Rape Defense Lawyers, Wellington, MO. Rape allegations can be life-altering, and Missouri law treats people convicted of rape severely. Being accused 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 ready to battle against negative outcomes.
We protect Wellington, MO, residents’ freedom and give them a proper defensive plan against any criminal charges. We’re free to give you a consult on your case today—talk to us at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.
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 to start today.
Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
When you’ve been charged with rape in Wellington, MO, you need a team of rape defense lawyers before you talk to anyone. Should you not hire anyone, you’re risking the below consequences:
- A Prison Sentence. Second-degree rape and sodomy charges all potentially result in prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the harsher first-degree charges can go as far as life in prison.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, people convicted of felonies lose many rights, particularly the right to vote, second amendment rights, 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.
- Job Consequences. You can lose your job even before a conviction.
When you hear about the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, they can be overwhelming. This is why you’ll need to hire Wellington, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to protect you.
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 handled thousands of cases, several just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is prepared for trial should your case go that far.
- Longstanding relationships with the state, which we lean on to come up with a favorable plea deal to give you positive outcomes without going through a trial.
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 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 Wellington, MO Rape Charges:
Combs Waterkotte’s Wellington rape defense lawyers have intense knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what techniques work to fight against them:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the question is not whether sexual activity occurred, but whether it was consensual.
- Alibi: It’s highly unfortunate, but sometimes rape victims accuse the wrong person, and an alibi can be key to your defense.
- 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.
Rape defense strategies are not one-size-fits-all. They need to be custom-made for each case. At Combs Waterkotte, we create the finest defense possible for your specific case 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 Wellington, MO?
If someone asked you to describe rape, the image that comes to mind is probably that of forcible rape. But Missouri rape law has multiple different categories of rape, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
Below are the different Wellington, MO, criminal charges you could be facing when someone makes allegations 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 incapable of consent, or compelling them to engage in sexual intercourse through 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 having sex with another person without having 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 having sex with someone younger than fourteen years old.
What distinguishes this from first-degree and second-degree 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 an adult over the age of twenty-one engaging in sexual intercourse with someone under the age of seventeen.
The difference between first-degree and second-degree statutory rape is the age range. It’s also relevant to know that Missouri has special laws specifically having to do with sexual intercourse with individuals from fourteen to sixteen.
First Degree Sodomy:
First Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.060 as participating in 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; 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 participating in either oral, anal, or digital sex with another person or otherwise penetrating an individual, when the alleged victim states that they did not give consent.
Just like 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, they all involve a lack of consent. Missouri defines consent for sexual activity as an affirmative, unforced agreement to engage in sexual activity from both individuals who have the capacity to give consent. Checking that all parties consent is important before proceeding with any sexual action.
Our Wellington rape defense lawyers will fight against rape, statutory rape, sodomy, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be up against.
Common Wellington, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“Without proof, the police in Wellington won’t arrest you for rape.”
The Reality: While a lack of physical evidence against you can make it harder for a prosecutor to convict you, 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 out for your interests, even if you’re innocent. You don’t want to face a complex legal system on your own or make a mistake that unintentionally makes you look guilty.
“It’s illegal to have sex with someone under 17 in Missouri.”
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).
“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 you’re ever unsure about whether or not someone can consent, don’t have sex.
Combs Waterkotte Defends Against Rape Charges in Wellington, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
A rape allegation can throw your life into disarray. And fighting against it on your own is hard. But you are one call away from Missouri’s leading criminal defense lawyers. You can have Combs Waterkotte at your back.
We won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve. Our rape defense lawyers offer high-quality legal expertise to all of our clients. And whatever charges you’re up against, we’re ready to talk.
Get ahold of us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
