Rape Defense Lawyers, Kansas City, MO. Rape allegations are hard to handle, and the charges have some of the harshest penalties in Missouri. Being called an alleged rapist can seem like your life is over.
But it’s not. Allegations and indictments are not the same as guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to fight to defend you against bad outcomes.
We protect Kansas City, MO, residents’ freedom and give them a strong case against all criminal charges. We’re available to talk about your case today—reach us by phone at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our contact form online for a free, confidential consultation.
Get the justice you deserve. Our rape and sexual assault defense lawyers will advise you on the best strategy to protect your interests. Reach out online or call (314) 900-HELP to speak with someone anytime, any day.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
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Over 1 Million
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Legal Experience
Over 60 Years
Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
If you’ve been charged with a sex crime in Kansas City, MO, you need a team of rape defense lawyers before you talk to anyone. If you try to fight the charges without a lawyer, you’re up against the following:
- Prison Time. The second-degree offences listed below can potentially result in prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the harsher first-degree charges can go as far as life in prison without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, felons lose several rights, most notably the right to vote, the right to possess a gun, 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.
- Job Consequences. 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 hard to even think of a plan to move forward. This is why it’s important for you to bring in Kansas City, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to help.
When you hire us, you’re getting the following from the team building 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.
- A skillful team of rape defense lawyers who have experience with thousands of cases, many just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is prepared for trial if your case goes that far.
- Strong relationships with prosecutors across the state, which we will leverage when negotiating a favorable plea deal if that can effectively protect your interests.
Don’t wait for “things to blow over” (they won’t)—get a hold of 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 …
Defenses Combs Waterkotte Uses Versus Kansas City, MO Rape Charges:
Our team of Kansas City rape defense lawyers have deep knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and effective ways to fight against related charges:
- 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: DNA, medical reports, location data, and more can all be key in establishing a narrative of events.
- 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 create the finest defense possible for your situation 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 Kansas City, MO?
When most people think of 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.
Below are the different Kansas City, 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 cannot consent, or coercing them to have sex with force or threats of 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 having sex with an individual without having their consent.
Compared to first-degree rape charges, the difference is that the alleged victim was able to consent at the time, 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.
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 in regards to sexual activity with individuals from 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 an individual, while that individual 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, while knowing the other person does not consent.
Similar to second-degree rape, what distinguishes second-degree from first-degree degree sodomy is that the alleged victim could have given consent, but did not do so.
While the details of the alleged crime and the penalties all vary, they all involve a lack of consent. Missouri defines consent for sexual activity as an affirmative, unforced agreement to engage in sexual activity from both individuals who are able to give consent. Ensuring that everyone gives consent is important before engaging in any sexual action.
Our Kansas City rape defense lawyers will defend you against all of the above charges and any other sexual assault allegations you may be charged with.
Common Kansas City, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can only be arrested for rape in Kansas City 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, you can be arrested for nothing more than probable cause, which can include the accusations themselves.
“You don’t need a lawyer if you’re innocent.”
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 attempt to go through the court process alone or say something you think is innocuous that is later twisted to make you look guilty.
“It’s illegal to have sex with someone under 17 in Missouri.”
The Reality: While the age of consent in Missouri is 17, 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: While there are some cases where a person objectively cannot consent, such as if they are unconscious, there isn’t a legal definition of how drunk 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 Kansas City, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Facing a rape accusation can be disturbing . And fighting against it on your own is hard. But you don’t have to go it alone. You can have Combs Waterkotte building your defense.
We won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve. 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.
Speak with our team today at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
