Sex offense lawyers in Liberty, MO. Facing allegations or charges related to a sex offense in Liberty, MO or anywhere in Missouri can profoundly impact your life. 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 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 Liberty, MO: Comprehending Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, especially in Liberty, MO and the surrounding areas. It is crucial to understand the legal landscape if you’re facing these 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 Liberty, MO have an ideal blend of practical experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and more than 275 reviews speak for themselves.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Liberty, MO: Sex Crimes in Liberty, MO
Missouri law defines sex offenses into various categories, each with unique definitions and corresponding penalties. The following are some of the most common sex offenses under the Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape entails 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: 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 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 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. 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 offense includes the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under 18. In Liberty, MO, and across Missouri, child pornography is a severe crime, classified as a class D or class B felony, as outlined in RSMo. § 573.037. Each piece of child pornography may result in separate charges.
- Sexual Exploitation: This offense involves using a minor or vulnerable person for sexual purposes, such as creating child pornography. Sexual exploitation charges can vary depending on the circumstances, but often include 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 Liberty, 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 use and severity of force, the relationship between the parties involved, and any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense devastate your life. The Liberty, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the gravity of these allegations and are ready to defend you. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Clay County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Clay County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Liberty, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties for a sex offense conviction in Liberty, MO might include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of your offense, you could be facing a prison sentence ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
- 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 Liberty, 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 Liberty, 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 Liberty, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Liberty, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side
No matter the severity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is ready to assist. Our knowledgeable lawyers offer:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Liberty, MO
Our attorneys specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay up-to-date on changes in Liberty, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, ensuring your defense is based on the most current legal standards in the state.
Comprehensive Case Analysis
A knowledgeable Liberty, MO sex offense lawyer meticulously examines all evidence against you, such as witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a robust defense strategy.
Protecting Your Rights in Liberty, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Liberty, MO legal process is critical. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will defend your rights at every juncture – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Reach out to our legal team right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Tailored Defense Strategies
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 develop a sound strategy suited to your specific circumstances.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout the Duration of Your Case in Liberty, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers are genuinely concerned about their clients’ well-being and they take the time to understand your side of the story. This period of time can be incredibly stressful. Our empathetic Liberty, 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 are accused of a sex offense in or around Liberty, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the best sex offense lawyers in Liberty, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our seasoned sex offense lawyers, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Liberty, MO residents:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Liberty, MO: Possible Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation anywhere near Liberty, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense attorneys are ready to help. Knowing the potential defenses available can be crucial to your case. Some common defenses our experienced sex offense lawyers might employ include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our legal team will look to prove that you were not the person who committed this crime.
- Consent: We can demonstrate that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity with factual evidence, as well as by investigating the accuser’s background.
- Alibi: Our attorneys can establish that you were in a different location when the crime occurred.
- False Allegations: We can show that the accuser may have ulterior motives for making the allegation, like financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Connect With the Leading Liberty, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Being accused of a sex offense in Liberty, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and stressful experience. 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 Liberty, MO a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.