Rape Defense Lawyers, Sugar Creek, MO. Rape allegations are hard to handle, 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 are not convictions. And Combs Waterkotte is ready to fight against negative outcomes.
We protect Sugar Creek, 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—speak with us at (314) 900-HELP or use our online form for a confidential consultation.
We are here to help, not to judge. Our rape and sexual assault defense attorneys will listen to your side of the story and build a defense around it. Reach out online or call (314) 900-HELP to speak with someone anytime, any day.
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Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
When you’ve been accused of rape in Sugar Creek, MO, you need a team of rape defense lawyers before you talk to anyone. If you try to fight the charges without a lawyer, you’re potentially looking at the below consequences:
- A Prison Sentence. Second-degree rape and sodomy charges can carry 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, people convicted of felonies lose several significant 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 Impacts. You can be fired if you’re accused of rape (even if it’s just allegations).
When you see the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This is why it’s critical that you bring in Sugar Creek, 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 adept group of rape defense lawyers who have helped clients in thousands of cases, many just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is prepared for trial should your case go that far.
- Longstanding relationships with the state, which we lean on to come up with a favorable plea deal to give you positive outcomes without going through a trial.
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 …
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 Sugar Creek, MO Rape Charges:
Our Sugar Creek rape defense lawyers have wide knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what techniques work to fight against the charges:
- 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: Evidence can make or break a case. Whether it’s DNA, injury reports, communication records, or something else.
- 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.
Rape defense strategies are not one-size-fits-all. They need to be custom-made for each case. At Combs Waterkotte, we create 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 Sugar Creek, MO?
If you had to define rape, the image that comes to mind is probably that of forcible rape. But Missouri rape law separates out two categories of rape, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
Here are the different Sugar Creek, 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 sexual intercourse with someone who cannot 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 when you know you don’t have their consent.
This is different from first-degree rape in that the alleged victim is capable of consenting, but states 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 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. Keep in mind that Missouri has special ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws having to do with sexual activity with individuals from fourteen to sixteen.
First Degree Sodomy:
First Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.060 as participating in either oral, anal, or digital sex with a personor otherwise penetrating a person, while the alleged victim cannot consent, or is forced to participate.
This is very similar to first-degree rape charges; 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 participating in either oral, anal, or digital sex with a person or otherwise penetrating an individual, when the alleged victim states that they did not give consent.
Just like with 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, 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, voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity from all relevant individuals who are able to give consent. Checking that all parties consent is important prior to proceeding with any sexual activity.
Our Sugar Creek 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 Sugar Creek, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can only be arrested for rape in Sugar Creek 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, you can be arrested for nothing more than probable cause, which can include the accusations themselves.
“Innocent people don’t need attorneys.”
The Reality: You always need an expert team 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 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: While the age of consent in Missouri is 17, 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 what level is 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 Protects Against Rape Charges in Sugar Creek, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
A rape allegation can throw your life into disarray. And being the only person on your side is scary. But you have another option. You can have Combs Waterkotte at your back.
We won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve. Our rape defense lawyers know what it takes to build a stellar defense against these charges. And we’re ready to take your case.
Reach us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
