Rape Defense Lawyers, Maysville, MO. Rape accusations carry a lot of stigma, 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. Allegations and indictments are not the same as guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is here to battle to protect you from bad outcomes.
We defend Maysville, MO, residents’ rights and give them a well-built defensive plan against any criminal charges. We’re free to give you a consult on your case today—call us at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to get started.
We are here to help, not to judge. Our rape and sexual assault defense lawyers will treat you like a person, not a case number. Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to speak with someone anytime, any day.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
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Over 1 Million
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Legal Experience
Over 60 Years
Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
When you’ve been charged with rape in Maysville, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers before you do anything else in your case. Should you not hire anyone, you’re up against the below consequences:
- A Prison Sentence. Different charges in the second degree can carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the first-degree offences can be as high as life in prison without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, convicted felons lose several rights, including the right to vote, the right to possess a firearm, and certain employment rights. Depending on your situation, your parental rights may also be affected.
- 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 even before a conviction.
If you look at the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Because of this, it’s critical that you find Maysville, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared 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 team of rape defense lawyers who have experience with thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is prepared for trial should your case go that far.
- Longstanding relationships with prosecutors across the state, which we can use to negotiate a plea deal if it is the best way to protect your interests.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds a case against you—get a hold of 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 …
Defenses Our Lawyers Use Against Maysville, MO Rape Charges:
Combs Waterkotte’s Maysville rape defense lawyers have wide knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and effective ways to fight against them:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the question is not whether sexual activity occurred, but whether it was consensual.
- 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: 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 build the most powerful defense possible for your circumstances 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 Maysville, MO?
When most people think of rape, the prototypical image would be someone being physically forced to have nonconsensual sex. But Missouri rape law has multiple different categories of rape, and distinguishes sodomy as a separate offense.
We’ve outlined the different Maysville, MO, criminal charges you could be facing 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 cannot consent, or coercing them to have sex with force or threats of 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 an individual who does not consent, and you’re aware that they do not.
This is distinguished from first-degree rape in that the alleged victim was able to consent at the time, but is saying 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 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.
Second-degree statutory rape is different from first-degree because of the age requirements. It’s also important to be aware that Missouri has special ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws regarding sexual activity 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 another personor otherwise penetrating another person, while the alleged victim is unable to consent, or is made to do so by force.
This law reads and works very similarly to Missouri’s first-degree rape law; the only difference is the alleged type of act performed.
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 individual, while knowing the other person does not consent.
In parallel to second-degree rape, the differentiator between this and first-degree sodomy is that the alleged victim could have given consent, but did not do so.
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 relevant individuals who are capable of giving consent. Obtaining clear consent is important prior to engaging in any sexual activity.
Combs Waterkotte’s Maysville rape defense lawyers will defend you against all of the above charges and any other sexual assault allegations you may be charged with.
Common Maysville, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can only be arrested for rape in Maysville 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, 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 group of rape defense lawyers on your side, whether you’re innocent or guilty. You don’t want to try and navigate Missouri law 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 which legalize sex between someone aged 14-16 and another person up to four years older.
“If someone’s had any alcohol, they can’t legally give consent.”
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 being 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 Maysville, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Being accused of rape is traumatizing. And fighting against it on your own is hard. But you don’t have to go it alone. You can have Combs Waterkotte fighting for your freedom.
We have two former prosecutors who know how the state builds its cases against you. Our rape defense lawyers know what it takes to build a stellar defense against these charges. And we’re ready to get started right away.
Reach us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
