Sex offense lawyers in Bridgeton, MO. Being accused or charged with a sex offense in Bridgeton, MO or anywhere else in Missouri can be a life-changing experience. The stigma and potential legal consequences, coupled with social and professional impacts, make it crucial to have an experienced and determined sex offense lawyer by your side.
If you or a loved one is facing these charges, call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-strings-attached consultation with one of our sex offense lawyers. There, you can discuss the specifics of your case and get 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 …
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 Bridgeton, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in the Bridgeton, MO area. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing these charges. Moreover, the lingering doubt and shame associated with even an accusation of a sexual offense can disrupt your life significantly, making a swift resolution imperative.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Bridgeton, 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.
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Sex Offense Lawyers in Bridgeton, MO: Sex Crimes in Bridgeton, 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 accompanied by force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. As per RSMo. § 566.030, rape is a severe felony with potential prison sentences ranging from 5 years to life.
- Sodomy: Sodomy charges involve engaging in 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 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. 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. While various forms of sexual misconduct are criminal, this particular offense is the most serious 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 Bridgeton, 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 can vary depending on the circumstances, but frequently involve either trafficking for sexual exploitation or the sexual exploitation of a minor.
- 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 Bridgeton, 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 carry varying degrees of penalties based on factors like the victim’s age, the extent of force used, the relationship between you and the victim, and any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense devastate your life. The Bridgeton, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the gravity of these charges and will provide a robust defense. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Bridgeton, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties of a sex offense conviction in Bridgeton, MO can include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of your offense, you could be looking at a prison sentence ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
- Fines: Similar to many other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges, substantial fines and court costs may be imposed.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction in the Bridgeton, 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 Bridgeton, 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 Bridgeton, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Bridgeton, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side
Regardless of the gravity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is here to help. Our experienced attorneys offer:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Bridgeton, MO
Our lawyers specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay informed about updates in Bridgeton, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, ensuring your defense is based on the state’s most current legal standards.
Thorough Case Analysis
A knowledgeable Bridgeton, MO sex offense lawyer carefully scrutinizes all evidence against you, including any witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a robust defense strategy.
Protecting Your Rights in Bridgeton, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Bridgeton, MO legal process is critical. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will safeguard your rights every step of the way – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Call our legal team now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Tailored Defense Strategies
Every case is different, requiring a tailored defense strategy. Whether it involves challenging the credibility 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 Bridgeton, 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 Bridgeton, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal counsel and support, but also offer emotional guidance to help you and your family cope.
When you are accused of a sex offense in or around Bridgeton, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal sex offense lawyers in Bridgeton, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Bridgeton, MO residents:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Bridgeton, MO: Potential Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation near Bridgeton, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense legal team is here to assist. Understanding the possible defenses that could be employed in your case is crucial. Some common defenses our experienced sex offense lawyers utilize include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our lawyers will look to prove that you were not the individual responsible for the crime.
- Consent: We can provide evidence demonstrating that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity, supported by factual proof and an investigation into the accuser’s background.
- Alibi: Our attorneys can work to provide evidence that you were somewhere else when the crime took place.
- 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 Bridgeton, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Today
Being accused of a sex offense in Bridgeton, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and overwhelming experience. However, with the right legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can protect your rights and your future, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Bridgeton, MO immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
