Rape Defense Lawyers, Polo, MO. Rape accusations carry a lot of stigma, and Missouri law treats people convicted of rape severely. Being accused can seem like a hopeless situation.
But it’s not. Accusations and indictments are not the same as guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to fight against those outcomes.
We protect Polo, MO, residents’ freedom and give them a well-built case against any criminal charges. We’re available to talk about your case today—give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation.
We are here to help, not to judge. Our rape and sexual assault defense lawyers will be in your corner from day one. Contact us online or dial (314) 900-HELP to speak with someone anytime, any day.
Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
If you’ve been charged with sexual assault or rape in Polo, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers immediately. If you don’t hire someone, you’re potentially looking at the following:
- Years In Prison. Different charges in the second degree all carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the first-degree offences can be as harsh as life without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, felons lose several significant rights, most notably 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 be fired even before a conviction.
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 you’ll need to hire Polo, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to protect you.
When you hire us, you’re getting the following from the team 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.
- A skillful team of rape defense lawyers who have helped clients in thousands of cases, many just like yours.
- A strong defense that is built for trial in case we need to go that far.
- Longstanding relationships with prosecutors across the state, which we can use to negotiate 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)—call 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 …
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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 …
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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 Against Polo, MO Rape Charges:
Our team of Polo rape defense lawyers have wide knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what techniques work to fight against them:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the argument will center around whether consent 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: 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 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 Polo, MO?
If you had to define rape, the prototypical image would be someone being physically forced to have nonconsensual sex. But Missouri rape law separates out two categories of rape, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
We’ve outlined the different Polo, MO, criminal charges you could be facing when someone makes allegations of ‘rape:’
First Degree Rape:
First Degree Rape is defined in Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030 as having sex with another person who is incapable of consent, or coercing them to have sex with force or threats of force (this also includes drugging them while they are unaware).
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 another person without having 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 having sex with someone younger than fourteen years old.
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.
Second-degree statutory rape is different from first-degree because of the age requirements. It’s also relevant to know that Missouri has some additional laws in regards to sexual activity 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 a personor otherwise penetrating that person, while that individual is unable to consent, or is coerced to do so via force.
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 an individual or otherwise penetrating a person, when the alleged victim states that they did not give consent.
Similar to second-degree rape, the differentiator between this and first-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 all involved individuals who are capable of giving consent. Ensuring that everyone gives consent is important before engaging in any sexual activity.
Combs Waterkotte’s Polo rape defense lawyers will defend you against all of the above charges and any other sexual assault allegations you may be facing.
Common Polo, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“Without proof, the police in Polo 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.
“You don’t need a lawyer if you’re innocent.”
The Reality: You always need agroup of rape defense lawyers watching out for your interests, whether you’re innocent or guilty. You don’t want to face a complex legal system on your own or make a mistake that unintentionally makes you look guilty.
“You can’t have sex with someone younger than 17 in Missouri.”
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 14-16 year olds to engage in sexual intercourse with someone close to them in age (up to four years their senior).
“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 being 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 Polo, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Being accused of rape is traumatizing. And fighting against it on your own is hard. But you don’t have to go it alone. You can have Combs Waterkotte protecting your rights.
We’re here to help good people in bad situations. Our rape defense lawyers have the experience and expertise necessary to craft a forceful defense. And we’re ready to get started right away.
Reach us today at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our contact form for a free, confidential consultation.
