Rape Defense Lawyers, Gower, MO. Rape allegations can be life-altering, and Missouri legal statutes are very punitive for rape convictions. Being called an alleged rapist can seem like it’s the end of your life.
But it’s not. Accusations and indictments aren’t convictions. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to battle against negative outcomes.
We protect Gower, MO, residents’ freedom and give them a proper case against any criminal charges. We’re free to give you a consult on your case today—reach us by phone at (314) 900-HELP or use our online form for a confidential consult.
Get the justice you deserve. Our rape and sexual assault defense attorneys will be in your corner from day one. Reach out online or call (314) 900-HELP for help 24/7.
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Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
When you’ve been accused of sexual assault or rape in Gower, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers before you talk to anyone. If you try to fight the allegations by yourself, you’re up against the following:
- Years In Prison. The second-degree offences listed below all carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the more serious first-degree offences can be as harsh as life without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, felons lose several significant rights, most notably the right to vote, the right to possess a firearm, 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.
- Career Impacts. You can lose your job just for being accused of rape.
When you hear about the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To give yourself the best chance to avoid these, it’s important for you to find Gower, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready to protect you.
When you hire us, you’re getting the following from the team 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 accomplished group of rape defense lawyers who have experience with thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
- A strong defense that is built for trial should your case go that far.
- Strong relationships with prosecutors, which we lean on to come up with a plea deal if it is the best way to protect your interests.
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 Combs Waterkotte Uses Versus Gower, MO Rape Charges:
Our team of Gower rape defense lawyers have substantial knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what strategies work to fight against them:
- 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: 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 craft 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 Gower, MO?
If you had to define rape, the prototypical image would be someone being physically forced to have nonconsensual sex. But Missouri rape law separates out two categories of rape, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
Here are the different Gower, 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 sex with someone who is incapable of consent, or compelling them to engage in sexual intercourse through force (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 engaging in sexual intercourse with a person who does not consent, and you’re aware that they do not.
Compared to first-degree rape charges, the difference is that the alleged victim is capable of consenting, 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.
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.
Second-degree statutory rape is different from first-degree because of the age requirements. It’s also important to be aware that Missouri has some additional laws regarding 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 someoneor otherwise penetrating someone, and this is done while the alleged victim cannot consent, or is forced to participate.
This law reads and works very similarly to Missouri’s first-degree rape law; 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 someone or otherwise penetrating an individual, when the alleged victim states that they did not give consent.
Similar to second-degree rape, what distinguishes second-degree from first-degree degree sodomy is that the alleged victim had the capacity to 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 sex as an affirmative, elective agreement to engage in sexual activity from both individuals who have the capacity to give consent. Obtaining clear consent is important prior to engaging in any sexual activity.
Our Gower rape defense lawyers will defend you against all of the above charges and any other sexual assault allegations you may be charged with.
Common Gower, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can’t be arrested/charged in Gower if there’s no 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.
“Innocent people don’t need attorneys.”
The Reality: If you’re up against rape charges, you’ll always want a team of rape defense lawyers watching out for your interests, even if you’re innocent. You don’t want to attempt to go through the court process without help or say something you think is innocuous that is later twisted to make you look guilty.
“Missouri law says nobody can have sex with someone under 17.”
The Reality: Missouri’s age of consent is 17. But, the state does have ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws that allow 14-16 year olds to engage in sexual intercourse with someone close to them in age (up to four years their senior).
“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 there’s ever a question as to someone’s ability to consent, don’t have sex.
Combs Waterkotte Defends Against Rape Charges in Gower, 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 don’t have to go it alone. You can have Combs Waterkotte protecting your rights.
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 have the experience and expertise necessary to craft a forceful defense. And whatever charges you’re up against, we’re ready to talk.
Talk to our team now at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online form for a free, confidential consultation.
