we will leverage when negotiating a plea deal if that can give you the positive outcomes you need.
Don’t wait for “things to blow over” (they won’t)—call 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 …
Defensive Tactics Our Attorneys Use Against Freeman, MO Rape Charges:
Our team of Freeman rape defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what strategies work to fight against the charges:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the argument will center around whether consent was freely given or not.
- Alibi: It’s highly unfortunate, but sometimes rape victims accuse the wrong person, and an alibi can be key to your defense.
- 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.
Your case needs a custom-designed strategy to give you the best possible odds at a positive outcome. At Combs Waterkotte, we craft the finest defense possible for your circumstances and will give you honest, helpful advice on how to move forward.
What’s the Difference Between Rape, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy in Freeman, MO?
When most people think of 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 categorizes certain acts as sodomy instead of rape.
Below are the different Freeman, 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 using force to force them to have sex (this also includes drugging them while they are unaware).
First-degree rape is the main criminal charge that most people think of when they hear “rape.”
Second Degree Rape:
Second Degree Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.031 as engaging in sexual intercourse with an individual without having their consent.
This is distinguished from first-degree rape in that the alleged victim was able to consent at the time, but is saying 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 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 sex with individuals from fourteen to 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 someone, and this is done while that individual cannot consent, or is coerced to do so via force.
This is very similar to first-degree rape charges; the main difference is that rape covers sexual intercourse, while sodomy covers other sexual acts.
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 a person, 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 states they did not.
While the details of the alleged crime and the penalties all vary, 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 intercourse as an affirmative, unforced agreement to engage in sexual activity from all relevant individuals who are able to give consent. Ensuring that everyone gives consent is important before proceeding with any sexual activity.
Our Freeman rape defense lawyers will defend you against all of the above charges and any other sexual assault allegations you may be up against.
Common Freeman, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can only be arrested for rape in Freeman 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, if the police have probable cause (which only has to be alleged victim testimony), they can make an arrest.
“If you’re innocent of the charges, you don’t need a lawyer.”
The Reality: If you’re up against rape charges, you’ll always want an expert team of rape defense lawyers watching out for your interests, whether you’re innocent or guilty. You don’t want to try and navigate Missouri law alone or slip up and say something that can be misinterpreted.
“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.
“A person can’t consent if they’ve had something to drink.”
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 what level 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 Freeman, 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 want to deliver you the best possible outcome.
Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
