Sex offense lawyers in Sedalia, MO. Being accused or charged with a sex offense in Sedalia, MO or anywhere else in Missouri can be a life-changing experience. The stigma and potential legal consequences, coupled 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 …
Sex Offense Lawyers in Sedalia, MO: Comprehending Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in and around Sedalia, MO. 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 Sedalia, MO possess a unique combination of practical experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and over 275 reviews speak for themselves.

Sex Offense Lawyers in Sedalia, 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 under the Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape includes 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: Sodomy includes 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 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 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 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. 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 charge involves the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under the age of 18. Child pornography in Sedalia, 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 crime involves using a minor or vulnerable person for sexual purposes, such as creating child pornography. Sexual exploitation charges can vary depending on the circumstances, but often 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 Sedalia, MO, due to the power imbalance and the potential for exploiting the student.
These sex offenses can result in different levels of penalties based on factors such as the age of the victim, the extent of force used, the relationship between the parties involved, and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The Sedalia, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the seriousness of these allegations and are ready to defend you. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Pettis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Pettis County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Sedalia, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Sedalia, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity 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 Sedalia, 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 Sedalia, 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 Sedalia, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Sedalia, 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 experienced attorneys provide:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Sedalia, MO
Our lawyers specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay informed about updates in Sedalia, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, ensuring your defense is based on the state’s most current legal standards.
Comprehensive Case Analysis
An experienced Sedalia, MO sex offense attorney meticulously reviews all evidence against you, such as witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and formulate a strong defense strategy.
Protecting Your Rights in Sedalia, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Sedalia, 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. Call our legal team now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Tailored Defense Strategies
Each case is distinct and requires a personalized defense plan. Whether it’s challenging the validity of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea deals, our sex offense lawyers will develop a sound strategy suited to your specific circumstances.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout Your Case in Sedalia, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine care 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 Sedalia, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal advice and support, but also emotional guidance which can help you and your family cope.
When you’re facing a sex offense charge in or around Sedalia, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal sex offense lawyers in Sedalia, 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 Sedalia, MO residents:

Sex Offense Lawyers in Sedalia, MO: Potential Defense Strategies
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around Sedalia, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense attorneys are prepared to assist. Understanding the possible defenses that could be employed in your case is crucial. Some common defense strategies our expert sex offense lawyers use include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our lawyers will look to prove that you were not the person who committed this 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 sex offense 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 ulterior motives for making the allegation, such as financial gain, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Connect With the Leading Sedalia, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
Being accused of a sex offense in Sedalia, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and overwhelming experience. 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 Sedalia, MO right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review.

