Sex Offense Lawyers Shelby County, MO

Sex offense lawyers in Shelby County, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses in the Shelby County, MO Area

Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, particularly in Shelby County, MO and the surrounding areas. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing such charges. Additionally, the enduring shadow of doubt or shame that gets cast over your life due to even being accused of a sexual offense is enough to want to a quick resolution.

The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Shelby County, MO possess a unique combination of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and more than 275 reviews speak for themselves.

Sex Offense Lawyers in Shelby County, MO: Types of Sex Crimes

Missouri law defines sex offenses into various categories, each with unique definitions and corresponding penalties. The following 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 serious felony offense with 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 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 below 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: 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, but sexual misconduct with a minor is considered the most severe 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 Shelby 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 creating child pornography. Sexual exploitation charges vary based on the situation, but frequently involve either trafficking for sexual exploitation or the sexual exploitation of a minor.
• 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 Shelby County, 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 like the victim’s age, the extent of force used, the relationship between you and the victim, and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense devastate your life. The Shelby County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the seriousness of these charges and will defend you against them. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Sex Offense Lawyers in Shelby County, MO: Penalties for Convictions

The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Shelby County, MO may include:

• Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of your offense, you could be facing a prison sentence ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
• Fines: Similar to many other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges, substantial fines and court costs could be imposed.
• Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: If you’re convicted of a sex offense in the Shelby County, 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 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 Shelby County, MO area makes it difficult to restore your life even after serving your sentence.

Why You Need the Shelby County, 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 Shelby County, MO

Our lawyers specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay informed about updates in Shelby County, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, making sure your defense is based on the state’s most recent legal standards.

Comprehensive Case Analysis

A knowledgeable Shelby County, MO sex offense lawyer meticulously scrutinizes 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.

Defending Your Rights in Shelby County, MO

Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Shelby County, MO legal process is critical. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will protect your rights at every stage – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Call our legal team right away 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 validity 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 Your Case in Shelby County, 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 extremely stressful period in your life. Our empathetic Shelby County, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal counsel 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 Shelby County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading sex offense lawyers in Shelby County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Shelby County and beyond:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney

Sex Offense Lawyers in Shelby County, MO: Potential Defense Strategies

If you’re facing a sex offense accusation near Shelby County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense lawyers are ready to help. It’s important to understand the potential defenses that might help you. Some common defenses our experienced sex offense lawyers might employ include:

• Mistaken Identity: Our lawyers will work 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 occurred.
• False Allegations: We can argue 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? Connect With the Leading Shelby County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Now

Being accused of a sex offense in Shelby County, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and stressful situation. However, with skilled 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.

Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Shelby County, MO a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, confidential case review.