Image

Sex Crimes Attorney University City, MO

Verified Content

Last Updated: February 29, 2024

Sex crimes attorney in University City, MO. Facing sex crime charges in the University City, MO area? Combs Waterkotte is ready to stand by your side with proven, aggressive defense strategies. If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in University City, MO, don’t wait—reach out to our skilled sex crimes attorneys today. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential case evaluation.

At Combs Waterkotte, we know exactly what’s at stake. You need the help of an experienced University City, 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.

  • Protect Your Life

    Image

    Protect Your Life

    A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.

    Reach Out Now

  • Know Your Next Steps

    Image

    Know Your Next Steps

    Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.

    Stay Informed

  • Title

    Image

    Ready to Talk to an Expert?

    Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.

    Get Started


Article Summary

Being charged with a sex crime in University City, 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 Defense Attorneys - Combs Waterkotte Sex Crime Defense Lawyers

Types of Sex Crime Charges in University City, MO

Sex crime charges in University City, 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: 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 University City, 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 University City 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: Child pornography charges apply to possessing, distributing, or creating explicit material involving minors under 18. Under RSMo. § 573.037, each file or image can be charged separately, potentially resulting in multiple sentences — often as Class D or Class B felonies.
  • Sexual Misconduct with a Minor: Sexual misconduct with a minor in University City, 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.

The Stakes are Too High — Don’t Face Sex Crime Charges Alone in University City, MO

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 University City, 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 University City, 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:

  • Trusted Legal Advocacy You Can Rely on in University City, MO: Backed by decades of combined legal insight, our University City, 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 University City, 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.
  • Relentless In-Court Representation in University City, MO: When it’s time to face a judge and jury, our experienced University City, 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.
  • Post-Trial: 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.

Experienced Sex Crimes Defense Attorney in University City, MO | Combs Waterkotte

University City, MO Sex Crimes Attorney: Common Legal Defenses

Defending against a sex crime accusation in the University City, 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 University City, MO 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:
    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.
  • Your Rights Were Violated:
    If the police in or around University City, MO violated your constitutional rights, such as conducting an illegal search or coercing a confession in the University City, 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 University City, MO sex crimes lawyer will push hard for dismissal or acquittal.
  • Mental Incapacity or Diminished Responsibility:
    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 University City, 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.

Your Best Defense Starts with a University City, MO Sex Crimes Attorney Who Fights for You

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

As a respected University City, 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.

Best Sex Crimes Defense Attorney | University City, MO Criminal Defense Lawyers

Other cases we handle in University City, MO are:

Your Freedom Is at Risk. Contact a University City, MO Sex Crimes Lawyer Now.

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 University City, 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 University City, 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.

View Service Areas
Open Video
Image

Featured Results:

Client Review, DUI Case

Play video
Image

Get In Touch:

St. Louis

Main Office

(314) 900-HELP

Get Directions

Clayton

By Appointment Only

(314) 900-HELP

Get Directions

Kansas City

By Appointment Only

(913) 77-CRIME

Get Directions