Rape Defense Lawyers, Waverly, MO. Rape accusations carry a lot of stigma, and the charges have some of the harshest penalties in Missouri. Being called an alleged rapist can feel like your life is over.
But it’s not. Accusations and indictments are not the same as guilt. And Combs Waterkotte is ready to battle to defend you against those outcomes.
We protect Waverly, MO, residents’ freedom and give them a proper case against all criminal charges. We’re ready to start working on your case today—call us at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a confidential consult.
Get the justice you deserve. Our rape and sexual assault defense attorneys will be in your corner from day one. Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP for help 24/7.
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:
If you’ve been accused of rape in Waverly, MO, you need a team of rape defense lawyers before you talk to anyone. If you don’t hire an attorney, you’re in danger of 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 high as life in prison.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, people convicted of felonies lose many rights, particularly the right to vote, the right to possess a firearm, 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.
- Job Consequences. You can be fired even before a conviction.
If you look at the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, they can be overwhelming. To give yourself the best chance to avoid these, you’ll need to bring in Waverly, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to help.
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.
- A skillful group of rape defense lawyers who have experience with thousands of cases, many just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is ready for trial should your case go that far.
- Effective, working relationships with prosecutors across the state, which we can use to negotiate 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 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 Lawyers Use Versus Waverly, MO Rape Charges:
Our Waverly rape defense lawyers have deep knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and effective ways 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: DNA, medical reports, location data, and more can all be key in establishing a narrative of events.
- Fourth Amendment or Fifth Amendment Rights Violations: Improperly obtained evidence can be thrown out before it is used against you.
Each case is unique, and each defense needs to be tailored to the specifics of the case. At Combs Waterkotte, we craft the most powerful 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 Waverly, MO?
When most people think of rape, the first thing that comes to mind is probably forcing someone to have sex against their will. But Missouri rape law separates out two categories of rape, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
Below are the different Waverly, 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 is incapable of consent, or using force to force them to have sex (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 an individual who does not consent, and you’re aware that they do not.
Compared to first-degree rape charges, the difference is 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 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 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 in regards to sex 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 that person, 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; 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 someone or otherwise penetrating a person, while knowing the other person does not consent.
As with second-degree rape, the difference between first-degree sodomy and second-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, elective agreement to engage in sexual activity from all involved individuals who are capable of giving consent. Obtaining clear consent is important before proceeding with any sexual activity.
Combs Waterkotte’s Waverly rape defense lawyers will defend you against all of the above charges and any other sexual assault allegations you may be facing.
Common Waverly, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“You can only be arrested for rape in Waverly if there’s 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).
“If you’re innocent of the charges, you don’t need a lawyer.”
The Reality: Whatever the circumstances, it’s critical to have an expert team of rape defense lawyers on your side, whether you’re innocent or guilty. You don’t want to face a complex legal system 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: 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 Protects Against Rape Charges in Waverly, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Being accused of rape is traumatizing. And being the only person on your side is scary. But you are one call away from Missouri’s leading criminal defense lawyers. You can have Combs Waterkotte at your back.
We have a stellar reputation with over 400 five star reviews. Our rape defense lawyers offer high-quality legal expertise to all of our clients. And we’re ready to take your case.
Get ahold of us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation.
