Rape Defense Lawyers, Knob Noster, MO. Being accused of rape can turn your world upside down, 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. Allegations and indictments are not guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is here to fight to protect you from bad outcomes.
We defend Knob Noster, MO, residents’ rights and give them a proper defensive plan against all criminal charges. We’re free to give you a consult on your case today—call us at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online any time, day or night.
We are here to help, not to judge. Our rape and sexual assault defense attorneys 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.
Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
If you’ve been charged with sexual assault or rape in Knob Noster, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers before you talk to anyone. If you don’t hire an attorney, you’re risking the below consequences:
- A Prison Sentence. Second-degree rape and sodomy charges can potentially result in prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the first-degree offences can be as harsh 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.
- Career Impacts. You can lose your job even before a conviction.
When you hear about the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, they can be overwhelming. To give yourself the best chance to avoid these, you’ll need to hire Knob Noster, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready for your case.
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 experienced group of rape defense lawyers who have handled thousands of cases, many just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is built for trial if your case goes that far.
- Longstanding relationships with the state, which we can use to negotiate a favorable plea deal if it is the best way to protect your interests.
Don’t give the state a chance to build a case you can’t defend against—speak with 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 Against Knob Noster, MO Rape Charges:
Our Knob Noster rape defense lawyers have intense knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and effective strategies to defend against the charges:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the question is not whether sexual activity occurred, but whether it was consensual.
- Alibi: It’s highly unfortunate, but sometimes rape victims accuse the wrong person, and an alibi can be key to your defense.
- 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: Improperly obtained evidence can be thrown out before it is used against you.
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 situation and will tell you what outcomes we think are realistically achievable for you, and how best to get there.
What’s the Difference Between Rape, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy in Knob Noster, MO?
If someone asked you to describe rape, the image that comes to mind is probably that of forcible rape. But Missouri rape law has multiple different categories of rape, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
We’ve outlined the different Knob Noster, 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 sexual intercourse with someone who is incapable of consent, or compelling them to engage in sexual intercourse through force (additionally, this includes drugging them).
This is normally regarded as the most serious charge of the six outlined on this page
Second Degree Rape:
Second Degree Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.031 as having sex with another person when you know you don’t have their consent.
This is different from first-degree rape in that the alleged victim had the ability to consent, 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.
What makes this different from first-degree rape is that the alleged victim could have voluntarily agreed to have sex (this would not count as consent, legally).
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 laws specifically in regards to sex 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 someoneor otherwise penetrating someone, and this is done while the alleged victim cannot consent, or is coerced to do so via force.
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 a person or otherwise penetrating an individual, while knowing 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 had the capacity to consent, but did not for that instance/act.
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, voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity from all relevant individuals who are able to give consent. Checking that all parties consent is important prior to proceeding with any sexual action.
Our Knob Noster rape defense lawyers will fight against rape, statutory rape, sodomy, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be facing.
Common Knob Noster, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“Without proof, the police in Knob Noster won’t arrest you for rape.”
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.
“You don’t need a lawyer if you’re innocent.”
The Reality: If you’re up against rape charges, you’ll always want agroup of rape defense lawyers watching your back, even if you’re innocent. You don’t want to try and navigate Missouri law on your own 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: 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: There are some situations where it is impossible for someone to give consent (most notably if they are unconscious), however, 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 Knob Noster, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
A rape allegation can throw your life into disarray. And fighting against it on your own is hard. But you have a path forward. You can have Combs Waterkotte protecting 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’re ready to take your case.
Talk to us now at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
