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Sex Crimes Attorney Hillsboro, MO

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Posted by Emily Herr on May 17, 2023

Sex crimes attorney in Hillsboro, MO. If you are facing sex crime charges in or around Hillsboro, MO, Combs Waterkotte is here for you and ready to talk about how our skilled sex crimes attorneys can help. Get in touch with our team for a free review of your case online through our form or call (314) 900-HELP.

At Combs Waterkotte, we know exactly what’s at stake. You need the help of an experienced Hillsboro, MO sex crimes attorney to protect your rights and defend your case. Sex crimes carry serious consequences, including harsh prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and hefty fines. Trust Combs Waterkotte.

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Article Summary

Facing a sex crime accusation in Hillsboro, MO can turn your entire life upside down, and the impact can last long after the case ends. Here, you’ll learn how a skilled sex crimes attorney can safeguard your rights, dismantle the prosecution’s arguments, and work to prevent severe outcomes like prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration. Discover the charges we handle, why it’s vital to get legal help immediately, and how our confidential, relentless defense strategies help protect your freedom and your future when everything is on the line.



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Sex Crime Offenses We Defend in Hillsboro, MO

Sex crimes in Hillsboro, 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: 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 Hillsboro 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: Sexual misconduct with a minor involves exposing genitals or coercing a minor under 15 to engage in sexually explicit behavior. As outlined in RSMo. § 566.083, this is a serious Class D or Class E felony that can result in prison and long-term consequences.

A Sex Crimes Conviction in Hillsboro, MO Can Change Everything. Let Us Help You Fight Back.

A conviction for a sex crime in Missouri brings life-changing consequences. You could face years behind bars, mandatory sex offender registration, and long-term damage to your career, family, and reputation. Where you live, where you work, and how people see you — it can all change with a single guilty verdict in the Hillsboro, MO area.

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 Hillsboro, 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:

  • Trusted Legal Advocacy You Can Rely on in Hillsboro, MO: Our Hillsboro, MO sex crimes attorneys have over 50 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.
  • In-Depth Case Review: 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.
  • Confident Courtroom Defense in Hillsboro, MO: When it’s time to face a judge and jury, our experienced Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro: The legal fight doesn’t stop after a verdict. If you’ve been convicted, our team continues working to seek justice through appeals, sentence mitigation, or post-conviction relief. We’re committed to doing everything possible to challenge unjust outcomes and restore your future.

Experienced Sex Crimes Defense Attorney in Hillsboro, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Fighting Back: Common Legal Defenses to Sex Crime Charges in Hillsboro, MO

A sex crime accusation can flip your world upside down. But you are not powerless. The right legal strategy, built on the facts and guided by an experienced Hillsboro, MO sex crimes attorney, can lead to reduced charges or even full acquittal. Here are some of the most proven defenses our legal team may use in your case:

  • Consent:
    In many sex crime cases in Hillsboro, MO, the core issue is whether the encounter was consensual. If both parties willingly participated and were legally able to consent, this can be a powerful defense. Evidence like text messages, social media interactions, witness testimony, or a documented prior relationship can help support a claim of consent.
  • 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:
    In rare but serious situations, accusations may be fabricated out of revenge, jealousy, custody disputes, or other personal motives. We can present evidence of bias, inconsistencies, or ulterior motives to undermine the credibility of the allegations.
  • Unlawful Police Conduct or Rights Violations:
    If the police in or around Hillsboro, MO violated your constitutional rights, such as conducting an illegal search or coercing a confession in the Hillsboro, MO area, your sex crimes attorney can move to suppress improperly obtained evidence or even have the charges thrown out entirely.
  • Weak or Circumstantial Evidence:
    If the prosecution’s case lacks solid evidence, or relies heavily on unreliable witness statements or questionable forensic results, your Hillsboro, MO sex crimes attorney can argue that the state has not met its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
  • Mental Health or Cognitive Challenges:
    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.
  • Reasonable Belief of Legal Age:
    In cases involving statutory rape or similar charges, your Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro, MO Can Help You

At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t just represent you, we fight for your future. If you’re facing sex crime charges in Hillsboro, 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 respected Hillsboro, 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 | Hillsboro, MO Criminal Defense Lawyers

Other cases we handle in Hillsboro, MO are:

You Deserve a Strong Defense. Speak With a Hillsboro, MO Sex Crimes Attorney Today.

Facing a sex crime accusation can feel overwhelming, isolating, and terrifying. But, you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’ve been charged or are under investigation in Hillsboro, MO, the decisions you make today could shape the rest of your life. Don’t talk to police without experienced legal counsel by your side.

Call the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll listen without judgment, explain your options clearly, and take immediate steps to defend your rights. You have a future in Hillsboro. Let us help protect it.

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