Sex offense lawyers in Lebanon, MO. Facing allegations or charges related to a sex offense in Lebanon, 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 by your side.
If you or someone you care about is dealing with these charges, reach out to Combs Waterkotte without delay at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our sex offense lawyers to discuss the specifics of your case and receive expert legal advice and guidance on your next steps.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Lebanon, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses in the Lebanon, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in and around Lebanon, MO. It is crucial to comprehend the legal landscape when facing these charges. Additionally, the long-lasting shadow of doubt or shame cast by an accusation of a sexual offense is enough to want to get this quickly resolved.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Lebanon, MO offer a perfect blend of practical experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and over 275 reviews speak for themselves.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Lebanon, MO: Kinds 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 under the Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape includes 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: The charge of sodomy involves 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 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 under the age of consent, even if the minor appears to 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: 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. While various forms of sexual misconduct are criminal, this particular offense is the most serious 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 Lebanon, 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 producing child pornography. Sexual exploitation charges vary based on the situation, but frequently include either trafficking for sexual exploitation or the sexual exploitation of a minor.
- 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 Lebanon, 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 like the victim’s age, the use and degree of force, the relationship between you and the victim, and any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The Lebanon, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers recognize the seriousness of these charges and will provide a robust defense. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to 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 Lebanon, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties for a sex offense conviction in Lebanon, 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: Similar to many other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges, substantial fines and court costs could be imposed.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: If you’re convicted of a sex offense in the Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, MO area makes it difficult to restore your life even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Lebanon, 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 offer:
In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Lebanon, MO
Our legal experts focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay informed about updates in Lebanon, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, ensuring your defense is based on the state’s most recent legal standards.
Comprehensive Case Analysis
A skilled Lebanon, MO sex offense attorney carefully reviews all evidence against you, including 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 Lebanon, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Lebanon, MO legal process is critical. Our seasoned sex offense lawyers will safeguard your rights every step of the way – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. 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’s challenging the credibility 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 the Duration of Your Case in Lebanon, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine care for clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This can be an extremely stressful period in your life. Our empathetic Lebanon, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert 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 Lebanon, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal sex offense lawyers in Lebanon, 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 residents in Lebanon and beyond:
- Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
- Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
- Weapons Crime Attorney
- DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
Sex Offense Lawyers in Lebanon, MO: Possible Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation near Lebanon, 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 experienced sex offense lawyers use include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our lawyers will look 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 gather and present evidence proving that you were elsewhere when the crime occurred.
- False Allegations: We can argue that the accuser may have other motivations for making the allegation, like financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Connect With the Leading Lebanon, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Today
Facing sex offense charges in Lebanon, MO Lebanon, 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 strive for the best possible outcome.
Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Lebanon, MO right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential case review.