McDonald County, MO

Sex Crimes Attorney in McDonald County, MO

If you are facing accusations related to sex crimes in McDonald County, Missouri, Combs Waterkotte is here for you and ready to discuss how our team of sex crimes lawyers in McDonald County, MO can help you. Get in touch with our professional team for a free case review by filling out our form or via (314) 900-HELP.

The stakes are high, but you still have protections under the law. You need the support of a skilled and seasoned sex crimes attorney in St. Louis to protect your rights and represent your case. Sex crimes carry significant ramifications, which can include jail or prison time, exorbitant fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. On this page, our skilled sex crimes defense attorneys discuss 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 defend you when you face a sex crime.

Sex Crime Charges in Missouri

Sex crimes in Missouri span a wide range in terms of nature, severity, and potential sentences, including everything from sexual assault and rape to child pornography and sexual misconduct involving a minor. Some of the McDonald County, Missouri sex crime cases we take on include:

• Rape: Rape is defined as non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration. It is a grave felony offense that carries a prison sentence of anywhere from five years in prison to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute 566.030.
• Sexual assault: Sexual assault describes any unwanted sexual contact, including groping. It is also a serious felony offense that can result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years.
• Statutory rape: In Missouri, it is considered statutory rape when an individual engages in sexual activity 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 an adult who engages in sexual activity with a child under the age of 14 can result in charges of statutory rape in the first degree.
• Child pornography: Child pornography is the production, distribution, or possession of pornographic material involving children under the age of 18. It is a severe felony offense, up to a class B felony, that can result in a penal sentence of up to 30 years, and pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute 573.037, you could be subject to individual sentences for each individual piece of child pornography you are accused of possessing.
• Sexual misconduct with a minor: Sexual misconduct with a minor is defined in Missouri law as sexual contact with a minor who is less than 15 years of age, 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 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 McDonald County, Missouri

If you are convicted of a sex crime in Missouri, you are faced with harsh consequences that can impact your life for years to come. Each case is different and is influenced by the evidence presented, the nature of what happened, your previous criminal history, the judge presiding over your case, and competence 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 settle considerable 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 remainder 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 tarnish your reputation and affect 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 losing the right to vote and own a firearm to being excluded from jobs, leases, and other opportunities due to background checks, makes it extremely difficult to rebuild your life, even after you’ve served your sentence.

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

When you hire Combs Waterkotte to protect you in your Missouri sex offense case in McDonald County, MO, you get crucial and thoughtfully considered legal guidance and representation throughout your case. An experienced criminal defense attorney in St. Louis can help you by working hard to defend and protect, including:

1. Investigating the charges: Your attorney will investigate the charges against you, interview witnesses, and compile evidence to build a solid defense.
2. Legal advice: We will offer you legal advice regarding your case, answer your questions and assist you comprehend what to expect before every step throughout the process.
3. Negotiating: In some cases, as your defense attorney we can engage in negotiations with the prosecutor to drop the charges, lower 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 intimidating and it can be challenging to know what to do. A sex crimes attorney in St. Louis will represent you in court and argue your defense to a judge and jury.
5. Plea bargains: If you decide not to go to trial or obtaining the case dismissed is not an option, we can negotiate a plea bargain to land you a lesser sentence than you would otherwise face.

Do not let this wreck your life. With a sexual offenses defense attorney dedicated to your case, you have a chance. As a leading legal defense firm in McDonald County, Missouri, Combs Waterkotte recognizes the serious nature of sex crime charges and the devastating consequences they can have on individuals and their families. Our experienced sex crimes attorneys have effectively defended numerous clients against a variety of sex crime and other criminal charges, and we are devoted to providing our clients with the best possible legal representation.

Other cases we take on in McDonald County, MO include:

• Homicide Lawyer
• Assault Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer
• Sex Offense Lawyers
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
• Criminal Lawyer

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

Being charged with a sex crime is an undeniably life-altering experience, with the potential for harsh 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 support you navigate this difficult time.

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