Rape Defense Lawyers, Norborne, MO. Rape accusations carry a lot of stigma, and Missouri law treats people convicted of rape severely. Facing these charges can seem like it’s the end of your life.
But it’s not. Allegations and charges aren’t convictions. And Combs Waterkotte is here to battle to protect you from those outcomes.
We defend Norborne, MO, residents’ freedom and give them a proper case against all criminal charges. We’re free to give you a consult on your case today—speak with us at (314) 900-HELP or use our online form any time, day or night.
You need a leading defense attorney. Our rape and sexual assault defense attorneys will advise you on the best strategy to protect your interests. Reach out online or call (314) 900-HELP to start today.
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Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
If you’ve been charged with rape in Norborne, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers before you do anything else in your case. If you don’t hire an attorney, you’re risking the following:
- Prison Time. The second-degree offences listed below can carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the more serious first-degree offences can go as far as life sentences.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, people convicted of felonies lose several rights, including 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 Impacts. You can be fired just for being accused of rape.
If you review the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, they can be overwhelming. This is why it’s critical that you bring in Norborne, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to protect you.
We take pride in offering the following when building 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.
- A knowledgeable team of rape defense lawyers who have experience with thousands of cases, many just like yours.
- A strong defense that is prepared for trial if your case goes that far.
- Strong relationships with prosecutors across the state, which we will leverage when negotiating a plea deal if that can effectively protect your interests.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds a case against you—speak with 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 Attorneys Use Against Norborne, MO Rape Charges:
Our team of Norborne rape defense lawyers have deep knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and effective strategies to fight against them:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the question is not whether sexual activity occurred, but whether it was consensual.
- Alibi: In cases of mistaken identity or outright false allegations, an alibi can prove that you were elsewhere at the time.
- 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: Improperly obtained evidence can be thrown out before it is used against you.
Rape defense strategies are not one-size-fits-all. They need to be custom-made for each case. At Combs Waterkotte, we craft the strongest defense possible for your situation 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 Norborne, MO?
If someone asked you to describe rape, the first thing that comes to mind is probably forcing someone to have sex against their will. But Missouri rape law distinguishes statutory and forcible rape, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
Below are the different Norborne, MO, criminal charges you could be actually charged with when accused of ‘rape:’
First Degree Rape:
First Degree Rape is defined in Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030 as having sex with another person who is incapable of consent, or compelling them to engage in sexual intercourse through force (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 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 is capable of consenting, but claims that 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.
The difference between first-degree and second-degree statutory rape is the age range. It’s also important to be aware that Missouri has some additional laws regarding sexual intercourse with individuals from 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 a personor otherwise penetrating someone, 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 someone or otherwise penetrating someone, 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 could have given consent, but did not do so.
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, elective agreement to engage in sexual activity from both individuals who have the capacity to give consent. Checking that all parties consent is important before proceeding with any sexual activity.
Our Norborne rape defense lawyers will build a defense for you for any of the charges listed above, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be up against.
Common Norborne, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can’t be arrested/charged in Norborne if there’s no physical evidence.”
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.
“You don’t need a lawyer if you’re innocent.”
The Reality: You always need an experienced group of rape defense lawyers on your side, whether you’re innocent or guilty. You don’t want to attempt to go through the court process on your own or slip up and say something that can be misinterpreted.
“You can’t have sex with someone younger than 17 in Missouri.”
The Reality: This misconception is rooted in truth, because 17 is in fact the age of consent in Missouri. However, 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 Protects Against Rape Charges in Norborne, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
A rape allegation can throw your life into disarray. And fighting against it on your own is hard. But you have a path forward. You can have Combs Waterkotte on your side.
We’re here to help good people in bad situations. 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 fill out our online form for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
