Sex crimes attorney in Des Peres, MO. Facing sex crime charges in the Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO to protect your rights and fight for your freedom.
Article Summary
Being accused of a sex crime in Des Peres, MO is life-altering, and the consequences can follow you forever. This page explains how an experienced sex crimes attorney can protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and fight to avoid harsh penalties like prison time and mandatory sex offender registration. Learn what types of charges we defend, why early action is critical, and how our discreet, aggressive defense strategies help clients protect their freedom and reputation when facing serious allegations.

Sex Crime Offenses We Defend in Des Peres, MO
Sex crimes in Des Peres, MO run the gamut in terms of substance, severity, and potential sentences, from sexual assault and rape to child pornography and sexual misconduct with a minor. Some of the most common sex crime charges in Missouri include:
- Rape: Defined under Missouri Law as nonconsensual sexual intercourse or penetration, rape is a felony offense with potential sentences from 5 years in prison up to life without parole as outlined in Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030.
- Sexual Assault: When someone is accused of sexual assault in Des Peres, MO, it typically involves unwanted sexual touching or physical contact, including groping. In Missouri, this is considered a serious felony. If convicted, you could face up to 30 years in prison depending on the nature of the offense.
- 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 Des Peres 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 involves the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under the age of 18. It is a serious Class D or Class B felony offense that can result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years, and pursuant to RSMo. § 573.037, you could be subject to separate sentences for each article of child pornography you are accused of possessing.
- 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 Des Peres, MO, including exposure or coercion. These charges are often Class D or Class E felonies and carry both incarceration and lifelong stigma if convicted.
Consequences of a Des Peres, MO Sex Crimes Conviction Are Too Severe to Face Alone
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.
No two cases are alike. Outcomes depend on the facts, the law, the judge, and how quickly you act. That’s why hiring an experienced Des Peres, MO sex crimes attorney immediately is critical. At Combs Waterkotte, we begin building your defense from the moment you call — fighting for dropped charges, reduced penalties, or total acquittal. Here’s how we help:
- Expert Legal Representation in Des Peres, MO: With over 50 years of combined legal experience, our Des Peres, MO sex crimes attorneys know how to fight — and win. From the moment your case begins, we provide straightforward legal guidance, craft powerful defense strategies, and ensure your rights are protected at every stage of the process, from investigation through verdict.
- Thorough Case Investigations: Every strong defense begins with a strong understanding of the facts. At Combs Waterkotte, we carefully review all evidence, assess police procedure, speak with witnesses, and pinpoint legal issues to build a custom-tailored defense strategy that aligns with your best interests.
- Relentless In-Court Representation in Des Peres, MO: When it’s time to face a judge and jury, our experienced Des Peres, 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-Trial: A conviction isn’t the end in Des Peres, MO. Our work continues with appeals, motions for post-conviction relief, and efforts to reduce or reverse wrongful outcomes. Your fight for justice deserves tireless advocacy, and we never stop pushing for the best result possible.
Sex Crimes Attorney in Des Peres, MO: Common Defenses
Defending against a sex crime accusation in the Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO sex crime cases:
- Consent:
Many sex crime cases hinge on whether the act was consensual. If both people willingly participated and were of legal age, we can use text messages, prior relationship history, or witness accounts to argue affirmative consent and dismantle the charge. - Alibi:
A credible alibi can shut the case down. If you were not at the scene, we use physical evidence — time-stamped photos, location data, or surveillance — to back your alibi claim and establish reasonable doubt. - False Allegations:
Sometimes people lie — out of anger, spite, or to gain leverage in custody or divorce battles. We expose inconsistencies, motives, and lack of evidence to reveal false allegations and protect your name and freedom in Des Peres, MO. - Unlawful Police Conduct or Rights Violations:
If the police in or around Des Peres, MO violated your constitutional rights, such as conducting an illegal search or coercing a confession in the Des Peres, MO area, your sex crimes attorney can move to suppress improperly obtained evidence or even have the charges thrown out entirely. - Insufficient Evidence:
If the prosecution lacks credible physical proof, relies on hearsay, or presents inconsistent testimony, your Des Peres, MO sex crimes attorney can highlight those gaps to show the state hasn’t met its burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. - You Lacked Criminal Intent:
If you were suffering from a psychiatric condition or cognitive impairment, we may argue that you weren’t mentally capable of forming intent, a key element the state must prove. That can lead to lesser charges or alternative resolutions focused on treatment. - Mistaken Belief About Age:
In cases involving statutory rape or similar charges, your Des Peres, 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.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Your Best Defense Starts with a Des Peres, MO Sex Crimes Attorney Who Fights for You
At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t just represent you, we fight for your future. If you’re facing sex crime charges in Des Peres, MO, don’t go it alone. The legal system can be overwhelming, but with our experienced sex crimes defense attorneys on your side, you have a real chance at protecting your name, freedom, and livelihood.
As a leading Des Peres, MO criminal defense law firm, we understand the serious nature of sex crimes and the devastating consequences they can have on individuals and their families. Our experienced sex crimes attorneys have successfully defended numerous clients against a variety of sex crimes and other criminal charges, and we are committed to providing our clients with the best.
Other types of cases we take on in Des Peres, MO are:
Take Action Now, Your Future Depends on It. Call a Des Peres, MO Sex Crimes Attorney.
Accused of a sex crime in Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, 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.