Sex offense lawyers in New London, MO. Being accused or charged with a sex offense in New London, 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 serious charges, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our sex offense lawyers to discuss the specific circumstances of your case and obtain expert legal advice and guidance on the best course of action.
Sex Offense Lawyers in New London, MO: Comprehending Sex Offenses in the New London, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, particularly in New London, MO and the surrounding areas. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing such 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 New London, MO have an ideal blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and over 275 reviews speak for themselves.
Sex Offense Lawyers in New London, MO: Types 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 as outlined in the Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape involves non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often involving 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 pertains to deviate sexual intercourse with an individual 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. 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 in and around New London, MO, but sexual misconduct with a minor is the most serious offense under RSMo. § 566.083, often 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 New London, 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: 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 offense usually involves sexual interactions between educators, school employees, or volunteers, and students in the same school district. Sexual contact with a student is viewed severely in New London, MO, due to the inherent power imbalance and risk of student exploitation.
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 derail your life. The New London, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the seriousness of these charges and will defend you against them. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Ralls County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Ralls County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in New London, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties for a sex offense conviction in New London, MO might include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of the offense, you could be facing 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 convicted, you will have to register as a sex offender likely for life, which will affect job prospects, housing options, and personal relationships throughout the New London, MO area.
- Damage to Your Reputation and Lasting Restrictions: Such a conviction can tarnish your reputation and strain relationships with colleagues, romantic partners, family, and neighbors. The long-lasting or permanent nature of these convictions in the New London, MO area makes rebuilding your life challenging, even post-sentence.
Why You Need the New London, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side
No matter the severity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is here to help. Our knowledgeable lawyers provide:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in New London, MO
Our legal experts focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay up-to-date on changes in New London, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, ensuring your defense is based on the state’s most current legal standards.
Thorough Case Analysis
An experienced New London, MO sex offense attorney meticulously 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.
Defending Your Rights in New London, MO
Ensuring your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is essential in New London, MO. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will protect your rights at every juncture – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Call our legal team now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Strategic Defense Planning
Every case is unique and demands a customized defense strategy. Whether it involves challenging the validity of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea bargains, our sex offense lawyers will formulate a solid strategy that fits your particular circumstances.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout Your Case in New London, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine concern for their clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This can be an extremely stressful period in your life. Our empathetic New London, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal counsel and support, but also emotional guidance which can help you and your family cope.
When you’re accused of a sex offense in or around New London, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the leading sex offense lawyers in New London, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our seasoned sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in New London and beyond:
Sex Offense Lawyers in New London, MO: Potential Defense Strategies
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around New London, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense lawyers are ready to help. Knowing the potential defenses available can be crucial to your case. Some common defenses our expert sex offense lawyers use include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our legal team 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 attorneys can work to provide evidence that you were somewhere else 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 New London, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Today
Facing sex offense charges in New London, MO New London, 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 protect your rights and your future, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in New London, MO a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.