Sex offense lawyers in Dent County, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in Dent 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 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 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 Dent County, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, particularly in Dent County, MO and the surrounding areas. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing such charges. Additionally, the long-lasting shadow of doubt or shame cast by an accusation of a sexual offense is enough to want to a quick resolution.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Dent County, MO have an ideal blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our exceptional record and more than 275 reviews speak for themselves.
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Sex Offense Lawyers in Dent County, MO: Sex Crimes in Dent County, MO
Missouri law defines sex offenses into various categories, each with unique definitions and corresponding penalties. Here are some of the most common sex offenses as defined under Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape entails non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often accompanied by force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. According to 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 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 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. 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 offense includes the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under 18. In Dent County, MO, and across Missouri, child pornography is a severe crime, classified as a class D or class B felony, as outlined in RSMo. § 573.037. Each piece of child pornography may result in separate charges.
- Sexual Exploitation: This crime involves using a minor or vulnerable person for sexual purposes, such as producing child pornography. Sexual exploitation charges can vary depending on the circumstances, but frequently include 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 Dent County, MO, due to the power imbalance and the potential for exploiting the student.
These sex offenses can result in different levels of penalties based on factors like the victim’s age, the use and severity of force, the nature of the relationship between the accused and the victim, and any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The Dent County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the gravity of these allegations and will defend you against them. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Dent County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Dent County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Dent County, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties for a sex offense conviction in Dent County, MO can include:
- Prison Time: Based on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of your offense, you could be facing a prison term of years or even life.
- Fines: You may have to pay significant fines and court costs, similar to other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: If you’re convicted of a sex offense in the Dent County, 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: A sex offense conviction in Dent County, 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 Dent County, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Dent County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side
Regardless of the gravity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is ready to assist. Our skilled attorneys provide:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Dent County, MO
Our attorneys specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay up-to-date on changes in Dent County, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, making sure your defense is based on the state’s most current legal standards.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
A skilled Dent County, MO sex offense attorney carefully scrutinizes all evidence against you, including witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a robust defense strategy.
Protecting Your Rights in Dent County, MO
Ensuring your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is vital in Dent County, MO. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will protect your rights at every juncture – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Call our legal team now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Strategic Defense Planning
Every case is unique and demands a customized defense strategy. Whether it involves disputing 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 Dent 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 can be an incredibly stressful time in your life. Our empathetic Dent County, 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’re facing a sex offense charge in or around Dent County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the best sex offense lawyers in Dent County, 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 Dent County and beyond:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Dent County, MO: Potential Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around Dent 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 defenses our expert sex offense lawyers utilize include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our legal team 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 gather and present evidence proving that you were elsewhere when the crime occurred.
- False Allegations: We can argue that the accuser may have ulterior motives for making the allegation, like financial gain, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Connect With the Leading Dent County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
Being accused of a sex offense in Dent County, 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 work toward the best possible outcome.
Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Dent County, MO immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, no-obligation case review.
