Rape Defense Lawyers, Odessa, MO. Rape allegations can be life-altering, and Missouri legal statutes are very punitive for rape convictions. Being called an alleged rapist can feel like your life is over.
But it’s not. Allegations and charges are not guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to battle to protect you from bad outcomes.
We protect Odessa, MO, residents’ right to due process and give them a strong defense against any criminal charges. We’re ready to start working on your case today—give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our contact form online now.
You need a leading defense attorney. Our rape and sexual assault defense attorneys will treat you like a person, not a case number. Reach out online or call (314) 900-HELP to get started.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
400+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 60 Years
Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
When you’ve been accused of rape in Odessa, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers right away. Should you not hire anyone, you’re up against the below consequences:
- A Prison Sentence. The second-degree offences listed below all carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the first-degree offences can be as harsh as life without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, 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.
- Career Consequences. You can lose your job even before a conviction.
When you hear about the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Because of this, it’s important for you to bring in Odessa, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready for your case.
When you hire us, you’re getting the following from the team 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 experienced group of rape defense lawyers who have handled thousands of cases, several just like yours.
- A strong defense that is built for trial if your case goes that far.
- Strong relationships with prosecutors across the state, which we can use to negotiate a favorable plea deal if that can give you the positive outcomes you need.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds a case against you—get a hold of us now at (314) 900-HELP to speak 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 Attorneys Use Versus Odessa, MO Rape Charges:
Our team of Odessa rape defense lawyers have substantial knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and effective strategies to fight against them:
- 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: In cases of mistaken identity or outright false allegations, an alibi can prove that you were elsewhere at the time.
- 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: Sometimes, something goes wrong with the state’s investigation or how they handle the evidence—that can lead to it being thrown out for rights violations.
Each case is unique, and each defense needs to be tailored to the specifics of the case. At Combs Waterkotte, we create 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 Odessa, MO?
When most people think of rape, the first thing that comes to mind is probably forcing someone to have sex against their will. But Missouri rape law has multiple different categories of rape, and distinguishes sodomy as a separate offense.
Here are the different Odessa, MO, criminal charges you could be facing when someone makes allegations of ‘rape:’
First Degree Rape:
First Degree Rape is defined in Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030 as having sexual intercourse 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 normally regarded as the most serious charge of the six outlined on this page
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.
Compared to first-degree rape charges, the difference is that the alleged victim is capable of consenting, 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.
What makes this different from first-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 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 some additional laws having to do with sexual intercourse 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 someoneor otherwise penetrating that person, while that individual is unable to consent, or is made to do so by 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 participating in either oral, anal, or digital sex with another person or otherwise penetrating an individual, when the alleged victim states that they did not give consent.
In parallel to second-degree rape, the differentiator between this and first-degree sodomy is that the alleged victim was able to consent, but did not do so.
Rape, statutory rape, and sodomy all have details that make them different from one another, however, they all involve a lack of consent. Missouri defines consent for sexual activity as an affirmative, voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity from all relevant individuals who are able to give consent. Checking that all parties consent is important before beginning any sexual activity.
Combs Waterkotte’s 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 up against.
Common Odessa, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“Without proof, the police in Odessa won’t arrest you for rape.”
The Reality: While a lack of physical evidence against you can make it harder for a prosecutor to convict you, all that the police need to arrest you is probable cause (which doesn’t have to be more than an accusation).
“Innocent people don’t need attorneys.”
The Reality: Whatever the circumstances, it’s critical to have an expert team of rape defense lawyers on your side, whether you’re innocent or guilty. You don’t want to face a complex legal system without help or make a mistake that unintentionally makes you look guilty.
“Missouri law says nobody can have sex with someone under 17.”
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 that allow 14-16 year olds to engage in sexual intercourse with someone close to them in age (up to four years their senior).
“If someone’s had any alcohol, they can’t legally give consent.”
The Reality: In reality, 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 Odessa, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Being accused of rape is traumatizing. And trying to go it alone is setting yourself up for failure. But you don’t have to go it alone. You can have Combs Waterkotte protecting your rights.
We have a stellar reputation with over 400 five star reviews. Our rape defense lawyers offer high-quality legal expertise to all of our clients. And whatever charges you’re up against, we’re ready to talk.
Talk to our team today at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
