Rape Defense Lawyers, Peculiar, MO. Rape allegations are hard to handle, and Missouri law treats people convicted of rape severely. Being called an alleged rapist can seem like a hopeless situation.
But it’s not. Allegations and charges are not guilt. And Combs Waterkotte is on your side to fight to protect you from negative outcomes.
We protect Peculiar, MO, residents’ freedom and give them a well-built case against all criminal charges. We’re available to talk about your case today—reach us by phone at (314) 900-HELP or use our online form to get started.
Get the justice you deserve. Our rape and sexual assault defense lawyers will listen to your side of the story and build a defense around it. Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to get started.
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Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
When you’ve been charged with sexual assault or rape in Peculiar, MO, you need a team of rape defense lawyers immediately. If you try to fight the allegations by yourself, you’re risking the below consequences:
- A Prison Sentence. The second-degree offences listed below all carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the more serious first-degree offences can be as harsh as life in prison without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, people convicted of felonies lose several rights, most notably the right to vote, the right to own a gun, and certain employment rights. It can also affect 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 Consequences. You can lose your job just for being accused of rape.
If you look at the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, they can be overwhelming. This is why it’s important for you to bring in Peculiar, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to help.
Here’s what we bring to the table when crafting 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.
- An accomplished team of rape defense lawyers who have experience with thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is built for trial in case we need to go that far.
- Longstanding 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 give the state a chance to build a case you can’t defend against—speak with 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 Versus Peculiar, MO Rape Charges:
Our team of Peculiar rape defense lawyers have substantial knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what strategies work to fight against the 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: 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 craft the most powerful defense possible for your circumstances and will give you honest, helpful advice on how to move forward.
What’s the Difference Between Rape, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy in Peculiar, MO?
If you had to define 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 categorizes certain acts as sodomy instead of rape.
Here are the different Peculiar, MO, criminal charges you could be actually charged with when someone accuses you of ‘rape:’
First Degree Rape:
First Degree Rape is defined in Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030 as having sexual intercourse with someone who is unable to consent, or using force to force them to have sex (this also includes drugging them while they are unaware).
First-degree rape is the main criminal charge that most people think of when they hear “rape.”
Second Degree Rape:
Second Degree Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.031 as having sex with a person when you know you don’t have their consent.
Compared to first-degree rape charges, the difference is that the alleged victim is capable of consenting, but states that 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 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 relevant to know that Missouri has some additional laws having to do with sexual intercourse with individuals from fourteen to sixteen.
First Degree Sodomy:
First Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.060 as having either oral, anal, or digital sex with an individualor otherwise penetrating an individual, while the alleged victim cannot consent, or is made to do so by force.
This is very similar to first-degree rape charges; 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 an individual, with the knowledge that the other person does not consent.
Similar 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.
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 activity as an affirmative, unforced agreement to engage in sexual activity from all involved individuals who are capable of giving consent. Checking that all parties consent is important prior to proceeding with any sexual action.
Combs Waterkotte’s Peculiar rape defense lawyers will fight against rape, statutory rape, sodomy, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be charged with.
Common Peculiar, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can’t be arrested/charged in Peculiar 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,, if the police have probable cause (which only has to be alleged victim testimony), they can make an arrest.
“If you’re innocent of the charges, you don’t need a lawyer.”
The Reality: Whatever the circumstances, it’s critical to have an expert team of rape defense lawyers on your side, even if you’re innocent. You don’t want to face a complex legal system on your own 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 people aged 14-16 to have sex with a partner up to four years older than themselves.
“A person can’t consent if they’ve had something to drink.”
The Reality: In reality, there isn’t a legal definition of being too drunk to consent. That said, if you’re ever unsure about whether or not someone can consent, don’t have sex.
Combs Waterkotte Defends Against Rape Charges in Peculiar, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Being accused of rape is traumatizing. And being the only person on your side is scary. But you don’t have to go it alone. You can have Combs Waterkotte building your defense.
We won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve. 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.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
