Rape Defense Lawyers, Windsor, MO. Rape accusations carry a lot of stigma, 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 aren’t convictions. And Combs Waterkotte is on your side to battle to defend you against bad outcomes.
We protect Windsor, MO, residents’ rights and give them a strong case against all criminal charges. We’re available to talk about your case today—reach us by phone at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consult.
We are here to help, not to judge. Our rape and sexual assault defense lawyers will treat you like a person, not a case number. Reach out online or call (314) 900-HELP to speak with someone anytime, any day.
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:
When you’ve been charged with rape in Windsor, MO, you need help from expert rape defense lawyers right away. If you don’t hire an attorney, you’re up against the following:
- Prison Time. The second-degree offences listed below can carry prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the first-degree offences can go as far as life in prison.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, convicted felons lose many rights, most notably the right to vote, the right to possess 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 Impacts. You can lose your job if you’re accused of rape (even if it’s just allegations).
If you look at the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Because of this, it’s important for you to find Windsor, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready for your case.
When you hire us, you’re getting the following from the team building your rape/sexual assault defense:
- A client-centered approach because it’s important to fully know your side of the story before building a defense.
- An adept team of rape defense lawyers who have experience with 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 across the state, which we will leverage when negotiating a plea deal if that can give you the positive outcomes you need.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds a case against you—call 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 …
Defense Strategies Our Lawyers Use Versus Windsor, MO Rape Charges:
Combs Waterkotte’s Windsor rape defense lawyers have wide knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and what strategies work to fight against related charges:
- Consent: In some rape cases, rather than being centered around whether or not the two parties had sex, the question is on consent, whether it was given or not, and whether it was freely given or not.
- Alibi: Alibis create reasonable doubt by providing evidence indicating that you were somewhere else at the time of the crime.
- 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.
Rape defense strategies are not one-size-fits-all. They need to be custom-made for each case. At Combs Waterkotte, we craft the strongest 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 Windsor, MO?
When most people think of 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.
Here are the different Windsor, MO, criminal charges you could be actually charged with 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 coercing them to have sex with force or threats of force (this also includes drugging them while they are unaware).
This is the bar against which other charges are measured
Second Degree Rape:
Second Degree Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.031 as having sex with a person when you know you don’t have their consent.
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 makes this different from first-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 important to be aware that Missouri has some additional laws in regards to sexual intercourse with individuals in the in-between ages of 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 a personor otherwise penetrating that individual, and this is done while that individual cannot consent, or is made to do so by force.
This is very similar to first-degree rape charges; 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 a person or otherwise penetrating another person, with the knowledge that the other person does not consent.
As with second-degree rape, the differentiator between this and first-degree sodomy is that the alleged victim was able to consent, but did not do so.
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 sexual intercourse as an affirmative, unforced agreement to engage in sexual activity from all involved individuals who are able to give consent. Obtaining clear consent is important before proceeding with any sexual activity.
Combs Waterkotte’s Windsor rape defense lawyers will fight against rape, statutory rape, sodomy, and any other sexual assault allegations you may be facing.
Common Windsor, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“Without proof, the police in Windsor 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, you can be arrested for nothing more than probable cause, which can include the accusations themselves.
“Innocent people don’t need attorneys.”
The Reality: You always need an experienced team of rape defense lawyers on your side, whether you’re innocent or guilty. You don’t want to try and navigate Missouri law alone or slip up and say something that can be misinterpreted.
“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: 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 how drunk 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 Windsor, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
A rape allegation can throw your life into disarray. And trying to go it alone is setting yourself up for failure. But you have a path forward. You can have Combs Waterkotte fighting for your rights.
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 want to deliver you the best possible outcome.
Reach us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
