Sex offense lawyers in Bolivar, MO. Facing allegations or charges related to a sex offense in Bolivar, MO or anywhere in Missouri can profoundly impact your life. The stigma and potential legal consequences, along with social and professional ramifications, make it crucial to have an experienced and determined sex offense lawyer by your side.
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 Bolivar, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in the Bolivar, MO area. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing such 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 Bolivar, MO have an ideal blend of practical experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and over 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.
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Sex Offense Lawyers in Bolivar, MO: Sex Crimes in Bolivar, MO
Missouri law classifies sex offenses into several categories, each with specific definitions and associated penalties. The following are some of the most common sex offenses under 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 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 refers to deviate sexual intercourse with someone under 14 years old.
- Sexual Abuse/Assault: Sexual abuse or assault includes various forms of non-consensual sexual behavior, such as inappropriate touching or groping, which do not meet the criteria for rape or sodomy but still involve criminal exploitation or harm.
- Statutory Rape: Statutory rape is defined as engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor below the legal age of 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 classified as a class D or class E felony.
- Child Pornography: This crime entails producing, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit materials featuring minors. In Bolivar, 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 creating child pornography. Sexual exploitation charges vary based on the situation, but frequently involve 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 Bolivar, 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 the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense devastate your life. The Bolivar, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers recognize the gravity of these charges and are ready to defend you. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Polk County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Polk County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Bolivar, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties for a sex offense conviction in Bolivar, MO can include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of your offense, you could be looking at a prison term of years or even life.
- Fines: Similar to many other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges, substantial fines and court costs could be imposed.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction in the Bolivar, 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: Such a conviction can tarnish your reputation and strain relationships with colleagues, romantic partners, family, and neighbors. The long-lasting or permanent nature of these convictions in the Bolivar, MO area makes rebuilding your life challenging, even post-sentence.
Why You Need the Bolivar, 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 experienced attorneys provide:
In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Bolivar, MO
Our attorneys focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay current on changes in Bolivar, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, ensuring your defense is grounded in the most current legal standards in the state.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
A knowledgeable Bolivar, MO sex offense lawyer meticulously reviews all evidence against you, including any witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to uncover flaws in the prosecution’s case and develop a robust defense strategy.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Bolivar, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Bolivar, MO legal process is critical. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will safeguard your rights at every stage – from interrogations and investigations to court proceedings if necessary. Give our legal team a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Strategic Defense Planning
Every case is different, requiring a tailored defense strategy. Whether it’s challenging the validity of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea bargains, 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 Bolivar, 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 Bolivar, 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 are facing a sex offense charge in or around Bolivar, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal sex offense lawyers in Bolivar, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our seasoned sex offense lawyers, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Bolivar and beyond:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Bolivar, MO: Possible Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around Bolivar, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense attorneys are here to assist. Knowing the potential defenses available can be crucial to your case. Some common defense strategies our experienced sex offense lawyers use include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our legal team will look to prove that you were not the individual responsible for the crime.
- Consent: We can present evidence showing that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity, supported by factual evidence and background investigation of the accuser.
- Alibi: Our attorneys can work to provide evidence that you were somewhere else when the crime occurred.
- False Allegations: We can argue that the accuser may have ulterior motives for making the allegation, like financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Connect With the Leading Bolivar, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Today
Being accused of a sex offense in Bolivar, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and overwhelming experience. However, with skilled legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can protect your rights and your future, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Bolivar, MO right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
