Sex offense lawyers in Franklin County, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in Franklin 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 Franklin County, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses in the Franklin County, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in the Franklin County, MO area. 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 Franklin 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 Franklin County, MO: Types 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 entails 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: 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 involves sexual intercourse with a minor below 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 a class D or class E felony.
- Child Pornography: This crime entails producing, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit materials featuring minors. In Franklin County, 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 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 Franklin County, MO, due to the power imbalance and the potential for exploiting the student.
These sex offenses can carry varying degrees of penalties depending on factors like the victim’s age, the use and severity of force, the relationship between you and the victim, and any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense devastate your life. The Franklin County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers recognize the gravity of these charges and will defend you against them. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Franklin County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Franklin County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Franklin County, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties for a sex offense conviction in Franklin County, MO might include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of your 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: 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 Franklin County, 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 Franklin County, MO area makes it difficult to restore your life even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Franklin 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 offer:
In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Franklin County, MO
Our lawyers focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay informed about updates in Franklin County, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, ensuring your defense is based on the state’s most current legal standards.
Thorough Case Analysis
An experienced Franklin County, MO sex offense attorney meticulously scrutinizes all evidence against you, including any witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a robust defense strategy.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Franklin County, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Franklin County, MO legal process is critical. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will safeguard your rights every step of the way – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Reach out to 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’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 Franklin County, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine concern for their clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This period of time can be incredibly stressful. Our empathetic Franklin County, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal counsel and support, but also emotional assistance to help you and your family cope.
When you’re facing a sex offense charge in or around Franklin County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading sex offense lawyers in Franklin County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our seasoned sex offense lawyers, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Franklin County and beyond:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Franklin County, MO: Possible Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation near Franklin County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense lawyers are ready to help. Understanding the possible defenses that could be employed in your case is crucial. Some common defense strategies our expert sex offense lawyers use include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our legal team will look to prove that you were not the individual responsible for the 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 attorneys 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, including financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Connect With the Leading Franklin County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Being accused of a sex offense in Franklin County, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and overwhelming situation. However, with skilled legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can defend your rights and future, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Franklin County, MO a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
