Sex offense lawyers in Cape Girardeau, MO. Facing allegations or charges related to a sex offense in Cape Girardeau, MO or anywhere in Missouri can profoundly impact your life. 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 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 Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? Andrew Russek, a lawyer with leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses the sex offender registry and federal sex …
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State?
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than …
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …
Everything You Need To Know About Federal Criminal Charges
Featured on Hexxen Studios, Chris Combs and Andrew Russek sat down to talk about federal criminal charges. In this video, you can learn about different types of federal charges, how they differ …
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 …
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? Andrew Russek, a lawyer with leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses the sex offender registry and federal sex …
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State?
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than …
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …
Everything You Need To Know About Federal Criminal Charges
Featured on Hexxen Studios, Chris Combs and Andrew Russek sat down to talk about federal criminal charges. In this video, you can learn about different types of federal charges, how they differ …
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 …
Sex Offense Lawyers in Cape Girardeau, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses in the Cape Girardeau, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in and around Cape Girardeau, MO. It is crucial to comprehend the legal landscape if you’re 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 Cape Girardeau, MO have an ideal blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and more than 275 reviews speak for themselves.
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Sex Offense Lawyers in Cape Girardeau, MO: Sex Crimes in Cape Girardeau, MO
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 under the Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape entails non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often involving force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. As per RSMo. § 566.030, rape is a serious felony offense with 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 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 involves sexual intercourse with a minor below the age of consent, even if the minor appears to 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 a class D or class E felony.
- Child Pornography: This crime entails producing, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit materials featuring minors. In Cape Girardeau, 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 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 Cape Girardeau, 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 the parties involved, and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The Cape Girardeau, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the gravity of these charges and will defend you against them. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Cape Girardeau County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Cape Girardeau County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Cape Girardeau, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Cape Girardeau, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Based on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of your offense, you could be facing 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 could be imposed.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: If you’re convicted of a sex offense in the Cape Girardeau, MO area, you will be required to register as a sex offender likely for the rest of your life. This can seriously affect your opportunities for employment and housing, as well as your 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 Cape Girardeau, MO area makes rebuilding your life challenging, even post-sentence.
Why You Need the Cape Girardeau, 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 offer:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Cape Girardeau, MO
Our attorneys focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay informed about updates in Cape Girardeau, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, making sure your defense is based on the most current legal standards in the state.
Thorough Case Evaluation
An experienced Cape Girardeau, MO sex offense attorney carefully reviews all evidence against you, such as any witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and formulate a strong defense strategy.
Protecting Your Rights in Cape Girardeau, MO
Ensuring your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is essential in Cape Girardeau, MO. Our seasoned sex offense lawyers will defend your rights at every stage – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Call our legal team right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Strategic Defense Planning
Every case is unique and demands a customized defense strategy. Whether it’s challenging the credibility of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea bargains, our sex offense lawyers will develop a sound strategy suited to your specific circumstances.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout the Duration of Your Case in Cape Girardeau, 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 compassionate Cape Girardeau, 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 facing a sex offense charge in or around Cape Girardeau, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the best sex offense lawyers in Cape Girardeau, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Cape Girardeau, MO residents:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Cape Girardeau, MO: Potential Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around Cape Girardeau, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense lawyers are here to assist. Knowing the potential defenses available can be crucial to your case. Some common defenses our experienced sex offense lawyers use include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our attorneys will work to prove that you were not the individual responsible for the 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 gather and present evidence proving that you were elsewhere 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 Cape Girardeau, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Facing sex offense charges in Cape Girardeau, MO Cape Girardeau, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and stressful situation. However, with skilled legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can protect your rights and future, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Cape Girardeau, MO a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential case review.
