Rape Defense Lawyers, Lexington, MO. Being accused of rape can turn your world upside down, and the charges have some of the harshest penalties in Missouri. Facing these charges can feel like it’s the end of your life.
But it’s not. Accusations and charges are not the same as guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is ready to battle to defend you against bad outcomes.
We protect Lexington, MO, residents’ right to due process and give them a well-built case against any criminal charges. We’re ready to start working on your case today—reach us by phone at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online now.
You need a leading defense attorney. Our rape and sexual assault defense attorneys will be in your corner from day one. Contact us online or dial (314) 900-HELP for help 24/7.
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Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
When you’ve been accused of rape in Lexington, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers right away. If you go it alone, you’re risking the below consequences:
- Years In Prison. Different charges in the second degree all potentially result in prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the first-degree offences can be as harsh as life in prison.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, felons lose several rights, most notably the right to vote, the right to possess a firearm, 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 Impacts. You can lose your job if you’re accused of rape (even if it’s just allegations).
If you review 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 bring in Lexington, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready for your case.
Here’s what we bring to the table when crafting your rape/sexual assault defense:
- A client-centered approach because it’s important to fully know your side of the story before building a defense.
- An adept group of rape defense lawyers who have helped clients in thousands of cases, many just like yours.
- A strong defense that is ready for trial in case we need to go that far.
- Longstanding relationships with prosecutors across the state, which we can use to negotiate a plea deal if that can effectively protect your interests.
Don’t wait for “things to blow over” (they won’t)—call us now at (314) 900-HELP to get in touch 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 Against Lexington, MO Rape Charges:
Combs Waterkotte’s Lexington rape defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what strategies work 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: 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: Improperly obtained evidence can be thrown out before it is used against you.
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 keep you informed and up to date on how your case is progressing.
What’s the Difference Between Rape, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy in Lexington, MO?
If you had to define rape, the first thing that comes to mind is probably forcing someone to have sex against their will. But Missouri rape law separates out two categories of rape, and categorizes certain acts as sodomy instead of rape.
Below are the different Lexington, MO, criminal charges you could formally be up against when someone accuses you 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 using force to force them to have sex (this also includes giving them substances without their knowledge).
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 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 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 having either oral, anal, or digital sex with an individualor otherwise penetrating that person, and this is done while that individual cannot consent, or is forced to participate.
This is very similar to first-degree rape charges; 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 participating in either oral, anal, or digital sex with another person or otherwise penetrating that individual, while knowing the other person does not consent.
Just like with second-degree rape, what distinguishes second-degree from first-degree degree sodomy is that the alleged victim had the capacity to consent, but states they did not.
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, voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity from both individuals who have the capacity to give consent. Obtaining clear consent is important prior to engaging in any sexual action.
Combs Waterkotte’s Lexington rape defense lawyers will defend you against all of the above charges and any other sexual assault allegations you may be charged with.
Common Lexington, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“Without proof, the police in Lexington 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, all that the police need to arrest you is probable cause (which doesn’t have to be more than an accusation).
“There’s no reason to hire an attorney if you’re innocent.”
The Reality: You always need a team of rape defense lawyers watching your back, whether you’re innocent or guilty. You don’t want to attempt to go through the court process 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: While the age of consent in Missouri is 17, the state does have ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws that allow 14-16 year olds to engage in sexual intercourse with someone close to them in age (up to four years their senior).
“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 you’re ever unsure about whether or not someone can consent, don’t have sex.
Combs Waterkotte Defends Against Rape Charges in Lexington, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Facing a rape accusation can be disturbing . And trying to go it alone is setting yourself up for failure. But you are one call away from Missouri’s leading criminal defense lawyers. You can have Combs Waterkotte fighting for your freedom.
We don’t charge by the hour, so you can get in touch with us 24/7 if you need something for your case. 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 now at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online form for a free, confidential consultation.
