Sex crimes attorney in Mississippi County, MO. Facing sex crime charges in the Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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.
At Combs Waterkotte, we know exactly what’s at stake. You need the help of an experienced sex crimes attorney in Mississippi County, MO 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
Facing a sex crime accusation in Mississippi County, MO can turn your entire life upside down, and the impact can last long after the case ends. Here, you’ll learn how a skilled sex crimes attorney can safeguard your rights, dismantle the prosecution’s arguments, and work to prevent severe outcomes like prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration. Discover the charges we handle, why it’s vital to get legal help immediately, and how our confidential, relentless defense strategies help protect your freedom and your future when everything is on the line.

Common Sex Crime Charges in Mississippi County, MO
Sex crimes in Mississippi 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: Rape involves nonconsensual sexual intercourse or penetration and is treated as a serious felony in Missouri, with possible prison sentences ranging from 5 years up to life without parole under Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030.
- Sexual Assault: When someone is accused of sexual assault in Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 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.
The Stakes are Too High — Don’t Face Sex Crime Charges Alone in Mississippi County, MO
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 Mississippi County, MO.
Each case is different and depends on the evidence presented, the nature of what took place, your previous criminal history, the judge presiding over your case, and other factors. The sooner you have a tough, knowledgeable Mississippi County, MO sex crimes attorney by your side, the better your chances of avoiding the worst penalties. From day one, we fight to get your charges reduced or dismissed. We also provide:
- Expert Legal Representation in Mississippi County, MO: With over 50 years of combined legal experience, our Mississippi 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.
- In-Depth Case Review: 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.
- Relentless In-Court Representation in Mississippi County, MO: When it’s time to face a judge and jury, our experienced Mississippi 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 Mississippi County: A conviction isn’t the end in Mississippi County, MO. Our work continues with appeals, motions for post-conviction relief, and efforts to reduce or reverse wrongful outcomes. Your fight for justice deserves tireless advocacy, and we never stop pushing for the best result possible.
Fighting Back: Common Legal Defenses to Sex Crime Charges in Mississippi County, MO
Being accused of a sex crime in Mississippi 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. - False Allegations:
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. - Rights Violations or Procedural Errors:
If police in Mississippi County, MO cut corners — like executing an illegal search or forcing a confession — we’ll file motions to suppress tainted evidence and challenge the legality of your arrest. That could mean your case gets thrown out before trial even begins. - Insufficient Evidence:
If the prosecution’s case lacks solid evidence, or relies heavily on unreliable witness statements or questionable forensic results, your Mississippi County, MO sex crimes attorney can argue that the state has not met its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. - Mental Incapacity or Diminished Responsibility:
When mental illness or cognitive limitations played a role at the time of the alleged offense, we may pursue a defense of diminished responsibility, showing you lacked the intent necessary for conviction and arguing for reduced or alternative sentencing. - Mistaken Belief About Age:
In Mississippi 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.
Mississippi County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Mississippi County and Missouri.
Your Best Defense Starts with a Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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.
Our Mississippi 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 handle in Mississippi County, MO include:
You Deserve a Strong Defense. Speak With a Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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.