Rape Defense Lawyers, Waldo, MO. Rape allegations can be life-altering, and Missouri legal statutes are very punitive for rape convictions. Facing these charges can feel like it’s the end of your life.
But it’s not. Allegations and indictments are not guilt. And Combs Waterkotte is here to fight against bad outcomes.
We defend Waldo, MO, residents’ rights and give them a well-built defensive plan against any criminal charges. We’re available to talk about your case today—call us at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online 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. Reach out online or call (314) 900-HELP to speak with someone anytime, any day.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
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Over 1 Million
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400+ Perfect
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Over 60 Years
Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
When you’ve been accused of a sex crime in Waldo, MO, you need a team of rape defense lawyers immediately. If you go it alone, you’re risking the following:
- Prison Time. Second-degree rape and sodomy charges all carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the first-degree offences can be as harsh as life in prison without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, convicted felons lose many rights, including 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.
When you see the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, they can be overwhelming. To give yourself the best chance to avoid these, you’ll need to hire Waldo, 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 team of rape defense lawyers who have experience with thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
- A strong defense that is built for trial should your case go that far.
- Longstanding relationships with the state, which we will leverage when negotiating a favorable plea deal if it is the best way to protect your interests.
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 …
Defensive Tactics Combs Waterkotte Uses Against Waldo, MO Rape Charges:
Our Waldo rape defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and effective strategies to defend against them:
- 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: 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 create the finest defense possible for your specific case 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 Waldo, 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, and categorizes certain acts as sodomy instead of rape.
Here are the different Waldo, MO, criminal charges you could be actually charged with when someone accuses you of ‘rape:’
First Degree Rape:
First Degree Rape is defined in Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030 as having sex with someone who is unable to consent, or compelling them to engage in sexual intercourse through force (this also includes drugging them while they are unaware).
This is the bar against which other charges are measured
Second Degree Rape:
Second Degree Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.031 as having sex with a person when you know you don’t have their consent.
This is distinguished 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 having sex with someone younger than fourteen years old.
As opposed to the above rape charges, the differentiating factor with statutory 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.
Statutory rape degrees are distinguished by the age of the alleged victim and offender. It’s also important to be aware that Missouri has special laws specifically 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 having either oral, anal, or digital sex with a personor otherwise penetrating someone, and this is done while the alleged victim cannot consent, or is forced to participate.
This law reads and works very similarly to Missouri’s first-degree rape law; 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 having either oral, anal, or digital sex with someone or otherwise penetrating someone, when the alleged victim states that they did not give consent.
As with second-degree rape, what distinguishes second-degree from first-degree degree sodomy is that the alleged victim was able 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 activity as an affirmative, voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity from both individuals who are able to give consent. Ensuring that everyone gives consent is important prior to engaging in any sexual activity.
Combs Waterkotte’s Waldo rape defense lawyers will fight against rape, statutory rape, sodomy, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be up against.
Common Waldo, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“Without proof, the police in Waldo 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, all that the police need to arrest you is probable cause (which doesn’t have to be more than an accusation).
“If you’re innocent of the charges, you don’t need a lawyer.”
The Reality: You always need a team of rape defense lawyers watching out for your interests, even if you’re innocent. 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.
“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.
“If someone’s had any alcohol, they can’t legally give consent.”
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 there’s ever a question as to someone’s ability to consent, don’t have sex.
Combs Waterkotte Defends Against Rape Charges in Waldo, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Facing a rape accusation can be disturbing . And fighting against it on your own is hard. But you have another option. You can have Combs Waterkotte fighting for your freedom.
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 take your case.
Reach us today at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our contact form for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
