Rape Defense Lawyers, Orrick, MO. Rape allegations are hard to handle, and the charges have some of the harshest penalties in Missouri. Being called an alleged rapist can seem like it’s the end of your life.
But it’s not. Accusations and charges are not the same as guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to fight to defend you against negative outcomes.
We protect Orrick, MO, residents’ freedom and give them a proper defensive plan against any criminal charges. We’re available to talk about your case today—speak with us at (314) 900-HELP or use our online form for a free consult.
Get the justice you deserve. 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 for 24/7 support.
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 Orrick, MO, you need a team of rape defense lawyers right away. If you go it alone, you’re up against the following:
- A Prison Sentence. Different charges in the second degree all carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the first-degree offences can go as far as life in prison without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, people convicted of felonies 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. To give yourself the best chance to avoid these, it’s critical that you hire Orrick, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared for your case.
We take pride in offering the following when building your rape/sexual assault defense:
- A client-centered approach because we want to be sure we are capturing your story, needs, and goals.
- An experienced group of rape defense lawyers who have experience with thousands of cases, many just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is ready for trial in case we need to go that far.
- Strong relationships with the state, which we lean on to come up with a favorable plea deal if that can effectively protect your interests.
Don’t wait for “things to blow over” (they won’t)—call 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 …
Defensive Tactics Combs Waterkotte Uses Against Orrick, MO Rape Charges:
Our Orrick rape defense lawyers have deep knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and use effective strategies 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: 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.
Rape defense strategies are not one-size-fits-all. They need to be custom-made for each case. At Combs Waterkotte, we create the finest 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 Orrick, MO?
If you had to define rape, the image that comes to mind is probably that of forcible rape. But Missouri rape law distinguishes statutory and forcible rape, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
We’ve outlined the different Orrick, 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 incapable of consent, or compelling them to engage in sexual intercourse through force (additionally, this includes drugging them).
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 having sex with a person 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 was able to consent at the time, 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.
As opposed to the above rape charges, the differentiating factor with statutory 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.
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 in the in-between ages of 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 another personor otherwise penetrating an individual, and this is done while that individual cannot consent, or is made to do so by force.
You may notice that the language for this statute is nearly identical to that of first-degree rape; 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 participating in either oral, anal, or digital sex with another person or otherwise penetrating someone, when the alleged victim states that they did not give consent.
As with second-degree rape, what distinguishes second-degree from first-degree degree sodomy is that the alleged victim was able 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, unforced agreement to engage in sexual activity from all involved individuals who are capable of giving consent. Obtaining clear consent is important before proceeding with any sexual action.
Combs Waterkotte’s Orrick rape defense lawyers will fight against rape, statutory rape, sodomy, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be charged with.
Common Orrick, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“Without proof, the police in Orrick 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,, all that the police need to arrest you is probable cause (which doesn’t have to be more than an accusation).
“If you’re innocent of the charges, you don’t need a lawyer.”
The Reality: Whatever the circumstances, it’s critical to have an experienced team of rape defense lawyers watching your back, whether you’re innocent or guilty. You don’t want to try and navigate Missouri law on your own or slip up and say something that can be misinterpreted.
“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: In reality, there isn’t a legal definition of being too drunk to consent. That said, if you have even the slightest suspicion that someone has had too much to drink, don’t have sex.
Combs Waterkotte Defends Against Rape Charges in Orrick, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Facing a rape accusation can be disturbing . 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 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’re ready to take your case.
Talk to us today at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online form for a free, confidential consultation.
