Sex crimes attorney in Perry County, MO. Accused of a sex crime in or around Perry County, MO? You don’t have to face it alone. Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated sex crimes attorneys are here to protect your name, your freedom, and your future. We’re ready to discuss your case during a free consultation, and build a strong defense tailored to you. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
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 Perry County, MO to protect your rights and fight for your freedom.
Article Summary
Facing a sex crime accusation in Perry 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.

Sex Crime Offenses We Defend in Perry County, MO
Allegations of sex crimes in Perry County, MO can vary greatly, from lesser misdemeanors to severe felonies that carry life-changing penalties. At Combs Waterkotte, we have experience defending clients against a wide range of charges, including:
- 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 Perry 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 adult engages in sexual activity with a person below the age of consent, which is 17 in Perry 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: 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.
A Sex Crimes Conviction in Perry County, MO Can Change Everything. Let Us Help You Fight Back.
A conviction for a sex crime in Missouri brings life-changing consequences. You could face years behind bars, mandatory sex offender registration, and long-term damage to your career, family, and reputation. Where you live, where you work, and how people see you — it can all change with a single guilty verdict in the Perry County, MO area.
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 Perry 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:
- Skilled Defense From Start to Finish: Our Perry County, MO sex crimes attorneys have over 50 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.
- Case Evaluation: Thoroughly assessing the details of your case is one of the first steps of a Combs Waterkotte sex crimes attorney in Perry 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 Perry County, MO: When it’s time to face a judge and jury, our experienced Perry 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 Perry County: Even after a conviction, a dedicated Perry County, MO sex crimes attorney doesn’t stop fighting. We can file appeals, pursue post-conviction motions, or explore other legal avenues to challenge wrongful convictions or lessen the impact of a guilty verdict.
Sex Crimes Attorney in Perry County, MO: Common Defenses
Being accused of a sex crime in Perry 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 cases, the issue isn’t whether something happened — it’s whether it was consensual. If both individuals voluntarily agreed and were legally allowed to give consent, this defense can dismantle the prosecution’s argument. Texts, messages, prior communications, or witnesses can all help show mutual agreement. - Alibi:
If you weren’t there, you couldn’t have committed the crime. An alibi defense uses concrete evidence like phone data, receipts, or security footage to prove you were elsewhere at the time of the alleged offense. - 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 law enforcement in Perry 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 Perry County, MO sex crimes lawyer will push hard for dismissal or acquittal. - You Lacked Criminal Intent:
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. - Reasonable Belief of Legal Age:
In Perry 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.
Perry County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Perry County and Missouri.
Why Hiring a Perry County, MO Sex Crimes Attorney Is Critical — And How We Help
When you hire Combs Waterkotte to defend your Perry County, MO sex crimes case, you get the best possible legal guidance and representation throughout your case. Don’t let this ruin your life. With an expert Perry County, MO sex crimes defense attorney dedicated to your case, you have a chance.
As a respected Perry County, MO criminal defense firm, we know what’s at stake. From the moment you contact us, we go to work building a powerful defense strategy, challenging the prosecution’s case, and helping you navigate every phase of the legal process. Our track record includes successfully defending clients against serious charges, and we’re ready to do the same for you.
Other types of cases we take on in Perry County, MO include:
You Deserve a Strong Defense. Speak With a Perry County, MO Sex Crimes Attorney Today.
If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in or around Perry County, MO, or if you think you might be under investigation, don’t wait. You have no time to waste. Talking to police without a lawyer can make your situation far worse. Every conversation and decision matters from the very first moment.
Call the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll listen without judgment, explain your options clearly, and take immediate steps to defend your rights. You have a future in Perry County. Let us help protect it.