Rape Defense Lawyers, Pleasant Valley, MO. Being accused of rape can turn your world upside down, and Missouri legal statutes are very punitive for rape convictions. Being accused can feel like it’s the end of your life.
But it’s not. Allegations and indictments aren’t guilt. And Combs Waterkotte is on your side to fight to defend you against negative outcomes.
We defend Pleasant Valley, MO, residents’ freedom and give them a well-built defensive plan against any criminal charges. We’re free to give you a consult on your case today—talk to us at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online for a free consult.
Get the justice you deserve. Our rape and sexual assault defense attorneys will listen to your side of the story and build a defense around it. Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to start today.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
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Over 1 Million
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Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
When you’ve been accused of rape in Pleasant Valley, MO, you need a team of rape defense lawyers immediately. If you try to fight the charges without a lawyer, you’re risking the below consequences:
- A Prison Sentence. Different charges in the second degree can carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the first-degree offences can be as high as life in prison without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, felons lose many rights, including the right to vote, the right to possess a firearm, 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.
- Job Consequences. You can lose your job just for being accused of rape.
When you see the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Because of this, you’ll need to hire Pleasant Valley, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready to help.
Here’s what we bring to the table when building 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.
- An experienced group of rape defense lawyers who have handled thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
- A strong 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 it is the best way to protect your interests.
Don’t wait for “things to blow over” (they won’t)—get a hold of 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 Pleasant Valley, MO Rape Charges:
Combs Waterkotte’s Pleasant Valley rape defense lawyers have intense knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what strategies work to fight against the 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: 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 create the most powerful defense possible for your situation and will give you honest, helpful advice on how to move forward.
What’s the Difference Between Rape, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy in Pleasant Valley, MO?
When most people think of rape, the image that comes to mind is probably that of forcible rape. But Missouri rape law distinguishes statutory and forcible rape, and distinguishes sodomy as a separate offense.
Below are the different Pleasant Valley, MO, criminal charges you could be facing when accused of ‘rape:’
First Degree Rape:
First Degree Rape is defined in Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030 as having sex with someone who cannot 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 engaging in sexual intercourse with someone without having their consent.
This is distinguished from first-degree rape in that the alleged victim was able to consent at the time, but is saying 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 distinguishes this from first-degree and second-degree 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 relevant to know that Missouri has special laws specifically 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 someoneor otherwise penetrating an individual, while that individual cannot consent, or is forced to participate.
This law reads and works very similarly to Missouri’s first-degree rape law; 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 having either oral, anal, or digital sex with a person or otherwise penetrating that individual, with the knowledge that the other person does not consent.
Similar to second-degree rape, what distinguishes second-degree from first-degree degree sodomy is that the alleged victim had the capacity to 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 intercourse as an affirmative, unforced agreement to engage in sexual activity from both individuals who are able to give consent. Ensuring that everyone gives consent is important before proceeding with any sexual action.
Our Pleasant Valley rape defense lawyers will build a defense for you for any of the charges listed above, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be facing.
Common Pleasant Valley, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“Without proof, the police in Pleasant Valley 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,, if the police have probable cause (which only has to be alleged victim testimony), they can make an arrest.
“Innocent people don’t need attorneys.”
The Reality: You always need an expert group of rape defense lawyers watching out for your interests, even if you’re innocent. You don’t want to try and navigate Missouri law alone or make a mistake that unintentionally makes you look guilty.
“You can’t have sex with someone younger than 17 in Missouri.”
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.
“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 how drunk is 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 Pleasant Valley, 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 freedom.
We’re here to help good people in bad situations. Our rape defense lawyers know what it takes to build a stellar defense against these charges. And we want to deliver you the best possible outcome.
Reach us today at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online form for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
