Sex offense lawyers in Florissant, MO. Being accused or charged with a sex offense in Florissant, MO or anywhere else in Missouri can be a life-changing 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.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Florissant, MO: Understanding Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in the Florissant, MO area. It is crucial to comprehend the legal landscape if you’re facing these charges. Additionally, the long-lasting shadow of doubt or shame that gets cast over your life due to even being accused of a sexual offense is enough to want to get this quickly resolved.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Florissant, MO offer a perfect blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our exceptional record and over 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Florissant, MO: Kinds of Sex Crimes
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 outlined in the Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape includes non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often involving force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. As defined in 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 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 involves sexual intercourse with a minor under 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. Other forms of sexual misconduct are also illegal in and around Florissant, 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 crime entails producing, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit materials featuring minors. In Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO, due to the inherent power imbalance and risk of student exploitation.
These sex offenses can result in different levels of penalties based on factors such as the age of the victim, the use and severity of force, the relationship between the parties involved, and any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense derail your life. The Florissant, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the seriousness of these charges and will provide a robust defense. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to 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 Florissant, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties of a sex offense conviction in Florissant, MO can include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of the offense, you could be facing a prison sentence ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
- Fines: You may have to pay substantial fines and court costs, similar to other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: If convicted, you will have to register as a sex offender likely for life, which will affect job prospects, housing options, and personal relationships throughout the Florissant, MO area.
- 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 Florissant, MO area makes it difficult to restore your life even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Florissant, 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 offer:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Florissant, MO
Our lawyers focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay informed about updates in Florissant, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, ensuring your defense is based on the most current legal standards in the state.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
An experienced Florissant, MO sex offense attorney meticulously scrutinizes all evidence against you, such as any witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.
Defending Your Rights in Florissant, MO
Making sure your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is essential in Florissant, MO. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will defend your rights at every juncture – from interrogations and investigations to court proceedings if necessary. 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 involves challenging the validity 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 Your Case in Florissant, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine care for clients’ well-being and they take the time to understand your side of the story. This can be an extremely stressful period in your life. Our compassionate Florissant, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal advice and support, but also offer emotional guidance to help you and your family manage.
When you are accused of a sex offense in or around Florissant, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the leading sex offense lawyers in Florissant, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing 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 Florissant and beyond:
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
Sex Offense Lawyers in Florissant, MO: Potential Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation near Florissant, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense legal team is prepared to assist. Understanding the possible defenses that could be employed in your case is crucial. Some common defenses our experienced 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 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, like financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Connect With the Leading Florissant, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Today
Being accused of a sex offense in Florissant, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and overwhelming experience. However, with skilled 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.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Florissant, MO a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.