Rape Defense Lawyers, Lone Jack, MO. Rape allegations are hard to handle, and Missouri legal statutes are very punitive for rape convictions. Facing these charges can seem like a hopeless situation.
But it’s not. Accusations and charges aren’t convictions. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to battle against negative outcomes.
We defend Lone Jack, MO, residents’ freedom and give them a proper defensive plan against any criminal charges. We’re free to give you a consult on your case today—give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our contact form online for a confidential consult.
Get the justice you deserve. Our rape and sexual assault defense attorneys will listen to your side of the story and build a defense around it. Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to start today.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
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Over 1 Million
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400+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 60 Years
Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
When you’ve been accused of sexual assault or rape in Lone Jack, MO, you need a team of rape defense lawyers before you do anything else in your case. If you don’t hire someone, you’re in danger of the below consequences:
- Prison Time. The second-degree offences listed below can carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the first-degree offences can be as high as life without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, felons lose several significant 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.
- Career Impacts. You can be fired even before a conviction.
When you hear about the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, they can be overwhelming. Because of this, it’s critical that you find Lone Jack, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready to help.
Here’s what we bring to the table when 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 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 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—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 Lone Jack, MO Rape Charges:
Our Lone Jack rape defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what techniques work to defend against them:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the argument will center around whether consent 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: 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 create the finest 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 Lone Jack, MO?
When most people think of rape, the prototypical image would be someone being physically forced to have nonconsensual sex. But Missouri rape law separates out two categories of rape, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
Below are the different Lone Jack, 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 having sex with another person who is unable to consent, or compelling them to engage in sexual intercourse through force (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 engaging in sexual intercourse with a person when you know you don’t have their consent.
This is distinguished from first-degree rape in that the alleged victim had the ability to consent, but claims 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 it doesn’t matter if the alleged victim states that they provided “consent,” because people under that age are not legally able to do so.
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. It’s also important to be aware that Missouri has special ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws regarding sexual activity with individuals from fourteen to 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 a person, and this is done while the alleged victim cannot consent, or is coerced to do so via force.
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 having either oral, anal, or digital sex with another person or otherwise penetrating that person, while knowing the other person does not 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 do so.
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, elective 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 Lone Jack rape defense lawyers will defend you against all of the above charges and any other sexual assault allegations you may be up against.
Common Lone Jack, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“Without proof, the police in Lone Jack won’t arrest you for rape.”
The Reality: If there’s no physical evidence, that can hurt the state’s chances of getting a conviction. However,, you can be arrested for nothing more than probable cause, which can include the accusations themselves.
“There’s no reason to hire an attorney if you’re innocent.”
The Reality: If you’re up against rape charges, you’ll always want an experienced team of rape defense lawyers on your side, even if you’re innocent. You don’t want to try and navigate Missouri law alone or slip up and say something that can be misinterpreted.
“You can’t have sex with someone younger than 17 in Missouri.”
The Reality: Missouri’s age of consent is 17. But, 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 there’s ever a question as to someone’s ability to consent, don’t have sex.
Combs Waterkotte Defends Against Rape Charges in Lone Jack, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Being accused of rape is traumatizing. And being the only person on your side is scary. But you have a path forward. You can have Combs Waterkotte fighting for your freedom.
We have a stellar reputation with over 400 five star reviews. Our rape defense lawyers have the experience and expertise necessary to craft a forceful defense. And we want to deliver you the best possible outcome.
Speak with one of our representatives today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
