Rape Defense Lawyers, Lake Lotawana, MO. Rape allegations are hard to handle, and Missouri legal statutes are very punitive for rape convictions. Being accused can seem like a hopeless situation.
But it’s not. Allegations and charges aren’t convictions. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to fight to protect you from negative outcomes.
We defend Lake Lotawana, MO, residents’ right to due process and give them a proper defense 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 get in touch online for a free consult.
Get the justice you deserve. 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 for help 24/7.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
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Over 60 Years
Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
If you’ve been charged with rape in Lake Lotawana, 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 in danger of the following:
- Years In Prison. 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 several significant rights, particularly the right to vote, second amendment rights, 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.
- Job Consequences. You can be fired if you’re accused of rape (even if it’s just allegations).
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, you’ll need to hire Lake Lotawana, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready to help.
We take pride in offering the following when crafting your rape/sexual assault defense:
- A client-centered approach because we want to be sure we are capturing your story, needs, and goals.
- An accomplished group of rape defense lawyers who have experience with thousands of cases, several just like yours.
- A strong defense that is prepared for trial if your case goes that far.
- Strong relationships with prosecutors, which we will leverage when negotiating 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)—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 …
Defensive Tactics Our Lawyers Use Versus Lake Lotawana, MO Rape Charges:
Our Lake Lotawana 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 question is not whether sexual activity occurred, but whether it was consensual.
- Alibi: Alibis create reasonable doubt by providing evidence indicating that you were somewhere else at the time of the crime.
- 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.
Your case needs a custom-designed strategy to give you the best possible odds at a positive outcome. At Combs Waterkotte, we construct the finest defense possible for your specific case 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 Lake Lotawana, MO?
When most people think of rape, the prototypical image would be someone being physically forced to have nonconsensual sex. But Missouri rape law distinguishes statutory and forcible rape, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
We’ve outlined the different Lake Lotawana, 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 engaging in sex with someone who is unable to 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 an individual without having their consent.
This is different from first-degree rape in that the alleged victim had the ability to consent, but is saying 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.
What distinguishes this from first-degree and second-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 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 relevant to know that Missouri has special laws specifically in regards to 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 engaging in either oral, anal, or digital sex with an individualor otherwise penetrating another person, and this is done while the alleged victim is unable to consent, or is coerced to do so via force.
You may notice that the language for this statute is nearly identical to that of first-degree rape; the only difference is the alleged type of act performed.
Second Degree Sodomy:
Second Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.061 as participating in either oral, anal, or digital sex with a person or otherwise penetrating that person, while knowing the other person does not consent.
As with second-degree rape, the differentiator between this and first-degree sodomy is that the alleged victim was able to consent, but states they did not.
Rape, statutory rape, and sodomy all have details that make them different from one another, however, they all involve a lack of consent. Missouri defines consent for sexual activity as an affirmative, elective agreement to engage in sexual activity from all involved individuals who are able to give consent. Ensuring that everyone gives consent is important prior to engaging in any sexual action.
Combs Waterkotte’s Lake Lotawana rape defense lawyers will fight against rape, statutory rape, sodomy, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be charged with.
Common Lake Lotawana, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“Without proof, the police in Lake Lotawana won’t arrest you for rape.”
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 expert team 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 alone or make a mistake that unintentionally makes 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 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: 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 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 Defends Against Rape Charges in Lake Lotawana, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Facing a rape accusation can be disturbing . And fighting against it on your own is hard. But you have another option. You can have Combs Waterkotte building your defense.
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 we’re ready to take your case.
Speak with our team now at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our contact form for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
