Sex crimes attorney in Madison County, MO. Accused of a sex crime in or around Madison County, MO? You don’t have to face it alone. Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated sex crimes attorneys are here to protect your name, your freedom, and your future. We’re ready to discuss your case during a free consultation, and build a strong defense tailored to you. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
At Combs Waterkotte, we know precisely what’s at stake. You need the help of an experienced Madison County, 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.
Article Summary
Being accused of a sex crime in Madison County, 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 Madison County, MO
Sex crimes in Madison 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: When someone is accused of sexual assault in Madison County, 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 Madison 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: 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.
Consequences of a Madison County, MO Sex Crimes Conviction Are Too Severe to Face Alone
The consequences of being convicted of a sex crime in Missouri extend far beyond a courtroom sentence. You may face registration as a sex offender, severe limitations on housing and employment, and irreparable harm to your reputation and relationships. It’s a burden that follows you for life — unless you fight it with everything you’ve got in Madison County, MO.
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 Madison 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:
- Expert Legal Representation in Madison County, MO: With over 60 years of combined legal experience, our Madison 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.
- 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.
- Courtroom Advocacy in Madison County, MO: When it’s time to face a judge and jury, our experienced Madison 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.
- Ongoing Legal Help After Trial in Madison County: 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.

Madison County, MO Sex Crimes Attorney: Common Legal Defenses
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 Madison County, 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 Madison County, 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. - Your Rights Were Violated:
If the police in or around Madison County, MO violated your constitutional rights, such as conducting an illegal search or coercing a confession in the Madison County, 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:
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 Madison County, MO sex crimes lawyer will push hard for dismissal or acquittal. - Mental Health or Cognitive Challenges:
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 Madison 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.
Madison County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Madison County and Missouri.
Why Hiring a Madison County, MO Sex Crimes Attorney Is Critical — And How We Help
When you hire Combs Waterkotte to defend your Madison 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 Madison County, MO sex crimes defense attorney dedicated to your case, you have a chance.
Our Madison County, MO criminal defense lawyers have defended countless clients against high-stakes charges with real results. We know how to dissect the evidence, expose weak points in the prosecution’s story, and provide the aggressive, strategic defense your case demands. When your future hangs in the balance, turn to a team with the skill and track record to fight back — and win.

Other cases we take on in Madison County, MO include:
You Deserve a Strong Defense. Speak With a Madison County, 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 Madison County, 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 Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online immediately. Our Madison County, MO sex crimes attorneys will take swift, strategic action to defend your rights, protect your future, and fight aggressively for the best possible result. Don’t delay — your defense starts the moment you make the call.
