Rape Defense Lawyers, Pleasant Hill, MO. Rape allegations can be life-altering, and Missouri law treats people convicted of rape severely. Being called an alleged rapist can feel like your life is over.
But it’s not. Accusations and indictments are not guilt. And Combs Waterkotte is on your side to fight to defend you against negative outcomes.
We protect Pleasant Hill, MO, residents’ right to due process and give them a proper case against any criminal charges. We’re available to talk about your case today—talk to us at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online now.
You need a leading defense attorney. Our rape and sexual assault defense attorneys will listen to your side of the story and build a defense around it. 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:
If you’ve been accused of rape in Pleasant Hill, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers right away. If you try to fight the allegations by yourself, you’re potentially looking at the below consequences:
- Prison Time. The second-degree offences listed below can carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the harsher first-degree charges can be as high as life in prison.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, people convicted of felonies lose several rights, including the right to vote, second amendment rights, 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.
- Job Impacts. You can be fired even before a conviction.
If you review the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s hard to even think of a plan to move forward. To give yourself the best chance to avoid these, it’s critical that you find Pleasant Hill, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready for your case.
We take pride in offering the following when building 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 adept group of rape defense lawyers who have helped clients in thousands of cases, many just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is built for trial in case we need to go that far.
- Strong relationships with the state, which we will leverage when negotiating a plea deal to give you positive outcomes without going through a trial.
Don’t wait for “things to blow over” (they won’t)—speak with us now at (314) 900-HELP to talk to 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 Pleasant Hill, MO Rape Charges:
Our Pleasant Hill rape defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what techniques work to fight against the charges:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the question is not whether sexual activity occurred, but whether it was consensual.
- 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: If the state broke any rules when gathering evidence, we can argue to have it thrown out.
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 specific case 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 Pleasant Hill, 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 distinguishes statutory and forcible rape, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
Below are the different Pleasant Hill, MO, criminal charges you could formally be up against when someone makes allegations of ‘rape:’
First Degree Rape:
First Degree Rape is defined in Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030 as engaging in sex with someone who cannot consent, or compelling them to engage in sexual intercourse through 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 engaging in sexual intercourse with someone 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 had the ability to consent, 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.
As opposed to the above rape charges, the differentiating factor with statutory rape is that whether the alleged victim “consented” or not is irrelevant.
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 ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws regarding sexual activity with individuals between the ages of fourteen and 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 that person, while the alleged victim cannot consent, or is made to do so by force.
This law reads and works very similarly to Missouri’s first-degree rape law; the only difference is the alleged type of act performed.
Second Degree Sodomy:
Second Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.061 as participating in either oral, anal, or digital sex with someone or otherwise penetrating another person, when the alleged victim states that they did not give consent.
In parallel to second-degree rape, the difference between first-degree sodomy and second-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, one common trend is the lack of consent. Missouri defines consent for sexual intercourse as an affirmative, voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity from both individuals who have the capacity to give consent. Obtaining clear consent is important before proceeding with any sexual activity.
Combs Waterkotte’s Pleasant Hill rape defense lawyers will fight against rape, statutory rape, sodomy, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be facing.
Common Pleasant Hill, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can’t be arrested/charged in Pleasant Hill if there’s no physical evidence.”
The Reality: While a lack of physical evidence against you can make it harder for a prosecutor to convict you, 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: If you’re up against rape charges, you’ll always want an experienced team of rape defense lawyers watching your back, whether you’re innocent or guilty. You don’t want to attempt to go through the court process 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: While the age of consent in Missouri is 17, 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 what level is 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 Defends Against Rape Charges in Pleasant Hill, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Facing a rape accusation can be disturbing . And fighting against it on your own is hard. But you have another option. You can have Combs Waterkotte at your back.
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 want to deliver you the best possible outcome.
Speak with one of our representatives now at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our contact form for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
