Rape Defense Lawyers, Platte Woods, MO. Being accused of rape can turn your world upside down, and Missouri law treats people convicted of rape severely. 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 guilt. And Combs Waterkotte is here to fight against those outcomes.
We defend Platte Woods, MO, residents’ freedom and give them a proper defense against any criminal charges. We’re ready to start working on your case today—give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or use our online form now.
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. Reach out online or dial (314) 900-HELP for help 24/7.
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:
If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in Platte Woods, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers before you do anything else in your case. If you try to fight the allegations by yourself, you’re potentially looking at the below consequences:
- Years In Prison. Second-degree rape and sodomy charges all carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the harsher first-degree charges can be as high as life in prison without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, convicted felons lose several significant rights, particularly the right to vote, second amendment rights, 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 be fired if you’re accused of rape (even if it’s just allegations).
When you hear about the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s hard to even think of a plan to move forward. This is why it’s critical that you find Platte Woods, 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 because we want to be sure we are capturing your story, needs, and goals.
- An adept team of rape defense lawyers who have helped clients in thousands of cases, several just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is ready for trial if your case goes that far.
- Effective, working 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)—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 …
Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use Versus Platte Woods, MO Rape Charges:
Our Platte Woods rape defense lawyers have wide knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what techniques work to fight 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: In cases of mistaken identity or outright false allegations, an alibi can prove that you were elsewhere at the time.
- 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: If the state broke any rules when gathering evidence, we can argue to have it thrown out.
Each case is unique, and each defense needs to be tailored to the specifics of the case. At Combs Waterkotte, we construct the most powerful 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 Platte Woods, MO?
When most people think of 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.
We’ve outlined the different Platte Woods, MO, criminal charges you could be facing 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 another person who cannot consent, or coercing them to have sex with force or threats of force (additionally, this includes drugging them).
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 someone 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 claims 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.
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 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 relevant to know that Missouri has special ‘Romeo and Juliet’ 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 engaging in either oral, anal, or digital sex with an individualor otherwise penetrating an individual, and this is done while that individual cannot consent, or is coerced to do so via 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 engaging in either oral, anal, or digital sex with a person or otherwise penetrating an individual, when the alleged victim states that they did not give consent.
As with second-degree rape, the difference between first-degree sodomy and second-degree sodomy is that the alleged victim could have given consent, but did not for that instance/act.
Rape, statutory rape, and sodomy all have details that make them different from one another, however, 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 activity as an affirmative, voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity from all relevant individuals who are able to give consent. Ensuring that everyone gives consent is important prior to engaging in any sexual action.
Combs Waterkotte’s Platte Woods rape defense lawyers will defend you against all of the above charges and any other sexual assault allegations you may be facing.
Common Platte Woods, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can’t be arrested/charged in Platte Woods if there’s no physical evidence.”
The Reality: This misconception is rooted in the difference between arrests, charges, and convictions. You can be charged and convicted of rape without physical evidence, although it is harder for the state to do so. Meanwhile, 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: You always need an experienced group of rape defense lawyers watching out for your interests, even if you’re innocent. You don’t want to face a complex legal system without help or slip up and say something that can be misinterpreted.
“Missouri law says nobody can have sex with someone under 17.”
The Reality: Missouri’s age of consent is 17. But, 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: While there are some cases where a person objectively cannot consent, such as if they are unconscious, there isn’t a legal definition of what level 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 Defends Against Rape Charges in Platte Woods, 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 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 we want to deliver you the best possible outcome.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
