Sex offense lawyers in Barry County, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in Barry County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri for that matter can be a life-altering experience. The stigma, potential legal repercussions, and social and professional consequences make it imperative to have a skilled and dedicated sex offense lawyer.
If you or a loved one is facing these serious charges, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our sex offense lawyers to discuss the specific circumstances of your case and obtain expert legal advice and guidance on the best course of action.
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 …
Sex Offense Lawyers in Barry County, MO: Understanding Sex Offenses in the Barry County, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in and around Barry County, MO. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing such charges. Additionally, the long-lasting shadow of doubt or shame cast by an accusation of a sexual offense is enough to want to a quick resolution.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Barry County, MO have an ideal blend of practical experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and over 275 reviews speak for themselves.
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Sex Offense Lawyers in Barry County, MO: Kinds of Sex Crimes
Missouri law defines sex offenses into various categories, each with unique definitions and corresponding penalties. Here are some of the most common sex offenses under the Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape involves non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often accompanied by force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. As defined in RSMo. § 566.030, rape is a serious felony offense with prison sentences ranging from 5 years to life.
- Sodomy: Sodomy includes oral or anal sexual conduct with another person without their consent. Statutory sodomy pertains to deviate sexual intercourse with an individual under 14 years old.
- 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 is defined as engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor below the legal age of consent. The age of consent is 17 in Missouri, and engaging in sexual activity with a minor under 14 can result in charges of statutory rape in the first degree.
- Sexual Misconduct With a Minor: A charge of sexual misconduct with a minor involves inappropriate sexual contact with a minor under 15 years old. This includes actions like exposing one’s genitals or coercing the minor to expose their genitals or breasts. Other forms of sexual misconduct are also illegal in and around Barry County, MO, but sexual misconduct with a minor is the most serious offense 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 Barry 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: Sexual exploitation involves using minors or vulnerable individuals for sexual purposes, like creating explicit content. Charges can range based on specifics, frequently involving trafficking or exploiting minors.
- Sexual Contact With a Student: This typically refers to sexual contact or behavior between an educator (teacher, school employee, or volunteer) and a student enrolled in the same school district. Sexual contact with a student is taken very seriously in the Barry County, MO area due to the inherent power imbalance and potential for exploitation of the student by the adult in a position of authority.
These sex offenses can result in different levels of penalties depending on factors such as the age of the victim, the use and severity of force, the relationship between the parties involved, and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The Barry County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the gravity of these charges and are ready to defend you. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Barry County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Barry County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Barry County, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Barry County, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Based on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of your offense, you could be facing a prison sentence ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
- 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 Barry 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 sex offense conviction in Barry County, MO can damage your reputation and harm the relationships in your life – whether it’s colleagues, romantic relationships, family members, or neighbors. The long-lasting or even permanent nature of sex offense convictions throughout the Barry County, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Barry County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side
Regardless of the gravity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is ready to assist. Our knowledgeable lawyers offer:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Barry County, MO
Our lawyers focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay informed about updates in Barry County, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, making sure your defense is based on the most current legal standards in the state.
Thorough Case Analysis
An experienced Barry County, MO sex offense attorney meticulously scrutinizes all evidence against you, such as any witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to uncover flaws in the prosecution’s case and develop a robust defense strategy.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Barry County, MO
Making sure your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is essential in Barry County, MO. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will defend your rights every step of the way – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Call our legal team right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Tailored Defense Strategies
Each case is distinct and requires a personalized defense plan. Whether it involves disputing the validity of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea deals, our sex offense lawyers will develop a sound strategy suited to your specific circumstances.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout Your Case in Barry County, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine care for their clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This can be an incredibly stressful time in your life. Our empathetic Barry County, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal counsel and support, but also emotional assistance to help you and your family cope.
When you are facing a sex offense charge in or around Barry County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best sex offense lawyers in Barry 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 residents in Barry County and beyond:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Barry County, MO: Potential Defense Strategies
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation anywhere near Barry County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense legal team is ready to help. Understanding the possible defenses that could be employed in your case is crucial. Some common defenses our expert 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 occurred.
- False Allegations: We can show that the accuser may have other motivations for making the allegation, such as financial gain, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Contact the Top Barry County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
Facing sex offense charges in Barry County, MO Barry County, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and stressful experience. However, with the right legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can defend your rights and future, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Barry County, MO a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, confidential consultation.
