Sex offense lawyers in Putnam County, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in Putnam County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri for that matter can be a life-altering 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 Putnam County, MO: Comprehending Sex Offenses in the Putnam County, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in the Putnam County, MO area. 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 substantially, making a swift resolution imperative.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Putnam County, MO offer a perfect blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our exceptional record and more than 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Putnam County, MO: Kinds 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. According to RSMo. § 566.030, rape is a serious felony offense with prison sentences ranging from 5 years to life.
- Sodomy: Sodomy includes oral or anal sexual conduct with another person without their consent. Statutory sodomy is having deviate sexual intercourse with another person who is less than 14 years of age.
- 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 involves sexual intercourse with a minor under the age of consent, even if the minor appears to 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: Charges of sexual misconduct with a minor involve engaging in sexual acts with a minor under 15, including exposing one’s genitals or coercing a minor to expose theirs. Other forms of sexual misconduct are also illegal in and around Putnam County, 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 offense includes the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under 18. In Putnam 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: This offense involves using a minor or vulnerable person for sexual purposes, such as producing child pornography. Sexual exploitation charges can vary depending on the circumstances, but frequently include either trafficking for sexual exploitation or the sexual exploitation of a minor.
- 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 Putnam 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 like the victim’s age, the extent of force used, the relationship between the parties involved, and whether any aggravating circumstances are present. Don’t let a sex offense devastate your life. The Putnam County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the seriousness of these charges and will provide a robust defense. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Putnam County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Putnam County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Putnam County, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Putnam County, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of the offense, you could be facing a prison term of years or even life.
- 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 Putnam 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 sex offense conviction in Putnam County, 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 Putnam County, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Putnam County, 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 experienced attorneys provide:
In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Putnam County, MO
Our lawyers specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay current on changes in Putnam County, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, ensuring your defense is based on the state’s most recent legal standards.
Thorough Case Analysis
A skilled Putnam County, MO sex offense attorney meticulously reviews all evidence against you, including 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 Putnam County, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Putnam County, MO legal process is critical. Our seasoned sex offense lawyers will defend your rights every step of the way – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Call our legal team right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Strategic Defense Planning
Each case is distinct and requires a personalized defense plan. Whether it involves disputing the credibility 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 Putnam County, 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 compassionate Putnam County, 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 accused of a sex offense in or around Putnam County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading sex offense lawyers in Putnam County, 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 Putnam County and beyond:
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
Sex Offense Lawyers in Putnam County, MO: Potential Defense Strategies
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation anywhere near Putnam County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense attorneys are ready to help. Understanding the possible defenses that could be employed in your case is crucial. Some common defense strategies our experienced sex offense lawyers might employ include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our legal team will look to prove that you were not the individual responsible for the 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 show that the accuser may have other motivations for making the allegation, including financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Contact the Top Putnam County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Today
Being accused of a sex offense in Putnam 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 safeguard your rights and your future, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Putnam County, MO a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review.