Sex offense lawyers in Harrisonville, MO. Facing allegations or charges related to a sex offense in Harrisonville, MO or anywhere in Missouri can profoundly impact your life. The stigma and potential legal consequences, along with social and professional ramifications, underscore the necessity of having an experienced and determined sex offense lawyer by 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.
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 Harrisonville, MO: Understanding Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, particularly in Harrisonville, 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 substantially, making a swift resolution imperative.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Harrisonville, MO possess a unique combination of practical experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our exceptional record and over 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.
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Sex Offense Lawyers in Harrisonville, 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 defined under Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape includes non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often accompanied by force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. As per RSMo. § 566.030, rape is a severe felony with potential 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. 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. While various forms of sexual misconduct are criminal, this particular offense is the most serious 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 Harrisonville, 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 typically refers to sexual contact or behavior between an educator (teacher, school employee, or volunteer) and a student enrolled in the same school district. Sexual contact with a student is taken very seriously in the Harrisonville, MO area due to the inherent power imbalance and potential for exploitation of the student by the adult in a position of authority.
These sex offenses can carry varying degrees of penalties based on factors such as the age of the victim, the use and severity of force, the nature of the relationship between the accused and the victim, and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The Harrisonville, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the gravity of these charges and will provide a robust defense. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Cass County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Cass County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Harrisonville, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties of a sex offense conviction in Harrisonville, MO might 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 be required 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 Harrisonville, 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 Harrisonville, 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 Harrisonville, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Harrisonville, 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 experienced attorneys offer:
In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Harrisonville, MO
Our attorneys specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay current on changes in Harrisonville, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, ensuring your defense is grounded in the most current legal standards in the state.
Thorough Case Evaluation
An experienced Harrisonville, MO sex offense attorney carefully scrutinizes all evidence against you, such as any witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to uncover flaws in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.
Protecting Your Rights in Harrisonville, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Harrisonville, 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. Give our legal team a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Strategic Defense Planning
Each case is distinct and requires a personalized defense plan. Whether it involves disputing the validity of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea deals, our sex offense lawyers will formulate a solid strategy that fits your particular circumstances.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout Your Case in Harrisonville, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine concern for their clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This can be an extremely stressful period in your life. Our empathetic Harrisonville, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal counsel and support, but also emotional guidance which can help you and your family cope.
When you’re facing a sex offense charge in or around Harrisonville, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal sex offense lawyers in Harrisonville, 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 offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Harrisonville and beyond:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Harrisonville, MO: Potential Defense Strategies
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation anywhere near Harrisonville, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense lawyers are prepared to assist. It’s important to understand the potential defenses that might help you. Some common defense strategies our expert sex offense lawyers utilize include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our lawyers will work 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 work to provide evidence that you were somewhere else when the crime occurred.
- False Allegations: We can argue 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? Contact the Top Harrisonville, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Facing sex offense charges in Harrisonville, MO Harrisonville, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and stressful situation. However, with the right legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can safeguard your rights and future, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Harrisonville, MO a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
