Rape Defense Lawyers, Riverside, MO. Being accused of rape can turn your world upside down, and the charges have some of the harshest penalties in Missouri. Being accused can feel like it’s the end of your life.
But it’s not. Allegations and indictments are not guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is on your side to fight to protect you from bad outcomes.
We protect Riverside, MO, residents’ rights and give them a proper defense against any criminal charges. We’re free to give you a consult on your case today—give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or use our online form any time, day or night.
Get the justice you deserve. Our rape and sexual assault defense lawyers will advise you on the best strategy to protect your interests. Contact us online or dial (314) 900-HELP to start today.
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:
When you’ve been charged with a sex crime in Riverside, MO, you need a team of rape defense lawyers before you talk to anyone. If you don’t hire someone, you’re in danger of the below consequences:
- A Prison Sentence. The second-degree offences listed below all carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the first-degree offences can be as high as life in prison.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, convicted felons lose several rights, most notably the right to vote, the right to own 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 just for being accused of rape.
If you review the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, they can be overwhelming. Because of this, you’ll need to hire Riverside, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared for your case.
Here’s what we bring to the table when 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 team of rape defense lawyers who have handled thousands of cases, many just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is ready for trial if your case goes that far.
- Longstanding 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 wait for “things to blow over” (they won’t)—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 Attorneys Use Versus Riverside, MO Rape Charges:
Combs Waterkotte’s Riverside rape defense lawyers have deep knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and effective ways to fight against related charges:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the argument will center around whether consent was freely given or not.
- Alibi: It’s highly unfortunate, but sometimes rape victims accuse the wrong person, and an alibi can be key to your defense.
- 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.
Each case is unique, and each defense needs to be tailored to the specifics of the case. At Combs Waterkotte, we craft the strongest 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 Riverside, MO?
If someone asked you to describe rape, the prototypical image would be someone being physically forced to have nonconsensual sex. But Missouri rape law separates out two categories of rape, and distinguishes sodomy as a separate offense.
Here are the different Riverside, MO, criminal charges you could be facing when someone accuses you 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 coercing them to have sex with force or threats of force (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 a person without having their consent.
This is distinguished 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 having sex with someone younger than fourteen years old.
What distinguishes this from first-degree and second-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. It’s also important to be aware that Missouri has some additional laws regarding 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 engaging in either oral, anal, or digital sex with an individualor otherwise penetrating someone, while the alleged victim is unable to consent, or is coerced to do so via force.
This law reads and works very similarly to Missouri’s first-degree rape law; 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 having either oral, anal, or digital sex with a person or otherwise penetrating someone, when the alleged victim states that they did not give consent.
In parallel 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.
While the details of the alleged crime and the penalties all vary, they all involve a lack of consent. Missouri defines consent for sexual activity as an affirmative, voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity from all relevant individuals who have the capacity to give consent. Obtaining clear consent is important before beginning any sexual action.
Our Riverside rape defense lawyers will defend you against all of the above charges and any other sexual assault allegations you may be charged with.
Common Riverside, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can’t be arrested/charged in Riverside if there’s no physical evidence.”
The Reality: This misconception is rooted in the difference between arrests, charges, and convictions. You can be charged and convicted of rape without physical evidence, although it is harder for the state to do so. Meanwhile, all that the police need to arrest you is probable cause (which doesn’t have to be more than an accusation).
“Innocent people don’t need attorneys.”
The Reality: Whatever the circumstances, it’s critical to have an expert group of rape defense lawyers on your side, whether you’re innocent or guilty. You don’t want to attempt to go through the court process 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 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: In reality, there isn’t a legal definition of being 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 Riverside, 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 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 know what it takes to build a stellar defense against these charges. And we’re ready to get started right away.
Get ahold of us now at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
