Sex Crimes Attorney Ste. Genevieve County, MO

Sex crimes attorney in Ste. Genevieve County, MO. Accused of a sex crime in or around Ste. Genevieve 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.

At Combs Waterkotte, we know precisely what’s at stake. You need the help of an experienced sex crimes attorney in Ste. Genevieve County, MO 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.

Article Summary

Being charged with a sex crime in Ste. Genevieve 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.

Common Sex Crime Charges in Ste. Genevieve County, MO

Sex crimes in Ste. Genevieve County, 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 involves any unwanted sexual contact, including touching or groping. It is also a serious felony offense that can result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years.
• Statutory Rape: Statutory rape occurs when an adult engages in sexual activity with a person below the age of consent, which is 17 in Ste. Genevieve 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.

Consequences of a Ste. Genevieve County, 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 Ste. Genevieve County, 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:

• Trusted Legal Advocacy You Can Rely on in Ste. Genevieve County, MO: Our Ste. Genevieve County, MO sex crimes attorneys have over 60 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.
• In-Depth Case Review: Thoroughly assessing the details of your case is one of the first steps of a Combs Waterkotte sex crimes attorney in Ste. Genevieve 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.
• Courtroom Advocacy in Ste. Genevieve County, MO: When it’s time to face a judge and jury, our experienced Ste. Genevieve 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 Ste. Genevieve County: 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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO: Common Defenses

A sex crime accusation can flip your world upside down. But you are not powerless. The right legal strategy, built on the facts and guided by an experienced Ste. Genevieve County, MO sex crimes attorney, can lead to reduced charges or even full acquittal. Here are some of the most proven defenses our legal team may use in your case:

• 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:
  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:
  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 Ste. Genevieve 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.
• Insufficient Evidence:
  If the prosecution’s case lacks solid evidence, or relies heavily on unreliable witness statements or questionable forensic results, your Ste. Genevieve County, MO sex crimes attorney can argue that the state has not met its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
• 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 certain cases in Ste. Genevieve County, MO, a legitimate belief that the other person was of legal age may apply. If the facts support it, we’ll use this defense to show you did not knowingly break the law and fight for the most favorable outcome possible.

Your Best Defense Starts with a Ste. Genevieve 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 Ste. Genevieve 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 leading Ste. Genevieve County, 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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO are:

Your Freedom Is at Risk. Contact a Ste. Genevieve County, MO Sex Crimes Lawyer Now.

If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in or around Ste. Genevieve 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 a skilled Ste. Genevieve County, 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.