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

What Happens When You Are Wrongfully Accused of a Sex Crime?
What happens when you are wrongfully accused of a sex crime? Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Right. And you'll see sometimes, and I've had cases, where you had two individuals …

Too Intoxicated to Give Consent?
Missouri criminal defense lawyers Steven Waterkotte and Chris Combs talk about alleged victims being too intoxicated to give consent. Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Most people …

Criminal Lawyer Talks About Representing Sex Criminals
Real Criminal Defense Lawyer talks about representing sex criminals. Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: I always say probably what the public views as the most vile or despicable …

Your Word Against Theirs in Court
Are just allegations enough to get charged with a crime? When it's your word against theirs in court. Episode Transcript Chris Combs: And allegations alone will do it. Steve hit on this …

What Happens When You Are Charged With a Child Sex Crime?
What happens when you are charged with a child sex crime? Episode Transcript Chris Combs: If you're a tier three sex offender, you can only have approved electronic devices. You have to …
Article Summary
Being charged with a sex crime in Miller 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.
Sex Crime Offenses We Defend in Miller County, MO
Sex crimes in Miller 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 adult engages in sexual activity with a person below the age of consent, which is 17 in Miller County and across Missouri. When the minor is under 14, the offense becomes statutory rape in the first degree, one of the most serious sex crime charges in the state, carrying long prison terms.
- 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 Miller County, MO Can Change Everything. Let Us Help You Fight Back.
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.
The facts of each case are unique, and every detail matters. Whether it’s challenging unreliable evidence or exposing procedural errors, your defense starts now. With a tough and tactical Miller County, MO sex crimes attorney on your side from the start, you improve your odds of avoiding the harshest outcomes. Here’s what we bring to your corner from day one:
- Trusted Legal Advocacy You Can Rely on in Miller County, MO: Our Miller County, MO sex crimes attorneys have over 60 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.
- Thorough Case Investigations: Thoroughly assessing the details of your case is one of the first steps of a Combs Waterkotte sex crimes attorney in Miller 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.
- Confident Courtroom Defense in Miller County, MO: Our Miller 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: 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.

Sex Crimes Attorney in Miller County, MO: Common Defenses
Being accused of a sex crime in Miller 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:
In many sex crime cases in Miller 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:
A credible alibi can shut the case down. If you were not at the scene, we use physical evidence — time-stamped photos, location data, or surveillance — to back your alibi claim and establish reasonable doubt. - False Allegations:
Sometimes people lie — out of anger, spite, or to gain leverage in custody or divorce battles. We expose inconsistencies, motives, and lack of evidence to reveal false allegations and protect your name and freedom in Miller County, MO. - Unlawful Police Conduct or Rights Violations:
If law enforcement in Miller 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:
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 Miller County, MO sex crimes lawyer will push hard for dismissal or acquittal. - 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 Miller County, MO statutory sex crime cases, we may argue that you had a reasonable and good-faith belief that the other individual was of legal age. This defense depends on the specific facts, but it can be effective in minimizing charges or penalties.
Miller County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Miller County and Missouri.
Your Best Defense Starts with a Miller County, MO Sex Crimes Attorney Who Fights for You
At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t just represent you, we fight for your future. If you’re facing sex crime charges in Miller County, 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 leading Miller County, MO criminal defense law firm, we understand the serious nature of sex crimes and the devastating consequences they can have on individuals and their families. Our experienced sex crimes attorneys have successfully defended numerous clients against a variety of sex crimes and other criminal charges, and we are committed to providing our clients with the best.

Other types of cases we take on in Miller County, MO include:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Your Freedom Is at Risk. Contact a Miller County, MO Sex Crimes Lawyer Now.
Accused of a sex crime in Miller 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 Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online immediately. Our Miller 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.


