Rape Defense Lawyers, Pleasant Valley, MO. Rape allegations can be life-altering, and Missouri legal statutes are very punitive for rape convictions. Being called an alleged rapist can seem like a hopeless situation.
But it’s not. Accusations and indictments aren’t convictions. And Combs Waterkotte is here to fight to protect you from bad outcomes.
We protect Pleasant Valley, MO, residents’ rights and give them a proper defense against any criminal charges. We’re available to talk about your case today—talk to us at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our contact form online for a confidential consultation.
We are here to help, not to judge. 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 call (314) 900-HELP for 24/7 support.
Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
If you’ve been charged with sexual assault or rape in Pleasant Valley, MO, you need a team of rape defense lawyers right away. If you don’t hire someone, you’re potentially looking at the following:
- Years In Prison. Different charges in the second degree all potentially result in prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the harsher first-degree charges can be as high as life sentences.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, felons lose several significant rights, including the right to vote, the right to possess 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 be fired even before a conviction.
If you review the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This is why it’s critical that you bring in Pleasant Valley, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared 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.
- A knowledgeable group of rape defense lawyers who have handled thousands of cases, many just like yours.
- A strong defense that is prepared for trial should your case go that far.
- Strong relationships with prosecutors, which we can use to negotiate a plea deal to give you positive outcomes without going through a trial.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds a case against you—get a hold of us now at (314) 900-HELP to get in touch 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 Combs Waterkotte Uses Versus Pleasant Valley, MO Rape Charges:
Our Pleasant Valley rape defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and effective strategies to fight against related charges:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the argument will center around whether consent 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: Even if you don’t have an alibi, physical evidence like DNA might be able to exonerate you.
- Fourth Amendment or Fifth Amendment Rights Violations: Improperly obtained evidence can be thrown out before it is used against you.
Your case needs a custom-designed strategy to give you the best possible odds at a positive outcome. At Combs Waterkotte, we build the most powerful defense possible for your circumstances 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 Pleasant Valley, MO?
If someone asked you to describe rape, the image that comes to mind is probably that of forcible rape. But Missouri rape law has multiple different categories of rape, and distinguishes sodomy as a separate offense.
Below are the different Pleasant Valley, 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 unable to consent, or using force to force them to have sex (this also includes giving them substances without their knowledge).
This is the bar against which other charges are measured
Second Degree Rape:
Second Degree Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.031 as having sex with an individual when you know you don’t have their consent.
This is distinguished from first-degree rape in 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 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.
Second-degree statutory rape is different from first-degree because of the age requirements. Keep in mind that Missouri has special laws specifically in regards to 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 an individualor otherwise penetrating someone, while that individual cannot consent, or is forced to participate.
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 engaging in either oral, anal, or digital sex with another person or otherwise penetrating a person, while knowing the other person does not 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, 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 sex as an affirmative, unforced agreement to engage in sexual activity from both individuals who are capable of giving consent. Ensuring that everyone gives consent is important prior to engaging in any sexual activity.
Our Pleasant Valley rape defense lawyers will fight against rape, statutory rape, sodomy, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be facing.
Common Pleasant Valley, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can’t be arrested/charged in Pleasant Valley 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.
“There’s no reason to hire an attorney if you’re innocent.”
The Reality: Whatever the circumstances, it’s critical to have an expert group 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 say something you think is innocuous that is later twisted to make you look guilty.
“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 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: There are some situations where it is impossible for someone to give consent (most notably if they are unconscious), however, there isn’t a legal definition of how drunk 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 Protects Against Rape Charges in Pleasant Valley, 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 building your defense.
We don’t charge by the hour, so you can get in touch with us 24/7 if you need something for your case. Our rape defense lawyers offer high-quality legal expertise to all of our clients. And we’re ready to get started right away.
Talk to us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
