Rape Defense Lawyers, Knob Noster, MO. Rape accusations carry a lot of stigma, and Missouri legal statutes are very punitive for rape convictions. Being called an alleged rapist can feel like a hopeless situation.
But it’s not. Allegations and indictments are not the same as guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to fight against negative outcomes.
We protect Knob Noster, 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—reach us by phone at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our contact form online now.
You need a leading defense attorney. Our rape and sexual assault defense lawyers will be in your corner from day one. Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to speak with someone anytime, any day.
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 a sex crime in Knob Noster, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers before you do anything else in your case. If you go it alone, you’re up against the following:
- 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 harsh as life sentences.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, people convicted of felonies lose many rights, most notably the right to vote, the right to own 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 lose your job just for being accused of rape.
When you see the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, they can be overwhelming. This is why it’s important for you to hire Knob Noster, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to protect you.
Here’s what we bring to the table when 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.
- An accomplished team of rape defense lawyers who have handled thousands of cases, many just like yours.
- A strong defense that is built for trial should your case go that far.
- Effective, working relationships with the state, which we can use to negotiate a plea deal to give you positive outcomes without going through a trial.
Don’t give the state a chance to build a case you can’t defend against—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 Our Lawyers Use Against Knob Noster, MO Rape Charges:
Combs Waterkotte’s Knob Noster rape defense lawyers have wide knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what techniques work to fight against related charges:
- Consent: In some rape cases, rather than being centered around whether or not the two parties had sex, the question is on consent, whether it was given or not, and whether it 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 construct the most powerful defense possible for your circumstances 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 you had to define rape, the image that comes to mind is probably that of forcible rape. But Missouri rape law distinguishes statutory and forcible rape, and categorizes certain acts as sodomy instead of rape.
Below are 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 engaging in sex with another person who cannot consent, or compelling them to engage in sexual intercourse through force (additionally, this includes drugging them).
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 a person who does not consent, and you’re aware that they do not.
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 having sex with someone younger than fourteen years old.
As opposed to the above rape charges, the differentiating factor with statutory 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.
Statutory rape degrees are distinguished by the age of the alleged victim and offender. Keep in mind that Missouri has special ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws regarding 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 another personor otherwise penetrating that person, while the alleged victim is unable to consent, or is coerced to do so via force.
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 engaging in either oral, anal, or digital sex with another person or otherwise penetrating that person, while knowing the other person does not consent.
Just like with second-degree rape, the difference between first-degree sodomy and second-degree sodomy is that the alleged victim could have given consent, but did not for that instance/act.
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 all involved individuals who have the capacity to give consent. Checking that all parties consent is important before beginning any sexual activity.
Our Knob Noster rape defense lawyers will fight against rape, statutory rape, sodomy, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be charged with.
Common Knob Noster, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can only be arrested for rape in Knob Noster if there’s 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.
“You don’t need a lawyer if you’re innocent.”
The Reality: If you’re up against rape charges, you’ll always want an expert group 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 without help 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 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 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 are one call away from Missouri’s leading criminal defense lawyers. You can have Combs Waterkotte protecting your rights.
We have a stellar reputation with over 400 five star reviews. Our rape defense lawyers offer high-quality legal expertise to all of our clients. And we’re ready to take your case.
Talk to our team today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
