Sex offense lawyers in Laclede County, MO. Being accused or charged with a sex offense in Laclede County, 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 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 Laclede County, MO: Understanding Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, especially in Laclede County, MO and the surrounding areas. It is crucial to understand the legal landscape when facing these charges. Additionally, the enduring 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 a quick resolution.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Laclede County, MO offer a perfect blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and over 275 reviews speak for themselves.
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Sex Offense Lawyers in Laclede County, MO: Kinds of Sex Crimes
Missouri law classifies sex offenses into several categories, each with specific definitions and associated penalties. The following are some of the most common sex offenses as defined under Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape involves non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often accompanied by 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 is having deviate sexual intercourse with another person who is less than 14 years of age.
- 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 is defined as engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor below the legal age of consent. In Missouri, the age of consent is 17, and engaging in sexual acts with a child under 14 can result in 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 in and around Laclede County, 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 Laclede County, 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 often 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 Laclede County, 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 ruin your life. The Laclede County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the gravity of these allegations and will defend you against them. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Laclede County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Laclede County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Laclede County, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties for a sex offense conviction in Laclede County, MO can include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of your offense, you could be facing a prison sentence ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
- 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 Laclede County, 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 Laclede County, MO area makes it difficult to restore your life even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Laclede 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 experienced attorneys provide:
In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Laclede County, MO
Our attorneys specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay informed about updates in Laclede County, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, ensuring your defense is based on the most current legal standards in the state.
Thorough Case Evaluation
An experienced Laclede County, MO sex offense attorney meticulously reviews all evidence against you, including any witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to uncover flaws in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Laclede County, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Laclede County, MO legal process is critical. Our seasoned 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.
Tailored Defense Strategies
Each case is distinct and requires a personalized defense plan. Whether it’s challenging the validity 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 Laclede County, 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 incredibly stressful time in your life. Our compassionate Laclede County, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal counsel and support, but also offer emotional guidance to help you and your family cope.
When you are accused of a sex offense in or around Laclede County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best sex offense lawyers in Laclede County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our seasoned sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Laclede County, MO residents:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Laclede County, MO: Possible Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around Laclede County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense legal team is ready to help. Understanding the possible defenses that could be employed in your case is crucial. Some common defenses our expert 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 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 took place.
- 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? Connect With the Leading Laclede County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Facing sex offense charges in Laclede County, MO Laclede County, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and overwhelming situation. However, with the right legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can protect your rights and your future, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Laclede County, MO a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, confidential case review.
