Rape Defense Lawyers, Rayville, MO. Rape allegations can be life-altering, and Missouri law treats people convicted of rape severely. Being accused can seem like your life is over.
But it’s not. Accusations and charges aren’t guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is on your side to battle to defend you against bad outcomes.
We defend Rayville, MO, residents’ freedom and give them a strong defensive plan against all criminal charges. We’re free to give you a consult on your case today—speak with us at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our contact form online for a free consult.
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 to get started.
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 charged with a sex crime in Rayville, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers immediately. If you go it alone, you’re in danger of the below consequences:
- Prison Time. The second-degree offences listed below all carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the more serious first-degree offences can be as harsh as life in prison.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, felons lose several rights, particularly the right to vote, the right to possess a gun, 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 even before a conviction.
When you see the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s hard to even think of a plan to move forward. This is why it’s important for you to hire Rayville, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready for your case.
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.
- An experienced group of rape defense lawyers who have handled 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 prosecutors across the state, which we lean on to come up with a plea deal to give you positive outcomes without going through a trial.
Don’t give the state a chance to build a case you can’t defend against—speak with 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 …
Defense Strategies Our Lawyers Use Versus Rayville, MO Rape Charges:
Combs Waterkotte’s Rayville rape defense lawyers have deep knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what strategies work to fight against the 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: 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: If the state broke any rules when gathering evidence, we can argue to have it thrown out.
Your case needs a custom-designed strategy to give you the best possible odds at a positive outcome. At Combs Waterkotte, we construct the strongest 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 Rayville, MO?
When most people think of rape, the image that comes to mind is probably that of forcible rape. But Missouri rape law separates out two categories of rape, and distinguishes sodomy as a separate offense.
Here are the different Rayville, MO, criminal charges you could be actually charged with when someone makes allegations of ‘rape:’
First Degree Rape:
First Degree Rape is defined in Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030 as having sexual intercourse with another person who is unable to consent, or compelling them to engage in sexual intercourse through force (this also includes giving them substances without their knowledge).
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 a person without having their consent.
This is different from first-degree rape in that the alleged victim had the ability to consent, 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.
Statutory rape degrees are distinguished by the age of the alleged victim and offender. It’s also relevant to know that Missouri has special laws specifically having to do with sexual activity with individuals between the ages of fourteen and sixteen.
First Degree Sodomy:
First Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.060 as participating in 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; the main difference is that rape covers sexual intercourse, while sodomy covers other sexual acts.
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 a person, with the knowledge that the other person does not consent.
Just like with second-degree rape, the difference between first-degree sodomy and second-degree sodomy is that the alleged victim had the capacity to consent, but states they did not.
While the details of the alleged crime and the penalties all vary, 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, elective agreement to engage in sexual activity from all relevant individuals who are capable of giving consent. Ensuring that everyone gives consent is important before beginning any sexual action.
Combs Waterkotte’s Rayville 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 Rayville, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can only be arrested for rape in Rayville if there’s 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: Whatever the circumstances, it’s critical to have an expert team of rape defense lawyers watching your back, whether you’re innocent or guilty. You don’t want to face a complex legal system without help 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 which legalize sex between someone aged 14-16 and another person up to four years older.
“A person can’t consent if they’ve had something to drink.”
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 have even the slightest suspicion that someone has had too much to drink, don’t have sex.
Combs Waterkotte Defends Against Rape Charges in Rayville, 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 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’re ready to get started right away.
Talk to our team now at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential consultation.
