Rape Defense Lawyers, Trimble, MO. Rape allegations are hard to handle, and Missouri legal statutes are very punitive for rape convictions. Facing these charges can seem like it’s the end of your life.
But it’s not. Accusations and indictments aren’t guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is on your side to fight against those outcomes.
We protect Trimble, MO, residents’ right to due process and give them a proper defense against any criminal charges. We’re ready to start working on your case today—give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consult.
You need a leading defense attorney. 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 dial (314) 900-HELP to start today.
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Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
If you’ve been charged with rape in Trimble, MO, you need a team of rape defense lawyers right away. If you try to fight the allegations by yourself, you’re up against the below consequences:
- Years In Prison. Different charges in the second degree all carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the more serious first-degree offences can be as harsh as life in prison without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, people convicted of felonies lose several significant 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.
- Career Impacts. You can lose your job just for being accused of rape.
When you hear about the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To give yourself the best chance to avoid these, you’ll need to find Trimble, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared for your case.
Here’s what we bring to the table when building your rape/sexual assault defense:
- A client-centered approach because we want to be sure we are capturing your story, needs, and goals.
- A skillful 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.
- Effective, working relationships with prosecutors, which we can use to negotiate a plea deal if that can give you the positive outcomes you need.
Don’t give the state a chance to build a case you can’t defend against—get a hold of 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 Our Attorneys Use Against Trimble, MO Rape Charges:
Our Trimble rape defense lawyers have wide knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and use effective strategies to defend against related charges:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the argument will center around whether consent 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: 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: 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 build the most powerful defense possible for your situation and will give you honest, helpful advice on how to move forward.
What’s the Difference Between Rape, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy in Trimble, MO?
If you had to define rape, the image that comes to mind is probably that of forcible rape. But Missouri rape law distinguishes statutory and forcible rape, and distinguishes sodomy as a separate offense.
We’ve outlined the different Trimble, 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 engaging in sex with another person who is unable to consent, or compelling them to engage in sexual intercourse through force (this also includes drugging them while they are unaware).
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 someone when you know you don’t have their consent.
Compared to first-degree rape charges, the difference is that the alleged victim is capable of consenting, 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 it doesn’t matter if the alleged victim states that they provided “consent,” because people under that age are not legally able to do so.
Second Degree Statutory Rape:
Second Degree Statutory Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.034 as an adult over the age of twenty-one engaging in sexual intercourse with someone under the age of seventeen.
Statutory rape degrees are distinguished by the age of the alleged victim and offender. Keep in mind that Missouri has special ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws regarding sexual intercourse 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 another personor otherwise penetrating someone, and this is done while that individual is unable to consent, or is made to do so by force.
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 having either oral, anal, or digital sex with someone or otherwise penetrating an individual, when the alleged victim states that they did not give consent.
In parallel 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 do so.
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 sexual intercourse as an affirmative, unforced agreement to engage in sexual activity from all relevant individuals who have the capacity to give consent. Ensuring that everyone gives consent is important before proceeding with any sexual activity.
Combs Waterkotte’s Trimble rape defense lawyers will defend you against all of the above charges and any other sexual assault allegations you may be up against.
Common Trimble, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“Without proof, the police in Trimble won’t arrest you for rape.”
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, 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: You always need agroup of rape defense lawyers on your side, even if you’re innocent. You don’t want to attempt to go through the court process on your own or slip up and say something that can be misinterpreted.
“Missouri law says nobody can have sex with someone under 17.”
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 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 Trimble, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Facing a rape accusation can be disturbing . And trying to go it alone is setting yourself up for failure. But you have a path forward. 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 offer high-quality legal expertise to all of our clients. And we want to deliver you the best possible outcome.
Speak with one of our representatives today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation.
