Rape Defense Lawyers, Odessa, MO. Rape accusations carry a lot of stigma, and Missouri law treats people convicted of rape severely. Being called an alleged rapist can feel like a hopeless situation.
But it’s not. Accusations and indictments are not guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is here to fight against negative outcomes.
We defend Odessa, MO, residents’ freedom and give them a proper defense against all criminal charges. We’re ready to start working on your case today—talk to us at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online any time, day or night.
We are here to help, not to judge. Our rape and sexual assault defense lawyers will be in your corner from day one. Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to start today.
Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
When you’ve been accused of sexual assault or rape in Odessa, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers immediately. If you go it alone, you’re risking the following:
- Years In Prison. The second-degree offences listed below all potentially result in prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the first-degree offences can be as high as life in prison.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, felons lose several rights, most notably 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.
- Career Impacts. You can be fired if you’re accused of rape (even if it’s just allegations).
When you see the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, they can be overwhelming. Because of this, you’ll need to bring in Odessa, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready to protect you.
Here’s what we bring to the table when building 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 team of rape defense lawyers who have helped clients in thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
- A strong defense that is built for trial if your case goes that far.
- Effective, working relationships with prosecutors, which we lean on to come up with 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—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 …
Defense Strategies Our Lawyers Use Versus Odessa, MO Rape Charges:
Combs Waterkotte’s Odessa rape defense lawyers have deep knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what techniques work to defend against related 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.
Rape defense strategies are not one-size-fits-all. They need to be custom-made for each case. At Combs Waterkotte, we create the strongest 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 Odessa, MO?
If someone asked you to describe 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 categorizes certain acts as sodomy instead of rape.
Below are the different Odessa, 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 someone who is incapable of 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 having sex with someone when you know you don’t have their consent.
This is different 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 having sex with someone younger than fourteen years old.
What distinguishes this from first-degree and second-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 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 special laws specifically regarding sex 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 another person, and this is done while that individual cannot consent, or is made to do so by force.
This is very similar to first-degree rape charges; even the penalties are the same. The difference between these two laws is in the action(s) that allegedly took place.
Second Degree Sodomy:
Second Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.061 as having either oral, anal, or digital sex with someone or otherwise penetrating a person, 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 states they did not.
Rape, statutory rape, and sodomy all have details that make them different from one another, however, one common trend is the lack of consent. Missouri defines consent for sexual intercourse as an affirmative, unforced agreement to engage in sexual activity from all involved individuals who are capable of giving consent. Obtaining clear consent is important prior to proceeding with any sexual action.
Our Odessa 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 charged with.
Common Odessa, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can only be arrested for rape in Odessa if there’s physical evidence.”
The Reality: If there’s no physical evidence, that can hurt the state’s chances of getting a conviction. However,, if the police have probable cause (which only has to be alleged victim testimony), they can make an arrest.
“Innocent people don’t need attorneys.”
The Reality: You always need agroup 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 alone or make a mistake that unintentionally makes you look guilty.
“It’s illegal to have sex with someone under 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 how drunk 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 Protects Against Rape Charges in Odessa, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
A rape allegation can throw your life into disarray. And being the only person on your side is scary. But you don’t have to go it alone. You can have Combs Waterkotte fighting for your rights.
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 whatever charges you’re up against, we’re ready to talk.
Talk to us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation.
