Rape Defense Lawyers, Sweet Springs, 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. Allegations and charges are not the same as convictions. And Combs Waterkotte is here to fight to protect you from those outcomes.
We defend Sweet Springs, MO, residents’ right to due process and give them a proper defensive plan against all criminal charges. We’re available to talk about your case today—talk to us at (314) 900-HELP or use our online form for a confidential consult.
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. Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to speak with someone anytime, any day.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
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400+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 60 Years
Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
If you’ve been accused of rape in Sweet Springs, MO, you need a team of rape defense lawyers immediately. If you go it alone, you’re in danger of the following:
- Years In Prison. Different charges in the second degree all potentially result in prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the harsher first-degree charges can be as harsh as life in prison.
- 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. Depending on your situation, your parental rights may also be affected.
- 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 just for being accused of rape.
If you review the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, they can be overwhelming. To give yourself the best chance to avoid these, it’s important for you to bring in Sweet Springs, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared for your case.
We take pride in offering the following when crafting 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 knowledgeable 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 should your case go that far.
- Strong relationships with prosecutors, which we lean on to come up with a favorable plea deal if that can effectively protect your interests.
Don’t give the state a chance to build a case you can’t defend against—call us now at (314) 900-HELP to talk to 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 …
Defensive Tactics Our Lawyers Use Versus Sweet Springs, MO Rape Charges:
Combs Waterkotte’s Sweet Springs rape defense lawyers have wide knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what strategies work to defend against related 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: 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.
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 situation and will keep you informed and up to date on how your case is progressing.
What’s the Difference Between Rape, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy in Sweet Springs, MO?
When most people think of rape, the prototypical image would be someone being physically forced to have nonconsensual sex. But Missouri rape law distinguishes statutory and forcible rape, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
Below are the different Sweet Springs, 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 sex with another person who is unable to consent, or coercing them to have sex with force or threats of force (this also includes drugging them while they are unaware).
This is normally regarded as the most serious charge of the six outlined on this page
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 was able to consent at the time, 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.
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.
The difference between first-degree and second-degree statutory rape is the age range. It’s also important to be aware that Missouri has special ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws in regards to 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 another personor otherwise penetrating a person, and this is done while that individual cannot consent, or is coerced to do so via force.
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 engaging in either oral, anal, or digital sex with an individual or otherwise penetrating another person, while knowing the other person does not consent.
As with second-degree rape, the differentiator between this and first-degree sodomy is that the alleged victim could have given consent, but did not for that instance/act.
Rape, statutory rape, and sodomy all have details that make them different from one another, however, one common trend is the lack of consent. Missouri defines consent for sex as an affirmative, voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity from all involved individuals who are capable of giving consent. Ensuring that everyone gives consent is important prior to engaging in any sexual action.
Our Sweet Springs 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 Sweet Springs, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can’t be arrested/charged in Sweet Springs if there’s no physical evidence.”
The Reality: If there’s no physical evidence, that can hurt the state’s chances of getting a conviction. However,, all that the police need to arrest you is probable cause (which doesn’t have to be more than an accusation).
“There’s no reason to hire an attorney if you’re innocent.”
The Reality: If you’re up against rape charges, you’ll always want 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 on your own or say something you think is innocuous that is later twisted to make you look guilty.
“Missouri law says nobody can have sex with someone under 17.”
The Reality: Missouri’s age of consent is 17. But, 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).
“If someone’s had any alcohol, they can’t legally give consent.”
The Reality: In reality, there isn’t a legal definition of what level is too drunk to consent. That said, if you’re ever unsure about whether or not someone can consent, don’t have sex.
Combs Waterkotte Defends Against Rape Charges in Sweet Springs, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
A rape allegation can throw your life into disarray. And trying to go it alone is setting yourself up for failure. But you are one call away from Missouri’s leading criminal defense lawyers. You can have Combs Waterkotte on your side.
We have two former prosecutors who know how the state builds its cases against you. Our rape defense lawyers have the experience and expertise necessary to craft a forceful defense. And whatever charges you’re up against, we’re ready to talk.
Talk to us now at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
