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Sex Crimes Attorney Lewis County, MO

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Last Updated: February 29, 2024

Sex crimes attorney in Lewis County, MO. Facing sex crime charges in the Lewis 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 Lewis 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 Lewis County, MO to protect your rights and fight for your freedom.

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Article Summary

Being charged with a sex crime in Lewis 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.



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Types of Sex Crime Charges in Lewis County, MO

Sex crimes in Lewis County, 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 Lewis 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: Accusations of child pornography involve creating, possessing, or distributing images or videos depicting minors in sexual situations. Missouri law (RSMo. § 573.037) allows prosecutors to pursue charges for each piece of content, meaning multiple felonies and up to 30 years in prison depending on case details.
  • Sexual Misconduct with a Minor: Sexual misconduct with a minor in Lewis County, MO involves sexual contact with a minor who is under the age of 15, including acts such as exposing one’s genitals or coercing the minor to expose their genitals or breasts. Other forms of sexual misconduct are also illegal in Missouri, but sexual misconduct with a minor is the most serious offense under RSMo. § 566.083, often a Class D or Class E felony, and can result in a prison sentence and other consequences.

The Stakes are Too High — Don’t Face Sex Crime Charges Alone in Lewis 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.

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 Lewis County, 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:

  • Skilled Defense From Start to Finish: With over 50 years of combined legal experience, our Lewis County, 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.
  • Case Evaluation: Thoroughly assessing the details of your case is one of the first steps of a Combs Waterkotte sex crimes attorney in Lewis 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 Lewis County, MO: Our Lewis County, MO sex crimes attorneys are tenacious litigators who present compelling arguments on your behalf in court. They rigorously question witnesses, dismantle the prosecution’s arguments, and present evidence and testimony to support your defense. The objective is to raise reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury, aiming for an acquittal, or, when that’s not possible, to reduce the severity of any sentence imposed.
  • Post-Trial: Even after a conviction, a dedicated Lewis 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 Lewis County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

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

Being accused of a sex crime in Lewis County, MO is overwhelming, but a powerful defense can make all the difference. Every case is unique, and the strongest defense depends on the exact facts and legal circumstances. Below are some of the most effective legal defenses our attorneys use in 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:
    One of the strongest defenses available is proving you were somewhere else when the alleged crime occurred. Witness statements, receipts, phone records, or video footage can support an airtight alibi.
  • 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.
  • Your Rights Were Violated:
    If law enforcement in Lewis 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.
  • Weak or Circumstantial Evidence:
    If the prosecution lacks credible physical proof, relies on hearsay, or presents inconsistent testimony, your Lewis County, 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 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 certain cases in Lewis County, MO, a legitimate belief that the other person was of legal age may apply. If the facts support it, we’ll use this defense to show you did not knowingly break the law and fight for the most favorable outcome possible.

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

When you hire Combs Waterkotte to defend your Lewis County, MO sex crimes case, you get the best possible legal guidance and representation throughout your case. Don’t let this ruin your life. With an expert Lewis County, MO sex crimes defense attorney dedicated to your case, you have a chance.

As a respected Lewis 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 | Lewis County, MO Criminal Defense Lawyers

Other types of cases we take on in Lewis County, MO include:

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

Accused of a sex crime in Lewis 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 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 Lewis County. Let us help protect it.

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