Missouri River, MO

Sex Crimes Attorney in Missouri River, MO

If you are facing charges related to sex crimes in Missouri River, Missouri, Combs Waterkotte is here for you and ready to discuss how our group of sex crimes attorneys in Missouri River, MO can support you. Get in touch with our professional team for a complimentary case review online through our form or via (314) 900-HELP.

The consequences are serious, but you still have legal rights. You need the aid of a knowledgeable and seasoned sex crimes attorney in St. Louis to defend your rights and defend your case. Sex crimes carry serious ramifications, including imprisonment, substantial fines, and mandatory enrollment as a sex offender. On this page, our seasoned sex crimes defense attorneys explore the different categories of sex crime charges in Missouri, the potential penalties of a conviction, and how a competent defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte can protect you when you are accused of a sex crime.

Kinds of Sex Crime Charges in Missouri

Sex crimes in Missouri encompass a broad spectrum in terms of substance, gravity, and potential punishments, ranging from sexual assault and rape to child pornography and sexual misconduct involving a minor. Some of the Missouri River, 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 penal sentence of anywhere from five years to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute 566.030.
• Sexual assault: Sexual assault describes any non-consensual physical contact, including touching. 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 seen as incapable of giving informed consent because of their young age. 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 involves the production, distribution, or possession of obscene images or videos depicting children under the age of 18. It is a serious D or B felony offense 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 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 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 Missouri River, Missouri

If you are found guilty of a sex crime in Missouri, you are subject to harsh consequences that can affect your life for years to come. Each case is different and is influenced by the evidence presented, the nature of what took place, 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: Based on the seriousness of the offense and Missouri law sentencing guidelines, you could be subject to years or even life in prison.
2. Fines: As is the case in many criminal felony and misdemeanor charges, you may have to cover considerable fines and court costs.
3. Mandatory registration as a sex offender: If you are found guilty of a sex crime in Missouri, you will be compelled 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 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 Missouri River, MO Can Help You

When you hire Chris Combs to protect you in your Missouri sex offense case in Missouri River, MO, you enjoy vital and meticulously evaluated legal guidance and representation throughout your case. An experienced defense attorney in St. Louis can help you by working hard to defend and ensure your rights, including:

1. Investigating the charges: Your attorney will investigate the charges against you, question 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 help you understand what to expect before every step throughout the process.
3. Negotiating: In some cases, as your defense attorney we can negotiate with the prosecutor to drop the charges, reduce the charges to lesser crimes, or come to a pre-plea agreement to avoid 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 difficult to know what to do. A sex crimes attorney in St. Louis will represent you in court and present your defense to a judge and jury.
5. Plea bargains: If you chose not to go to trial or achieving the case dismissed is not an option, we can negotiate 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 sexual offenses defense attorney dedicated to your case, you have a chance. As a leading law firm in Missouri River, Missouri, Combs Waterkotte recognizes the grave 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 countless clients against a variety of sex crime and other criminal charges, and we are dedicated to offering our clients with the best possible legal representation.

Other cases we take on in Missouri River, 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 inevitably life-altering experience, with the potential for harsh legal penalties and an unquantifiable social cost. At Combs Waterkotte, we realize 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 seasoned 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 helping you attain the best possible outcome in your case. You have no time to waste. Call (314) 900-HELP now.