Rape Defense Lawyers, Lake Winnebago, MO. Rape allegations can be life-altering, and Missouri law treats people convicted of rape severely. Being accused can seem like a hopeless situation.
But it’s not. Allegations and indictments are not convictions. And Combs Waterkotte is on your side to fight to defend you against bad outcomes.
We defend Lake Winnebago, MO, residents’ rights and give them a strong defensive plan against any criminal charges. We’re ready to start working on your case today—speak with us at (314) 900-HELP or use our online form now.
We are here to help, not to judge. Our rape and sexual assault defense attorneys will advise you on the best strategy to protect your interests. Reach out online or dial (314) 900-HELP for 24/7 support.
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Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in Lake Winnebago, MO, you need a team of rape defense lawyers right away. If you don’t hire someone, you’re potentially looking at the below consequences:
- Prison Time. The second-degree offences listed below all potentially result in prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the more serious first-degree offences can go as far as life in prison.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, felons lose many rights, particularly 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.
- Job Consequences. You can be fired if you’re accused of rape (even if it’s just allegations).
If you look at the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s hard to even think of a plan to move forward. This is why you’ll need to hire Lake Winnebago, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready for your case.
Here’s what we bring to the table when building your rape/sexual assault defense:
- A client-centered approach because we want to be sure we are capturing your story, needs, and goals.
- An experienced group of rape defense lawyers who have experience with thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is prepared for trial if your case goes that far.
- Effective, working relationships with prosecutors across the state, which we can use to negotiate a favorable plea deal if it is the best way to protect your interests.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds a case against you—speak with us now at (314) 900-HELP to talk to 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 …
Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use Against Lake Winnebago, MO Rape Charges:
Our team of Lake Winnebago rape defense lawyers have deep knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and use effective strategies to fight against the 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: 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: Improperly obtained evidence can be thrown out before it is used against you.
Each case is unique, and each defense needs to be tailored to the specifics of the case. At Combs Waterkotte, we create the most powerful 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 Lake Winnebago, MO?
If you had to define rape, the prototypical image would be someone being physically forced to have nonconsensual sex. But Missouri rape law distinguishes statutory and forcible rape, and distinguishes sodomy as a separate offense.
Below are the different Lake Winnebago, 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 having sex with someone who does not consent, and you’re aware that they do not.
This is distinguished from first-degree rape in 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 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.
Statutory rape degrees are distinguished by the age of the alleged victim and offender. It’s also relevant to know 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 someoneor otherwise penetrating someone, 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 main difference is that rape covers sexual intercourse, while sodomy covers other sexual acts.
Second Degree Sodomy:
Second Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.061 as having either oral, anal, or digital sex with an individual or otherwise penetrating someone, when the alleged victim states that they did not give consent.
In parallel to second-degree rape, the difference between first-degree sodomy and second-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, one common trend is the lack of consent. Missouri defines consent for sex as an affirmative, voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity from all relevant individuals who have the capacity to give consent. Obtaining clear consent is important prior to beginning any sexual activity.
Our Lake Winnebago rape defense lawyers will fight against rape, statutory rape, sodomy, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be charged with.
Common Lake Winnebago, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can only be arrested for rape in Lake Winnebago if there’s physical evidence.”
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, 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: You always need agroup of rape defense lawyers watching your back, even if you’re innocent. You don’t want to face a complex legal system on your own or say something you think is innocuous that is later twisted to make 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: In reality, there isn’t a legal definition of what level is too drunk to consent. That said, if there’s ever a question as to someone’s ability to consent, don’t have sex.
Combs Waterkotte Defends Against Rape Charges in Lake Winnebago, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Being accused of rape is traumatizing. And being the only person on your side is scary. But you don’t have to go it alone. 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 offer high-quality legal expertise to all of our clients. And we’re ready to get started right away.
Reach us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
