Sex offense lawyers in Sikeston, MO. Being accused or charged with a sex offense in Sikeston, 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 tenacious 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 …
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 Sikeston, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, particularly in Sikeston, MO and the surrounding areas. It is crucial to comprehend the legal landscape when facing these charges. Additionally, the enduring shadow of doubt or shame cast by an accusation of a sexual offense is enough to want to a quick resolution.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Sikeston, 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.
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Sex Offense Lawyers in Sikeston, 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 outlined in 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: The charge of sodomy involves 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 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 below the age of consent, even if the minor appears to consent. In Missouri, the age of consent is 17, and sexual activity with a minor under 14 can lead to 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, 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 Sikeston, 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 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 Sikeston, MO, due to the power imbalance and the potential for exploiting the student.
These sex offenses can result in different levels of penalties depending on factors such as the age of the victim, the use and degree of force, the nature of the relationship between the accused and the victim, and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense derail your life. The Sikeston, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers recognize the gravity of these allegations and will defend you against them. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Scott County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Scott County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Sikeston, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties for a sex offense conviction in Sikeston, MO might include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of your offense, you could be facing a prison term of years or even life.
- 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 Sikeston, MO area.
- Damage to Your Reputation and Lasting Restrictions: A sex offense conviction in Sikeston, 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 Sikeston, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Sikeston, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side
Regardless of the gravity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is here to help. Our experienced attorneys offer:
In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Sikeston, MO
Our legal experts focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay informed about updates in Sikeston, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, making sure your defense is grounded in the state’s most current legal standards.
Thorough Case Analysis
A skilled Sikeston, MO sex offense attorney carefully scrutinizes all evidence against you, including witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to uncover flaws in the prosecution’s case and develop a robust defense strategy.
Protecting Your Rights in Sikeston, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Sikeston, MO legal process is critical. Our seasoned sex offense lawyers will defend your rights every step of the way – 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
Every case is different, requiring a tailored defense strategy. Whether it’s challenging the credibility 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 the Duration of Your Case in Sikeston, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers are genuinely concerned about their clients’ well-being and they take the time to understand your side of the story. This can be an incredibly stressful time in your life. Our compassionate Sikeston, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal advice and support, but also offer emotional guidance to help you and your family cope.
When you are facing a sex offense charge in or around Sikeston, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best sex offense lawyers in Sikeston, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable sex offense lawyers, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Sikeston and beyond:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Sikeston, MO: Potential Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation anywhere near Sikeston, 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 expert sex offense lawyers use include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our legal team will look to prove that you were not the individual responsible for the 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 attorneys can gather and present evidence proving that you were elsewhere when the crime occurred.
- False Allegations: We can argue that the accuser may have ulterior motives for making the allegation, like financial gain, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Connect With the Leading Sikeston, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Being accused of a sex offense in Sikeston, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and overwhelming situation. However, with skilled 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 Sikeston, MO a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
