Sex offense lawyers in Jennings, MO. Facing allegations or charges related to a sex offense in Jennings, MO or anywhere in Missouri can profoundly impact your life. The stigma and potential legal consequences, along with social and professional impacts, underscore the necessity of having an experienced and tenacious 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.
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 Jennings, MO: Understanding Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in and around Jennings, MO. 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 Jennings, MO have an ideal blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and more than 275 reviews speak for themselves.
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Sex Offense Lawyers in Jennings, MO: Kinds 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 defined under 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: The charge of sodomy involves oral or anal sexual conduct with another person without their consent. Statutory sodomy pertains to deviate sexual intercourse with an individual under 14 years old.
- Sexual Abuse/Assault: Sexual abuse or assault encompasses a range of abusive sexual behaviors, like unwanted touching or groping, which may not qualify as rape or sodomy but still involve exploitation and harm, and are criminal offenses.
- 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: A sexual misconduct with a minor charge involves sexual contact with a minor (under 15 years old), including acts like exposing one’s genitals or coercing the minor to expose their genitals or breasts. 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 charge involves the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under the age of 18. Child pornography in Jennings, 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 Jennings, 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 depending on factors like the victim’s age, the extent of force used, 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 Jennings, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers recognize the seriousness of these charges and will provide a robust defense. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact 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 Jennings, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties of a sex offense conviction in Jennings, MO can include:
- Prison Time: Based on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of the 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: 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 Jennings, MO area.
- Damage to Your Reputation and Lasting Restrictions: A sex offense conviction in Jennings, 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 Jennings, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Jennings, 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 Jennings, MO
Our lawyers specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay current on changes in Jennings, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, making sure your defense is based on the most current legal standards in the state.
Thorough Case Analysis
A knowledgeable Jennings, MO sex offense lawyer meticulously scrutinizes all evidence against you, such as witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to uncover flaws in the prosecution’s case and develop a robust defense strategy.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Jennings, MO
Making sure your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is vital in Jennings, MO. Our seasoned sex offense lawyers will protect your rights at every stage – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Give our legal team a call 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 credibility of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea bargains, our sex offense lawyers will formulate a solid strategy that fits your particular circumstances.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout Your Case in Jennings, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers are genuinely concerned about their clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This period of time can be incredibly stressful. Our compassionate Jennings, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal advice and support, but also emotional guidance which can help you and your family manage.
When you are facing a sex offense charge in or around Jennings, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best sex offense lawyers in Jennings, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Jennings, MO residents:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Jennings, MO: Potential Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around Jennings, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense legal team is prepared to assist. Knowing the potential defenses available can be crucial to your case. Some common defenses our expert sex offense lawyers use include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our lawyers will look to prove that you were not the individual responsible for the crime.
- Consent: We can present evidence showing that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity, supported by factual evidence and background investigation of the accuser.
- Alibi: Our lawyers can gather and present evidence proving that you were elsewhere when the crime occurred.
- False Allegations: We can show 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? Contact the Top Jennings, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Being accused of a sex offense in Jennings, 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 safeguard your rights and your future, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Jennings, MO a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential case review.
