Rape Defense Lawyers, Ivanhoe, MO. Rape allegations are hard to handle, and Missouri law treats people convicted of rape severely. Facing these charges can seem like your life is over.
But it’s not. Accusations and charges are not guilt. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to battle to defend you against those outcomes.
We protect Ivanhoe, MO, residents’ right to due process and give them a well-built case against all criminal charges. We’re available to talk about your case today—talk to us at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our contact form online for a confidential consult.
You need a leading defense attorney. Our rape and sexual assault defense attorneys will treat you like a person, not a case number. Contact us online or dial (314) 900-HELP to get started.
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 rape in Ivanhoe, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers before you talk to anyone. Should you not hire anyone, you’re up against the below consequences:
- A Prison Sentence. Different charges in the second degree all carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the more serious first-degree offences can be as high as life in prison.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, felons lose many rights, including the right to vote, the right to own 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.
- Career 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, they can be overwhelming. To give yourself the best chance to avoid these, it’s important for you to hire Ivanhoe, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared 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 because it’s important to fully know your side of the story before building a defense.
- An adept group of rape defense lawyers who have helped clients in thousands of cases, several just like yours.
- A strong defense that is built for trial if your case goes that far.
- Strong relationships with the state, which we lean on to come up with a favorable 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 get in touch 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 …
Defenses Combs Waterkotte Uses Against Ivanhoe, MO Rape Charges:
Our Ivanhoe rape defense lawyers have deep knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what strategies work to fight against related charges:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the argument will center around whether consent 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: Even if you don’t have an alibi, physical evidence like DNA might be able to exonerate you.
- 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 create the strongest 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 Ivanhoe, MO?
When most people think of rape, the image that comes to mind is probably that of forcible rape. But Missouri rape law separates out two categories of rape, and distinguishes sodomy as a separate offense.
Below are the different Ivanhoe, MO, criminal charges you could formally be up against 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).
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 without having their consent.
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.
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 important to be aware that Missouri has special ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws regarding 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 participating in either oral, anal, or digital sex with another personor otherwise penetrating that individual, while the alleged victim cannot consent, or is forced to participate.
This is very similar to first-degree rape charges; even the penalties are the same. The difference between these two laws is in the action(s) that allegedly took place.
Second Degree Sodomy:
Second Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.061 as having either oral, anal, or digital sex with a person or otherwise penetrating a person, when the alleged victim states that they did not give consent.
Similar to second-degree rape, the difference between first-degree sodomy and second-degree sodomy is that the alleged victim was able to consent, but did not for that instance/act.
Rape, statutory rape, and sodomy all have details that make them different from one another, however, 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 have the capacity to give consent. Checking that all parties consent is important before engaging in any sexual activity.
Combs Waterkotte’s Ivanhoe rape defense lawyers will fight against rape, statutory rape, sodomy, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be up against.
Common Ivanhoe, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can’t be arrested/charged in Ivanhoe if there’s no physical evidence.”
The Reality: If there’s no physical evidence, that can hurt the state’s chances of getting a conviction. However,, 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: Whatever the circumstances, it’s critical to have an experienced group of rape defense lawyers on your side, whether you’re innocent or guilty. You don’t want to try and navigate Missouri law alone or make a mistake that unintentionally makes you look guilty.
“Missouri law says nobody can have sex with someone under 17.”
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 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 you’re ever unsure about whether or not someone can consent, don’t have sex.
Combs Waterkotte Protects Against Rape Charges in Ivanhoe, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Being accused of rape is traumatizing. And being the only person on your side is scary. But you are one call away from Missouri’s leading criminal defense lawyers. You can have Combs Waterkotte at your back.
We’re here to help good people in bad situations. 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 us now at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our contact form for a free, confidential consultation.
