Sex offense lawyers in Atchison County, MO. Facing allegations or charges related to a sex offense in Atchison County, MO or anywhere in Missouri can profoundly impact your life. The stigma and potential legal consequences, coupled with social and professional ramifications, make it crucial to have an experienced and tenacious sex offense lawyer on your side.
If you or someone you care about is dealing with these charges, reach out to Combs Waterkotte without delay at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our sex offense lawyers to discuss the specifics of your case and receive expert legal advice and guidance on your next steps.
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 …
Sex Offense Lawyers in Atchison County, MO: Comprehending Sex Offenses in the Atchison County, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, especially in Atchison County, MO and the surrounding areas. It is crucial to understand the legal landscape when facing these charges. Additionally, the enduring shadow of doubt or shame that gets cast over your life due to even being accused of a sexual offense is enough to want to get this quickly resolved.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Atchison County, MO possess a unique combination of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and over 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.

Sex Offense Lawyers in Atchison County, MO: Types of Sex Crimes
Missouri law defines sex offenses into various categories, each with unique definitions and corresponding penalties. The following are some of the most common sex offenses as outlined in the Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape entails non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often involving force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. As defined in RSMo. § 566.030, rape is a severe felony with potential prison sentences ranging from 5 years to life.
- Sodomy: The charge of sodomy involves oral or anal sexual conduct with another person without their consent. Statutory sodomy is having deviate sexual intercourse with another person who is less than 14 years of age.
- Sexual Abuse/Assault: Sexual abuse or assault covers a range of abusive sexual behaviors that may not meet the criteria for rape or sodomy, including touching or groping, but still involve exploitation or harm and are still considered criminal.
- Statutory Rape: Statutory rape involves sexual intercourse with a minor below the age of consent, even if the minor appears to consent. In Missouri, the age of consent is 17, and engaging in sexual acts with a child under 14 can result in charges of statutory rape in the first degree.
- Sexual Misconduct With a Minor: Charges of sexual misconduct with a minor involve engaging in sexual acts with a minor under 15, including exposing one’s genitals or coercing a minor to expose theirs. Other forms of sexual misconduct are also illegal, but sexual misconduct with a minor is considered the most severe under RSMo. § 566.083, often a class D or class E felony.
- Child Pornography: This crime entails producing, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit materials featuring minors. In Atchison County, MO, and Missouri at large, child pornography offenses are classified as class D or class B felony offenses under RSMo. § 573.037. Each instance of possession, creation, or distribution is treated as a separate offense.
- Sexual Exploitation: This offense involves using a minor or vulnerable person for sexual purposes, such as producing child pornography. Sexual exploitation charges vary based on the situation, but frequently include either trafficking for sexual exploitation or the sexual exploitation of a minor.
- Sexual Contact With a Student: This offense usually involves sexual interactions between educators, school employees, or volunteers, and students in the same school district. Sexual contact with a student is viewed severely in Atchison County, MO, due to the inherent power imbalance and risk of student exploitation.
These sex offenses can carry varying degrees of penalties depending on factors such as the age of the victim, the use and degree of force, the relationship between you and the victim, and any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense devastate your life. The Atchison County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the seriousness of these charges and will defend you against them. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Atchison County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Atchison County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Atchison County, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Atchison County, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Based on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of your offense, you could be looking at a prison term of years or even life.
- Fines: You may be required to pay substantial fines and court costs, as is the case with many criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction in the Atchison County, MO area means you will likely need to register as a sex offender for life, impacting your employment, housing, and personal relationships.
- Damage to Your Reputation and Lasting Restrictions: A conviction can seriously harm your reputation and affect relationships with coworkers, loved ones, family members, and neighbors. The enduring or permanent nature of these convictions in the Atchison County, MO area makes it difficult to restore your life even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Atchison County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side
No matter the severity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is ready to assist. Our skilled attorneys provide:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Atchison County, MO
Our attorneys focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay up-to-date on changes in Atchison County, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, making sure your defense is grounded in the most current legal standards in the state.
Comprehensive Case Analysis
A knowledgeable Atchison County, MO sex offense lawyer carefully scrutinizes all evidence against you, including witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and formulate a strong defense strategy.
Protecting Your Rights in Atchison County, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Atchison County, MO legal process is critical. Our seasoned sex offense lawyers will defend your rights at every stage – from interrogations and investigations to court proceedings if necessary. Reach out to our legal team now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Strategic Defense Planning
Each case is distinct and requires a personalized defense plan. Whether it’s challenging the credibility of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea deals, our sex offense lawyers will craft a robust strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout the Duration of Your Case in Atchison County, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers are genuinely concerned about their clients’ well-being and they take the time to understand your side of the story. This period of time can be incredibly stressful. Our compassionate Atchison County, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal counsel and support, but also emotional assistance to help you and your family manage.
When you’re accused of a sex offense in or around Atchison County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading sex offense lawyers in Atchison County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our seasoned sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Atchison County, MO residents:

Sex Offense Lawyers in Atchison County, MO: Potential Defense Strategies
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around Atchison County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense attorneys are prepared to assist. Understanding the possible defenses that could be employed in your case is crucial. Some common defenses our experienced sex offense lawyers might employ include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our lawyers will work to prove that you were not the person who committed this crime.
- Consent: We can demonstrate that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity with factual evidence, as well as by investigating the accuser’s background.
- Alibi: Our lawyers can establish that you were in a different location when the crime took place.
- False Allegations: We can show that the accuser may have other motivations for making the allegation, like financial gain, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Contact the Top Atchison County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
Facing sex offense charges in Atchison County, MO Atchison County, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and overwhelming situation. However, with the right legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can safeguard your rights and your future, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Atchison County, MO right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential case review.

