Sex Crimes Attorney Pevely, MO

Sex crimes attorney in Pevely, MO. If you are facing sex crime charges in or around Pevely, MO, Combs Waterkotte is here for you and ready to talk about how our skilled sex crimes attorneys can help. Get in touch with our team for a free review of your case online through our form or call (314) 900-HELP.

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 Pevely, MO to protect your rights and fight for your freedom.

Article Summary

Being charged with a sex crime in Pevely, 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 Pevely, MO

Allegations of sex crimes in Pevely, 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 Pevely, 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 Pevely 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 in Pevely, MO 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 RSMo. § 566.083, often a Class D or Class E felony, and can result in a prison sentence and other consequences.

Consequences of a Pevely, MO Sex Crimes Conviction Are Too Severe to Face Alone

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 Pevely, 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:

• Skilled Defense From Start to Finish: Our Pevely, 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.
• Thorough Case Investigations: We don’t rely on assumptions. Every case begins with a meticulous evaluation by a seasoned Combs Waterkotte defense attorney in Pevely, MO. We dig into police reports, scrutinize evidence, identify legal errors, and speak with potential witnesses — all to build a personalized defense strategy that fits your exact situation.
• Courtroom Advocacy in Pevely, MO: Our Pevely, 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-Conviction Support in Pevely: A conviction isn’t the end in Pevely, 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.

Pevely, MO Sex Crimes Attorney: Common Legal Defenses

Defending against a sex crime accusation in the Pevely, MO area is complex and deeply personal. The best defense strategy depends entirely on the facts of the case and the laws of the jurisdiction. Every situation is different. Below are some of the most frequently used legal defenses by our legal team in Pevely, MO sex crime cases:

• Consent:
  In many sex crime cases in Pevely, 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:
  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.
• Fabricated Claims:
  In rare but serious situations, accusations may be fabricated out of revenge, jealousy, custody disputes, or other personal motives. We can present evidence of bias, inconsistencies, or ulterior motives to undermine the credibility of the allegations.
• Rights Violations or Procedural Errors:
  If law enforcement in Pevely, 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.
• Insufficient 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 Pevely, MO sex crimes lawyer will push hard for dismissal or acquittal.
• You Lacked Criminal Intent:
  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 cases involving statutory rape or similar charges, your Pevely, MO sex crimes attorney might argue you reasonably believed the other party was of legal age, depending on the facts and how the law applies.

Why Hiring a Pevely, MO Sex Crimes Attorney Is Critical — And How We Help

When you hire Combs Waterkotte to defend your Pevely, 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 Pevely, MO sex crimes defense attorney dedicated to your case, you have a chance.

As a respected Pevely, 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 Pevely, MO include:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys

You Deserve a Strong Defense. Speak With a Pevely, MO Sex Crimes Attorney Today.

If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in or around Pevely, 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 Pevely. Let us help protect it.