Sex offense lawyers in Ladue, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in Ladue, 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 Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …

Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? Andrew Russek, a lawyer with leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses the sex offender registry and federal sex …

What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State?
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than …

What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …

Everything You Need To Know About Federal Criminal Charges
Featured on Hexxen Studios, Chris Combs and Andrew Russek sat down to talk about federal criminal charges. In this video, you can learn about different types of federal charges, how they differ …

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 …
Sex Offense Lawyers in Ladue, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses in the Ladue, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in and around Ladue, MO. It is crucial to comprehend the legal landscape when 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 Ladue, 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.

Sex Offense Lawyers in Ladue, MO: Types of Sex Crimes
Missouri law classifies sex offenses into several categories, each with specific definitions and associated 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 involving 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 refers to deviate sexual intercourse with someone under 14 years old.
- Sexual Abuse/Assault: Sexual abuse or assault covers a range of abusive sexual behaviors that may not meet the criteria for rape or sodomy, including touching or groping, but still involve exploitation or harm and are still considered criminal.
- Statutory Rape: Statutory rape involves sexual intercourse with a minor under 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 classified as a class D or class E felony.
- Child Pornography: This crime entails producing, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit materials featuring minors. In Ladue, 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 Ladue, MO, due to the power imbalance and the potential for exploiting the student.
These sex offenses can carry varying degrees of penalties based 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 Ladue, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers recognize the seriousness of these allegations and are ready to defend you. Give us a call today 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 Ladue, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties of a sex offense conviction in Ladue, MO might include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of the offense, you could be facing a prison term of years or even life.
- Fines: You may be required to pay substantial 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 Ladue, 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 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 Ladue, MO area makes it difficult to restore your life even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Ladue, 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 Ladue, MO
Our lawyers focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay current on changes in Ladue, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, making sure your defense is based on the state’s most current legal standards.
Thorough Case Analysis
A knowledgeable Ladue, MO sex offense lawyer carefully reviews all evidence against you, such as any witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Ladue, MO
Making sure your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is vital in Ladue, MO. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will defend your rights every step of the way – from interrogations and investigations to court proceedings if necessary. Call our legal team right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Strategic Defense Planning
Every case is different, requiring a tailored defense strategy. Whether it involves challenging the credibility of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea deals, our sex offense lawyers will develop a sound strategy suited to your specific circumstances.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout the Duration of Your Case in Ladue, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine care for their 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 Ladue, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal advice and support, but also emotional assistance to help you and your family cope.
When you are accused of a sex offense in or around Ladue, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the best sex offense lawyers in Ladue, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting 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 Ladue and beyond:

Sex Offense Lawyers in Ladue, MO: Possible Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around Ladue, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense legal team is here to assist. It’s important to understand the potential defenses that might help you. Some common defense strategies our experienced sex offense lawyers utilize include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our attorneys will work 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 sex offense lawyers can gather and present evidence proving that you were elsewhere when the crime took place.
- False Allegations: We can argue that the accuser may have other motivations for making the allegation, such as financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Contact the Top Ladue, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Facing sex offense charges in Ladue, MO Ladue, 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 future, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Ladue, MO a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential case review.

