Sex offense lawyers in Platte County, MO. Being accused or charged with a sex offense in Platte County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri can be a life-changing experience. The stigma and potential legal consequences, along with social and professional impacts, underscore the necessity of having an experienced and determined sex offense lawyer by your side.
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.
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 Platte County, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses in the Platte County, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, particularly in Platte County, MO and the surrounding areas. It is crucial to comprehend 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 Platte County, MO possess a unique combination of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our exceptional record and more than 275 reviews speak for themselves.
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Sex Offense Lawyers in Platte County, MO: Types of Sex Crimes
Missouri law categorizes sex offenses into various types, each with distinct definitions and applicable penalties. Here are some of the most common sex offenses as defined under Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape involves 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: Sodomy includes 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 covers a range of abusive sexual behaviors that may not meet the criteria for rape or sodomy, including touching or groping, but still involve exploitation or harm and are still considered criminal.
- Statutory Rape: Statutory rape is defined as engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor below the legal age of 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: 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. While various forms of sexual misconduct are criminal, this particular offense is the most serious 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 Platte County, 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 Platte County, MO, due to the inherent power imbalance and risk of student exploitation.
These sex offenses can carry varying degrees of penalties depending on factors such as the age of the victim, the extent of force used, the relationship between you and the victim, and any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The Platte County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the gravity of these allegations and will provide a robust defense. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Platte County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Platte County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Platte County, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties for a sex offense conviction in Platte County, MO might include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of the offense, you could be facing a prison sentence ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
- Fines: You may have to pay significant fines and court costs, similar to other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction in the Platte County, 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 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 Platte County, MO area makes it difficult to restore your life even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Platte County, 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 skilled attorneys offer:
In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Platte County, MO
Our legal experts focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay informed about updates in Platte County, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, ensuring your defense is grounded in the state’s most recent legal standards.
Thorough Case Analysis
A knowledgeable Platte County, MO sex offense lawyer carefully scrutinizes all evidence against you, including any witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Platte County, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Platte County, MO legal process is critical. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will safeguard your rights at every juncture – from interrogations and investigations to court proceedings if necessary. Give our legal team a call now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Tailored Defense Strategies
Each case is distinct and requires a personalized defense plan. Whether it involves 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 Your Case in Platte County, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine care for their clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This period of time can be incredibly stressful. Our compassionate Platte County, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal advice and support, but also emotional guidance which can help you and your family manage.
When you’re accused of a sex offense in or around Platte County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading sex offense lawyers in Platte County, 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 provides expertise in the following areas for Platte County, MO residents:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Platte County, MO: Possible Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation anywhere near Platte County, 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 might employ include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our attorneys will work to prove that you were not the individual responsible for the 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 argue that the accuser may have ulterior motives for making the allegation, including financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Contact the Top Platte County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Today
Being accused of a sex offense in Platte County, 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 future, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Platte County, MO immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, confidential case review.
