Sex crimes attorney in Phelps County, MO. If you are facing sex crime charges in or around Phelps County, 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.
At Combs Waterkotte, we know exactly what’s at stake. You need the help of an experienced Phelps County, MO sex crimes attorney 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.
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 …
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 Phelps 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.
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Sex Crime Offenses We Defend in Phelps County, MO
Sex crime charges in Phelps County, MO cover a wide range of alleged conduct, levels of severity, and penalties — from sexual assault and rape to child pornography and statutory offenses. Below are some of the most frequently prosecuted sex crimes under Missouri law:
- 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 Phelps 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 Phelps 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: Defined under RSMo. § 566.083, sexual misconduct with a minor refers to engaging in or inducing sexual acts with someone under 15 in Phelps County, MO, including exposure or coercion. These charges are often Class D or Class E felonies and carry both incarceration and lifelong stigma if convicted.
A Sex Crimes Conviction in Phelps County, MO Can Change Everything. Let Us Help You Fight Back.
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 Phelps 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 Phelps 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: Backed by decades of combined legal insight, our Phelps County, MO sex crimes attorneys are with you every step of the way. From pretrial preparation to courtroom defense, we offer honest advice, develop proven defense strategies, and work tirelessly to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom.
- In-Depth Case Review: We don’t rely on assumptions. Every case begins with a meticulous evaluation by a seasoned Combs Waterkotte defense attorney in Phelps County, 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.
- Relentless In-Court Representation in Phelps County, MO: When it’s time to face a judge and jury, our experienced Phelps 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 Phelps County: A conviction isn’t the end in Phelps 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.
Sex Crimes Attorney in Phelps County, MO: Common Defenses
Being accused of a sex crime in Phelps 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. - Fabricated Claims:
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 Phelps County, MO. - Your Rights Were Violated:
If the police in or around Phelps County, MO violated your constitutional rights, such as conducting an illegal search or coercing a confession in the Phelps County, MO area, your sex crimes attorney can move to suppress improperly obtained evidence or even have the charges thrown out entirely. - Insufficient Evidence:
If the prosecution lacks credible physical proof, relies on hearsay, or presents inconsistent testimony, your Phelps County, MO sex crimes attorney can highlight those gaps to show the state hasn’t met its burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. - 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 Phelps 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.
Phelps County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Phelps County and Missouri.
Your Best Defense Starts with a Phelps 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 Phelps 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 respected Phelps 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 Phelps County, MO are:
Your Freedom Is at Risk. Contact a Phelps County, MO Sex Crimes Lawyer Now.
Accused of a sex crime in Phelps 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 Phelps 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.
