Rape Defense Lawyers, Weston, MO. Rape allegations can be life-altering, and Missouri legal statutes are very punitive for rape convictions. Being called an alleged rapist can seem like it’s the end of your life.
But it’s not. Allegations and charges are not guilt. And Combs Waterkotte is here to fight against negative outcomes.
We protect Weston, MO, residents’ rights and give them a proper defensive plan against any criminal charges. We’re ready to start working on your case today—speak with us at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online for a free consult.
Get the justice you deserve. Our rape and sexual assault defense lawyers will listen to your side of the story and build a defense around it. Reach out online or call (314) 900-HELP for help 24/7.
Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
When you’ve been charged with rape in Weston, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers before you talk to anyone. If you don’t hire an attorney, you’re potentially looking at the below consequences:
- A Prison Sentence. Second-degree rape and sodomy charges can carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the more serious first-degree offences can be as harsh as life without parole.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, people convicted of felonies lose many rights, most notably 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 Impacts. You can be fired if you’re accused of rape (even if it’s just allegations).
If you look at the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, they can be overwhelming. This is why it’s important for you to bring in Weston, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready for your case.
We take pride in offering the following 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 knowledgeable group of rape defense lawyers who have helped clients in thousands of cases, including many just like yours.
- A strong defense that is built for trial in case we need to go that far.
- Effective, working relationships with the state, which we can use to negotiate a 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—call 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 Lawyers Use Against Weston, MO Rape Charges:
Our team of Weston rape defense lawyers have substantial knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what techniques work to defend against the charges:
- 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: 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: Improperly obtained evidence can be thrown out before it is used against you.
Rape defense strategies are not one-size-fits-all. They need to be custom-made for each case. At Combs Waterkotte, we build the finest defense possible for your specific case and will give you honest, helpful advice on how to move forward.
What’s the Difference Between Rape, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy in Weston, 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, as well as defining sodomy as a similar offense.
Below are the different Weston, 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 sexual intercourse with someone who cannot consent, or using force to force them to have sex (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 engaging in sexual intercourse with a 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 claims that 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.
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.
The difference between first-degree and second-degree statutory rape is the age range. It’s also relevant to know that Missouri has special ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws having to do with sex with individuals between the ages of fourteen and 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 a person, and this is done while that individual is unable to consent, or is coerced to do so via force.
This law reads and works very similarly to Missouri’s first-degree rape law; 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 that individual, with the knowledge that the other person does not 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 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 sexual intercourse as an affirmative, unforced agreement to engage in sexual activity from all involved individuals who have the capacity to give consent. Ensuring that everyone gives consent is important prior to proceeding with any sexual action.
Our Weston rape defense lawyers will defend you against all of the above charges and any other sexual assault allegations you may be charged with.
Common Weston, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“Without proof, the police in Weston won’t arrest you for rape.”
The Reality: If there’s no physical evidence, that can hurt the state’s chances of getting a conviction. However,, you can be arrested for nothing more than probable cause, which can include the accusations themselves.
“You don’t need a lawyer 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 attempt to go through the court process 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: While the age of consent in Missouri is 17, 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: While there are some cases where a person objectively cannot consent, such as if they are unconscious, there isn’t a legal definition of what level is too drunk to consent. That said, if you’re ever unsure about whether or not someone can consent, don’t have sex.
Combs Waterkotte Protects Against Rape Charges in Weston, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Being accused of rape is traumatizing. And trying to go it alone is setting yourself up for failure. But you are one call away from Missouri’s leading criminal defense lawyers. You can have Combs Waterkotte fighting for your freedom.
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 have the experience and expertise necessary to craft a forceful defense. And we’re ready to get started right away.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.
