Sex offense lawyers in Maryland Heights, MO. Facing allegations or charges related to a sex offense in Maryland Heights, 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 determined sex offense lawyer on your side.
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 Maryland Heights, MO: Comprehending Sex Offenses in the Maryland Heights, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, especially in Maryland Heights, MO and the surrounding areas. It is crucial to comprehend the legal landscape when 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 Maryland Heights, MO have an ideal blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and more than 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.
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Sex Offense Lawyers in Maryland Heights, 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 defined under Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape entails non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often accompanied by force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. According to 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 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 Maryland Heights, 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 crime entails producing, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit materials featuring minors. In Maryland Heights, 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 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 Maryland Heights, 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 such as the age of the victim, the use and severity of force, the relationship between you and the victim, and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense devastate your life. The Maryland Heights, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers recognize the seriousness of these allegations and are ready to defend you. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact 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 Maryland Heights, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Maryland Heights, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Based on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of your offense, you could be looking at a prison sentence ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
- Fines: You may have to pay substantial fines and court costs, as is the case with many criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: If you’re convicted of a sex offense in the Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Maryland Heights, 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 provide:
In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Maryland Heights, MO
Our attorneys specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay current on changes in Maryland Heights, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, making sure your defense is based on the most current legal standards in the state.
Comprehensive Case Analysis
A knowledgeable Maryland Heights, MO sex offense lawyer meticulously examines all evidence against you, including any witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to uncover flaws in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Maryland Heights, MO
Making sure your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is vital in Maryland Heights, MO. Our seasoned sex offense lawyers will protect your rights at every stage – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Reach out to our legal team right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Tailored Defense Strategies
Every case is unique and demands a customized defense strategy. Whether it involves challenging the credibility 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 the Duration of Your Case in Maryland Heights, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers are genuinely concerned about their clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This can be an incredibly stressful time in your life. Our compassionate Maryland Heights, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal counsel and support, but also emotional assistance to help you and your family cope.
When you are facing a sex offense charge in or around Maryland Heights, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal sex offense lawyers in Maryland Heights, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed sex offense lawyers, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Maryland Heights and beyond:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Maryland Heights, MO: Potential Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation near Maryland Heights, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense legal team is ready to help. It’s important to understand the potential defenses that might help you. Some common defenses our expert sex offense lawyers utilize include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our legal team will look 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 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? Contact the Top Maryland Heights, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
Facing sex offense charges in Maryland Heights, MO Maryland Heights, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and stressful situation. However, with the right legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can defend your rights and your future, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Maryland Heights, MO immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, no-obligation case review.
