Sex offense lawyers in DeKalb County, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in DeKalb 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 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 DeKalb County, MO: Comprehending Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in the DeKalb County, MO area. It is crucial to understand the legal landscape when 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 DeKalb County, MO possess a unique combination of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our exceptional record and over 275 reviews speak for themselves.
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Sex Offense Lawyers in DeKalb County, MO: Kinds of Sex Crimes
Missouri law categorizes sex offenses into various types, each with distinct definitions and applicable penalties. The following are some of the most common sex offenses as defined under Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape involves 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: 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. 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: 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, but sexual misconduct with a minor is considered the most severe under RSMo. § 566.083, often 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 DeKalb County, 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: 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 DeKalb County, MO, due to the inherent power imbalance and risk of student exploitation.
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 the parties involved, and any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense devastate your life. The DeKalb County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the gravity of these allegations and are ready to defend you. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DeKalb County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in DeKalb County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in DeKalb County, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in DeKalb County, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Based on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of the offense, you could be looking at a prison sentence ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
- Fines: You may have to pay significant fines and court costs, similar to other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction in the DeKalb 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: 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 DeKalb County, MO area makes rebuilding your life challenging, even post-sentence.
Why You Need the DeKalb County, 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 provide:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in DeKalb County, MO
Our lawyers focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay informed about updates in DeKalb County, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, making sure your defense is grounded in the state’s most current legal standards.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
An experienced DeKalb County, MO sex offense attorney carefully examines all evidence against you, including witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to uncover flaws in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.
Protecting Your Rights in DeKalb County, MO
Making sure your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is vital in DeKalb County, MO. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will defend your rights at every stage – from interrogations and investigations to court proceedings if necessary. Give our legal team a call now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Strategic Defense Planning
Each case is distinct and requires a personalized defense plan. Whether it’s challenging the credibility 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 Your Case in DeKalb County, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine concern for 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 DeKalb County, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal counsel and support, but also emotional guidance which can help you and your family manage.
When you’re accused of a sex offense in or around DeKalb County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the leading sex offense lawyers in DeKalb County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our seasoned sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for DeKalb County, MO residents:
Sex Offense Lawyers in DeKalb County, MO: Potential Defense Strategies
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around DeKalb County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense lawyers are ready to help. It’s important to understand the potential defenses that might help you. Some common defense strategies our expert sex offense lawyers use include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our attorneys will look 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 sex offense lawyers can establish that you were in a different location when the crime took place.
- False Allegations: We can show 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 DeKalb County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Being accused of a sex offense in DeKalb 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 work toward the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in DeKalb County, MO a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
