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Sex Crimes Attorney Audrain County, MO

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Last Updated: February 29, 2024

Sex crimes attorney in Audrain County, MO. Facing sex crime charges in the Audrain County, MO area? Combs Waterkotte is ready to stand by your side with proven, aggressive defense strategies. If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in Audrain County, MO, don’t wait—reach out to our skilled sex crimes attorneys today. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential case evaluation.

We understand how high the stakes are. A conviction could mean prison time, lifelong sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your future. Trust an experienced sex crimes attorney in Audrain County, MO to protect your rights and fight for your freedom.

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Article Summary

Being charged with a sex crime in Audrain County, MO is one of the most serious legal challenges you can face, with consequences that can follow you for the rest of your life. On this page, you’ll find out how an experienced sex crimes attorney can defend your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and fight to keep you out of prison and off the sex offender registry. Learn about the charges we handle, why acting quickly is crucial, and how our discreet, determined defense can help you safeguard your freedom and reputation when everything is at stake.



Sex Crime Defense Attorneys - Combs Waterkotte Sex Crime Defense Lawyers

Sex Crime Offenses We Defend in Audrain County, MO

Allegations of sex crimes in Audrain County, MO can vary greatly, from lesser misdemeanors to severe felonies that carry life-changing penalties. At Combs Waterkotte, we have experience defending clients against a wide range of charges, including:

  • Rape: Rape is defined as non-consensual sexual intercourse or sexual penetration. It is a serious felony offense that carries a prison sentence ranging from five years to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030.
  • Sexual Assault: Sexual assault involves any unwanted sexual contact, including touching or groping. It is also a serious felony offense that can result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years.
  • Statutory Rape: Statutory rape occurs when an individual engages in sexual activity with a minor who is below the age of consent, as they are considered too young to be capable of giving informed consent. The age of consent in Audrain County and elsewhere in Missouri is 17 years old, and engaging in sexual activity with a minor under the age of 14 as an adult can result in charges of statutory rape in the first degree.
  • Child Pornography: Child pornography charges apply to possessing, distributing, or creating explicit material involving minors under 18. Under RSMo. § 573.037, each file or image can be charged separately, potentially resulting in multiple sentences — often as Class D or Class B felonies.
  • Sexual Misconduct with a Minor: Defined under RSMo. § 566.083, sexual misconduct with a minor refers to engaging in or inducing sexual acts with someone under 15 in Audrain County, MO, including exposure or coercion. These charges are often Class D or Class E felonies and carry both incarceration and lifelong stigma if convicted.

The Stakes are Too High — Don’t Face Sex Crime Charges Alone in Audrain County, MO

If you are convicted of a sex crime in Missouri, you are subject to severe consequences that can impact your life for years to come, including restrictions on where you can live and work, as well as constant damage to your personal and professional relationships.

Each case is different and depends on the evidence presented, the nature of what took place, your previous criminal history, the judge presiding over your case, and other factors. The sooner you have a tough, knowledgeable Audrain County, MO sex crimes attorney by your side, the better your chances of avoiding the worst penalties. From day one, we fight to get your charges reduced or dismissed. We also provide:

  • Skilled Defense From Start to Finish: Our Audrain County, MO sex crimes attorneys have over 60 years of combined experience. From pretrial investigations to courtroom proceedings, we serve as advocates for our clients. We are fully transparent throughout the legal process, providing honest legal advice, strategizing possible defense tactics, and protecting your rights and future during hearings and trials.
  • Thorough Case Investigations: Thoroughly assessing the details of your case is one of the first steps of a Combs Waterkotte sex crimes attorney in Audrain County, MO. We don’t take the prosecution’s word for it. Our skilled sex crimes legal team reviews evidence, interviews any witnesses, and identifies possible legal issues that could affect your defense. This comprehensive analysis helps us formulate an effective defense strategy tailored specifically to your case.
  • Courtroom Advocacy in Audrain County, MO: When it’s time to face a judge and jury, our experienced Audrain County, MO litigators rise to the occasion. We present persuasive arguments, cross-examine key witnesses, and challenge the prosecution at every turn — always aiming to establish reasonable doubt and secure the best possible outcome for you.
  • Post-Conviction Support in Audrain County: Even after a conviction, a dedicated Audrain County, MO sex crimes attorney doesn’t stop fighting. We can file appeals, pursue post-conviction motions, or explore other legal avenues to challenge wrongful convictions or lessen the impact of a guilty verdict.

Experienced Sex Crimes Defense Attorney in Audrain County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Audrain County, MO Sex Crimes Attorney: Common Legal Defenses

Defending against a sex crime accusation in the Audrain County, MO area is complex and deeply personal. The best defense strategy depends entirely on the facts of the case and the laws of the jurisdiction. Every situation is different. Below are some of the most frequently used legal defenses by our legal team in Audrain County, MO sex crime cases:

  • Consent:
    In many cases, the issue isn’t whether something happened — it’s whether it was consensual. If both individuals voluntarily agreed and were legally allowed to give consent, this defense can dismantle the prosecution’s argument. Texts, messages, prior communications, or witnesses can all help show mutual agreement.
  • Alibi:
    If you weren’t there, you couldn’t have committed the crime. An alibi defense uses concrete evidence like phone data, receipts, or security footage to prove you were elsewhere at the time of the alleged offense.
  • Fabricated Claims:
    Not all accusations are truthful. Whether motivated by jealousy, retaliation, or manipulation, we use forensic inconsistencies, testimony gaps, and documented history to prove the accusation is false or exaggerated.
  • Rights Violations or Procedural Errors:
    If law enforcement in Audrain County, MO violated your constitutional rights — through an unlawful search and seizure or improper interrogation — we can challenge the legality of that evidence. A successful motion to suppress can significantly weaken the case or result in full dismissal.
  • Insufficient Evidence:
    When prosecutors rely on speculation, sketchy witness claims, or flimsy forensic tests, it’s our job to expose those weaknesses. If the case doesn’t hold up under scrutiny, your Audrain County, MO sex crimes lawyer will push hard for dismissal or acquittal.
  • You Lacked Criminal Intent:
    If you suffered from a mental health condition or cognitive impairment at the time of the incident, we may argue you were incapable of forming criminal intent, which can lead to reduced charges or penalties.
  • Mistaken Belief About Age:
    In cases involving statutory rape or similar charges, your Audrain County, MO sex crimes attorney might argue you reasonably believed the other party was of legal age, depending on the facts and how the law applies.

How a Sex Crimes Attorney in Audrain County, MO Can Help You

Sex crime charges are among the most serious a person can face — but you are not alone. When you hire Combs Waterkotte in Audrain County, MO, you gain a defense team that brings relentless preparation and deep courtroom experience to your case. We treat every case like everything is on the line, because it is.

As a respected Audrain County, MO criminal defense firm, we know what’s at stake. From the moment you contact us, we go to work building a powerful defense strategy, challenging the prosecution’s case, and helping you navigate every phase of the legal process. Our track record includes successfully defending clients against serious charges, and we’re ready to do the same for you.

Best Sex Crimes Defense Attorney | Audrain County, MO Criminal Defense Lawyers

Other cases we handle in Audrain County, MO are:

Take Action Now, Your Future Depends on It. Call a Audrain County, MO Sex Crimes Attorney.

Accused of a sex crime in Audrain County, MO? Even if you’re only being investigated, every second counts. Speaking to law enforcement without legal protection can severely jeopardize your case. The wrong move now can follow you for the rest of your life.

Call a skilled Audrain County, MO sex crimes attorney at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free consultation to protect your rights and get clear, honest answers about your options. We are ready to stand by you, fight for you, and work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome.

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