Marion County, MO

Sex Crimes Attorney in Marion County, MO

If you are facing charges related to sex crimes in Marion County, Missouri, Combs Waterkotte is here for you and ready to talk about how our team of sex crimes lawyers in Marion County, MO can support you. Get in touch with our knowledgeable team for a complimentary case review by filling out our form or by calling (314) 900-HELP.

The consequences are serious, but you still have protections under the law. You need the support of a knowledgeable and seasoned sex crimes attorney in St. Louis to protect your rights and defend your case. Sex crimes carry serious ramifications, including a prison sentence, exorbitant fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. On this page, our experienced sex crimes criminal defense lawyers explore the different categories of sex crime charges in Missouri, the potential consequences of a conviction, and how a capable defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte can advocate you when you are accused of a sex crime.

Sex Crime Charges in Missouri

Sex crimes in Missouri encompass a broad spectrum in terms of nature, severity, and potential punishments, including everything from sexual assault and rape to child pornography and sexual misconduct involving a minor. Some of the Marion County, Missouri sex crime cases we take on include:

• Rape: Rape is described as non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration. It is a grave felony offense that carries a prison sentence of anywhere from a five-year jail stint to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute 566.030.
• Sexual assault: Sexual assault involves any non-consensual physical contact, including groping. It is also a grave felony offense that can result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years.
• Statutory rape: In Missouri, it is considered statutory rape when someone has a sexual encounter with a minor. Children under the age of consent are treated as too young to be capable of giving informed consent. The age of consent 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 is the creation, distribution, or possession of pornographic material depicting children under the age of 18. It is a severe felony offense, up to a class B felony, that can result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years, and pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute 573.037, you could be subject to individual penalties for each individual piece of child pornography you are accused of possessing.
• Sexual misconduct with a minor: Sexual misconduct with a minor in Missouri 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 prohibited in Missouri, but sexual misconduct with a minor is the most egregious offense under Missouri Revised Statute 566.083, often a class D or E felony, and can result in a penal sentence and other consequences.

Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in Marion County, Missouri

If you are found guilty of a sex crime in Missouri, you are subject to serious consequences that can affect your life for many years. Each case has its own details, including the evidence presented, the nature of what took place, your previous criminal history, the judge presiding over your case, and skill of your defense lawyer and other factors. Though the consequences of any criminal record are many, some of the primary consequences of a sex crime conviction in St. Louis or Missouri include:

1. Prison time: Depending on the severity of the offense and Missouri law sentencing guidelines, you could receive years or even life in prison.
2. Fines: As is the case in many criminal felony and misdemeanor charges, you may have to cover substantial fines and court costs.
3. Mandatory registration as a sex offender: If you are convicted of a sex crime in Missouri, you will be obligated to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. This can greatly limit your employment opportunities, housing options, and personal relationships.
4. Damage to your reputation: A sex crime conviction will ostensibly harm your reputation and impact some of the relationships in your life, from romantic relationships to friends, colleagues, family members, and neighbors.
5. Lasting restrictions in your life: The permanent nature of Missouri’s sex offender registry along with the many consequences of a felony conviction, from forfeiting the right to vote and own a firearm to being excluded from jobs, leases, and other opportunities due to background checks, makes it extraordinarily difficult to rebuild your life, even after you’ve served your sentence.

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

When you hire Combs Waterkotte to represent you in your Missouri sex offense case in Marion County, MO, you receive essential and meticulously evaluated legal guidance and representation throughout your case. An experienced criminal defense attorney in St. Louis can help you by putting in extensive effort to defend and protect, including:

1. Investigating the charges: Your attorney will look into the charges against you, interview witnesses, and gather evidence to build a strong defense.
2. Legal advice: We will give you legal advice regarding your case, address your questions and assist you grasp what to expect before every step throughout the process.
3. Negotiating: In some cases, as your defense attorney we can discuss terms with the prosecutor to drop the charges, minimize the charges to lesser crimes, or come to a pre-plea agreement to sidestep the downfalls of a conviction.
4. Court representation: We’ll be by your side at every court appearance. Standing in front of a judge can be daunting and it can be difficult to know what to do. A sex crimes attorney in St. Louis will represent you in court and make your defense to a judge and jury.
5. Plea bargains: If you chose not to go to trial or obtaining the case dismissed is not an option, we can arrange a plea bargain to obtain you a lesser sentence than you would otherwise face.

This situation does not have to destroy your life. With a sex crimes defense attorney dedicated to your case, you have a chance. As a leading legal defense firm in Marion County, Missouri, Combs Waterkotte comprehends the weighty nature of sex crime charges and the devastating consequences they can have on individuals and their families. Our knowledgeable sex crimes attorneys have successfully defended numerous clients against a variety of sex crime and other criminal charges, and we are devoted to offering our clients with the best possible legal representation.

St. Louis Sex Crimes Attorney: Protecting Your Rights and Future

Being charged with a sex crime is an unquestionably life-altering experience, with the potential for severe legal penalties and an unquantifiable social cost. At Combs Waterkotte, we acknowledge the emotional and financial burden of dealing with a sex crime charge, and we are here to assist you manage this difficult time.

Our team of knowledgeable St. Louis sex crimes attorneys is dedicated to protecting your rights and championing for your future. We have the know-how, background, and resources needed to provide you with the best possible legal representation, and we are determined to helping you obtain the best possible outcome in your case. You have no time to waste. Call (314) 900-HELP now.