Sex offense lawyers in Marshall, MO. Being accused or charged with a sex offense in Marshall, 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.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Marshall, MO: Understanding Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in and around Marshall, MO. 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 significantly, making a swift resolution imperative.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Marshall, MO possess a unique combination of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and more than 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Marshall, MO: Sex Crimes in Marshall, MO
Missouri law categorizes sex offenses into various types, each with distinct definitions and applicable 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 involving 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: Sodomy charges involve engaging in 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 includes various forms of non-consensual sexual behavior, such as inappropriate touching or groping, which do not meet the criteria for rape or sodomy but still involve criminal exploitation or harm.
- 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 sexual activity with a minor under 14 can lead to 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 charge involves the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under the age of 18. Child pornography in Marshall, 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 offense involves using a minor or vulnerable person for sexual purposes, such as creating 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 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 Marshall, 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 relationship between the parties involved, and any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The Marshall, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers recognize the gravity of these allegations and are ready to defend you. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Saline County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Saline County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Marshall, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Marshall, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of your offense, you could be looking at a prison term of years or even life.
- Fines: You may be required to pay significant fines and court costs, as is the case with many criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction in the Marshall, 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 sex offense conviction in Marshall, 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 Marshall, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Marshall, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side
Regardless of the gravity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is ready to assist. Our knowledgeable lawyers offer:
In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Marshall, MO
Our lawyers focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay informed about updates in Marshall, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, making sure your defense is grounded in the state’s most current legal standards.
Comprehensive Case Analysis
An experienced Marshall, MO sex offense attorney carefully reviews all evidence against you, including any witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a robust defense strategy.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Marshall, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Marshall, MO legal process is critical. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will safeguard 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 different, requiring a tailored defense strategy. Whether it involves challenging the validity of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea bargains, our sex offense lawyers will craft a robust strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout Your Case in Marshall, 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 compassionate Marshall, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal advice and support, but also emotional assistance to help you and your family manage.
When you are facing a sex offense charge in or around Marshall, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the leading sex offense lawyers in Marshall, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing 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 Marshall and beyond:
- Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
- Weapons Crime Attorney
- DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
- Violent Crime Lawyer
Sex Offense Lawyers in Marshall, MO: Potential Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation near Marshall, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense attorneys are ready to help. It’s important to understand the potential defenses that might help you. Some common defense strategies our expert sex offense lawyers might employ include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our legal team will work 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 work to provide evidence that you were somewhere else when the crime took place.
- False Allegations: We can argue 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? Contact the Top Marshall, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Being accused of a sex offense in Marshall, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and stressful 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 Marshall, MO a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, confidential case review.