Rape Defense Lawyers, Weatherby Lake, MO. Rape allegations can be life-altering, and Missouri law treats people convicted of rape severely. Being accused can feel like your life is over.
But it’s not. Accusations and indictments are not guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to fight to protect you from bad outcomes.
We protect Weatherby Lake, MO, residents’ freedom and give them a strong defense against any criminal charges. We’re available to talk about your case today—speak with us at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online 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 dial (314) 900-HELP to start today.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
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Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
400+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 60 Years
Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
When you’ve been charged with sexual assault or rape in Weatherby Lake, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers before you do anything else in your case. Should you not hire anyone, you’re potentially looking at the below consequences:
- A Prison Sentence. Different charges in the second degree all carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the harsher first-degree charges can go as far as life without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, convicted felons lose several rights, particularly 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.
- Job Consequences. You can be fired even before a conviction.
When you hear about 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 Weatherby Lake, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready to protect you.
Here’s what we bring to the table 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 group of rape defense lawyers who have handled thousands of cases, many just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is prepared for trial if your case goes that far.
- Effective, working relationships with the state, which we lean on to come up with a plea deal if that can effectively protect your interests.
Don’t wait for “things to blow over” (they won’t)—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 …
Defensive Tactics Our Attorneys Use Versus Weatherby Lake, MO Rape Charges:
Our Weatherby Lake rape defense lawyers have substantial knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and effective ways to fight 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 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 Weatherby Lake, MO?
If someone asked you to describe rape, the first thing that comes to mind is probably forcing someone to have sex against their will. But Missouri rape law has multiple different categories of rape, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
We’ve outlined the different Weatherby Lake, MO, criminal charges you could be actually charged with when accused of ‘rape:’
First Degree Rape:
First Degree Rape is defined in Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030 as having sexual intercourse with another person who is unable to consent, or compelling them to engage in sexual intercourse through force (this also includes giving them substances without their knowledge).
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 an individual who does not consent, and you’re aware that they do not.
This is different from first-degree rape in that the alleged victim was able to consent at the time, but is saying 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 makes this different from first-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 an adult over the age of twenty-one engaging in sexual intercourse with someone under the age of seventeen.
Second-degree statutory rape is different from first-degree because of the age requirements. It’s also important to be aware that Missouri has some additional 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 engaging in either oral, anal, or digital sex with an individualor otherwise penetrating that individual, while that individual is unable to consent, or is coerced to do so via force.
You may notice that the language for this statute is nearly identical to that of first-degree rape; the only difference is the alleged type of act performed.
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, while knowing the other person does not consent.
In parallel to second-degree rape, the difference between first-degree sodomy and second-degree sodomy is that the alleged victim was able to consent, but did not for that instance/act.
Rape, statutory rape, and sodomy all have details that make them different from one another, however, they all involve a lack of consent. Missouri defines consent for sex as an affirmative, elective agreement to engage in sexual activity from both individuals who are able to give consent. Obtaining clear consent is important prior to beginning any sexual action.
Our Weatherby Lake 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 charged with.
Common Weatherby Lake, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“Without proof, the police in Weatherby Lake 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, you can be arrested for nothing more than probable cause, which can include the accusations themselves.
“Innocent people don’t need attorneys.”
The Reality: Whatever the circumstances, it’s critical to have an expert group of rape defense lawyers watching your back, 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.
“Missouri law says nobody can have sex with someone under 17.”
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.
“A person can’t consent if they’ve had something to drink.”
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 being 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 Weatherby Lake, 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 don’t have to go it alone. You can have Combs Waterkotte protecting your rights.
We have a stellar reputation with over 400 five star reviews. Our rape defense lawyers know what it takes to build a stellar defense against these charges. And we’re ready to take your case.
Speak with one of our representatives now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation.
