Sex crimes attorney in Springfield, MO. Accused of a sex crime in or around Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO to protect your rights and fight for your freedom.
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 Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO
Sex crimes in Springfield, 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: Defined under Missouri Law as nonconsensual sexual intercourse or penetration, rape is a felony offense with potential sentences from 5 years in prison up to life without parole as outlined in Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030.
- Sexual Assault: Sexual assault in Springfield, MO refers to any unwanted sexual contact, including groping or inappropriate touching. In Missouri, it’s a felony offense that may lead to up to 30 years in prison depending on the severity of the case and any prior offenses.
- 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 Springfield 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 Springfield, 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.
A Sex Crimes Conviction in Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO.
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 Springfield, 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:
- Expert Legal Representation in Springfield, MO: Backed by decades of combined legal insight, our Springfield, 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.
- Thorough Case Investigations: Thoroughly assessing the details of your case is one of the first steps of a Combs Waterkotte sex crimes attorney in Springfield, 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.
- Courtroom Advocacy in Springfield, MO: When it’s time to face a judge and jury, our experienced Springfield, 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 Springfield: The legal fight doesn’t stop after a verdict. If you’ve been convicted, our team continues working to seek justice through appeals, sentence mitigation, or post-conviction relief. We’re committed to doing everything possible to challenge unjust outcomes and restore your future.
Sex Crimes Attorney in Springfield, MO: Common Defenses
Being accused of a sex crime in Springfield, 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 sex crime cases in Springfield, 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:
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. - Your Rights Were Violated:
If the police in or around Springfield, MO violated your constitutional rights, such as conducting an illegal search or coercing a confession in the Springfield, MO area, your sex crimes attorney can move to suppress improperly obtained evidence or even have the charges thrown out entirely. - 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 Springfield, MO sex crimes lawyer will push hard for dismissal or acquittal. - Mental Health or Cognitive Challenges:
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 cases involving statutory rape or similar charges, your Springfield, 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.
Greene County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Greene County and Missouri.
Why Hiring a Springfield, MO Sex Crimes Attorney Is Critical — And How We Help
At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t just represent you, we fight for your future. If you’re facing sex crime charges in Springfield, 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 leading Springfield, MO criminal defense law firm, we understand the serious nature of sex crimes and the devastating consequences they can have on individuals and their families. Our experienced sex crimes attorneys have successfully defended numerous clients against a variety of sex crimes and other criminal charges, and we are committed to providing our clients with the best.
Other types of cases we handle in Springfield, MO include:
You Deserve a Strong Defense. Speak With a Springfield, 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 Springfield, 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 a skilled Springfield, MO sex crimes attorney at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free consultation to protect your rights and get clear, honest answers about your options. We are ready to stand by you, fight for you, and work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome.
