Sex offense lawyers in Chesterfield, MO. Being accused or charged with a sex offense in Chesterfield, 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 tenacious sex offense lawyer by 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.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Chesterfield, MO: Understanding Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in the Chesterfield, 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 substantially, making a swift resolution imperative.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Chesterfield, MO have an ideal blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and more than 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Chesterfield, MO: Kinds of Sex Crimes
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 as outlined in the Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape includes 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 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 refers to deviate sexual intercourse with someone under 14 years old.
- Sexual Abuse/Assault: Sexual abuse or assault encompasses a range of abusive sexual behaviors, like unwanted touching or groping, which may not qualify as rape or sodomy but still involve exploitation and harm, and are criminal offenses.
- Statutory Rape: Statutory rape involves sexual intercourse with a minor under the age of consent, even if the minor appears to consent. In Missouri, the age of consent is 17, and sexual activity with a minor under 14 can lead to 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 charge involves the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under the age of 18. Child pornography in Chesterfield, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a class D or class B felony offense and, according to RSMo. § 573.037, you could be subject to separate sentences for each article of child pornography you are accused of possessing, creating, or distributing.
- 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 often involve either trafficking for sexual exploitation or the sexual exploitation of a minor.
- Sexual Contact With a Student: This charge typically refers to sexual interactions between a teacher, school employee, or volunteer, and a student in the same school district. Sexual contact with a student is a serious offense in Chesterfield, MO, due to the power imbalance and the potential for exploiting the student.
These sex offenses can result in different levels of penalties depending on factors like the victim’s age, the extent of force used, the relationship between you and the victim, and whether any aggravating circumstances are present. Don’t let a sex offense devastate your life. The Chesterfield, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the gravity of these charges and will provide a robust defense. Give us a call 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 Chesterfield, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Chesterfield, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of the 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, similar to other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction in the Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, MO area makes rebuilding your life challenging, even post-sentence.
Why You Need the Chesterfield, 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 skilled attorneys offer:
In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Chesterfield, MO
Our legal experts specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay up-to-date on changes in Chesterfield, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, making sure your defense is grounded in the state’s most current legal standards.
Thorough Case Analysis
A knowledgeable Chesterfield, MO sex offense lawyer meticulously reviews all evidence against you, including 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 Chesterfield, MO
Making sure your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is essential in Chesterfield, MO. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will defend your rights every step of the way – from interrogations and investigations to court proceedings if necessary. Reach out to our legal team right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Tailored Defense Strategies
Every case is unique and demands a customized defense strategy. 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 Your Case in Chesterfield, 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 can be an incredibly stressful time in your life. Our empathetic Chesterfield, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal advice and support, but also emotional assistance to help you and your family cope.
When you are facing a sex offense charge in or around Chesterfield, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the ideal sex offense lawyers in Chesterfield, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed sex offense lawyers, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Chesterfield and beyond:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Chesterfield, MO: Potential Defense Strategies
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation near Chesterfield, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense lawyers are here to assist. Understanding the possible defenses that could be employed in your case is crucial. Some common defenses our expert sex offense lawyers use include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our attorneys will look 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 attorneys can gather and present evidence proving that you were elsewhere when the crime occurred.
- False Allegations: We can argue 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 Chesterfield, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Being accused of a sex offense in Chesterfield, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and stressful situation. However, with the right legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can safeguard your rights and future, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Chesterfield, MO a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.