Sex offense lawyers in Des Peres, MO. Being accused or charged with a sex offense in Des Peres, MO or anywhere else in Missouri can be a life-changing experience. The stigma and potential legal consequences, along with social and professional ramifications, underscore the necessity of having an experienced and determined sex offense lawyer on 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.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Des Peres, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, particularly in Des Peres, MO and the surrounding areas. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing such 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 Des Peres, MO possess a unique combination of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our exceptional record and more than 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Des Peres, MO: Types of Sex Crimes
Missouri law categorizes sex offenses into various types, each with distinct definitions and applicable penalties. Here 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 involving 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: Sodomy includes 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. 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: 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 in and around Des Peres, MO, but sexual misconduct with a minor is the most serious offense 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 Des Peres, 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 crime involves using a minor or vulnerable person for sexual purposes, such as creating child pornography. Sexual exploitation charges vary based on the situation, but frequently 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 Des Peres, 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 such as the age of the victim, 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 Des Peres, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the seriousness of these charges and will defend you against them. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Des Peres, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties of a sex offense conviction in Des Peres, MO can include:
- Prison Time: Based on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of your offense, you could be facing a prison term of years or even life.
- Fines: Similar to many other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges, substantial fines and court costs could be imposed.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction in the Des Peres, 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 conviction can seriously harm your reputation and affect relationships with coworkers, loved ones, family members, and neighbors. The enduring or permanent nature of these convictions in the Des Peres, MO area makes it difficult to restore your life even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Des Peres, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side
No matter the severity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is here to help. Our experienced attorneys offer:
In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Des Peres, MO
Our attorneys focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay current on changes in Des Peres, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, ensuring your defense is grounded in the state’s most current legal standards.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
A skilled Des Peres, MO sex offense attorney carefully reviews all evidence against you, such as witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a robust defense strategy.
Defending Your Rights in Des Peres, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Des Peres, MO legal process is critical. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will safeguard your rights at every juncture – 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 different, requiring a tailored defense strategy. Whether it involves disputing the validity 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 Des Peres, 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 compassionate Des Peres, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal advice and support, but also emotional assistance to help you and your family manage.
When you are facing a sex offense charge in or around Des Peres, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal sex offense lawyers in Des Peres, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our seasoned sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Des Peres, MO residents:
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
- Juvenile Defense Lawyer
Sex Offense Lawyers in Des Peres, MO: Possible Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation anywhere near Des Peres, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense lawyers are ready to help. Knowing the potential defenses available can be crucial to your case. Some common defense strategies our expert sex offense lawyers utilize include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our lawyers will look to prove that you were not the person who committed this 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 lawyers can establish that you were in a different location when the crime occurred.
- False Allegations: We can show that the accuser may have other motivations for making the allegation, including financial gain, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Contact the Top Des Peres, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Facing sex offense charges in Des Peres, MO Des Peres, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and stressful experience. However, with skilled 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 Des Peres, MO a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential case review.
