Rape Defense Lawyers, Weston, MO. Rape accusations carry a lot of stigma, and the charges have some of the harshest penalties in Missouri. Being accused can seem like it’s the end of your life.
But it’s not. Accusations and charges aren’t guilty outcomes. And Combs Waterkotte is prepared to battle against those outcomes.
We defend Weston, MO, residents’ right to due process and give them a strong defensive plan against all criminal charges. We’re ready to start working on your case today—speak with us at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation.
You need a leading defense attorney. Our rape and sexual assault defense lawyers will treat you like a person, not a case number. Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to start today.
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Over 10,000
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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 do anything else in your case. If you don’t hire someone, you’re potentially looking at the following:
- A Prison Sentence. Different charges in the second degree all potentially result in prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the harsher first-degree charges can be as high as life in prison.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, felons lose several rights, including the right to vote, the right to own a gun, 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.
- Career Consequences. You can be fired just for being accused of rape.
When you hear about the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To give yourself the best chance to avoid these, it’s important for you to bring in Weston, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready 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.
- An accomplished team of rape defense lawyers who have helped clients in thousands of cases, several just like yours.
- A strong defense that is ready for trial if your case goes that far.
- Strong relationships with prosecutors, which we will leverage when negotiating a favorable plea deal to give you positive outcomes without going through a trial.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds a case against you—call 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 Versus Weston, MO Rape Charges:
Our Weston rape defense lawyers have deep knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what techniques work to fight against related charges:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the question is not whether sexual activity occurred, but whether it was consensual.
- 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 craft the finest defense possible for your situation 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 Weston, 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 separates out two categories of rape, and categorizes certain acts as sodomy instead of rape.
Below are the different Weston, MO, criminal charges you could formally be up against when accused of ‘rape:’
First Degree Rape:
First Degree Rape is defined in Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030 as having sex with someone who cannot 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 having sex with a person 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 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 having sex with someone younger than seventeen years old while being older than twenty-one.
Second-degree statutory rape is different from first-degree because of the age requirements. Keep in mind 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 another personor otherwise penetrating someone, and this is done while that individual cannot 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 another person or otherwise penetrating an individual, with the knowledge that the other person does not consent.
Similar to second-degree rape, what distinguishes second-degree from first-degree 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, unforced agreement to engage in sexual activity from both individuals who have the capacity to give consent. Obtaining clear consent is important prior to beginning any sexual action.
Our Weston 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 Weston, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“Without proof, the police in Weston 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.
“There’s no reason to hire an attorney if you’re innocent.”
The Reality: You always need agroup of rape defense lawyers on your side, whether you’re innocent or guilty. You don’t want to try and navigate Missouri law on your own 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 that allow people aged 14-16 to have sex with a partner up to four years older than themselves.
“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 being too drunk to consent. That said, if you have even the slightest suspicion that someone has had too much to drink, don’t have sex.
Combs Waterkotte Defends Against Rape Charges in Weston, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Being accused of rape is traumatizing. And fighting against it on your own is hard. But you have another option. 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 whatever charges you’re up against, we’re ready to talk.
Talk to us today at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online form for a free, confidential consultation.
