Sex offense lawyers in Smithville, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in Smithville, MO or anywhere else in Missouri for that matter can be a life-altering 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 on 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 Smithville, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, particularly in Smithville, MO and the surrounding areas. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing these 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 get this quickly resolved.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Smithville, MO offer a perfect blend of practical 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 Smithville, MO: Sex Crimes in Smithville, MO
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 under the Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape involves non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often involving force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. As defined in 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 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 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 in and around Smithville, MO, but sexual misconduct with a minor is the most serious offense 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 Smithville, 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 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 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 Smithville, 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 result in different levels of penalties based on factors such as the age of the victim, the extent of force used, the nature of the relationship between the accused and the victim, and whether any aggravating circumstances are present. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The Smithville, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the seriousness of these allegations and are ready to defend you. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to 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 Smithville, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties for a sex offense conviction in Smithville, MO can include:
- Prison Time: Based on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of the offense, you could be looking at a prison term of years or even life.
- Fines: You may be required to pay substantial fines and court costs, similar to other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: If you’re convicted of a sex offense in the Smithville, 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 Smithville, 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 Smithville, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Smithville, 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 skilled attorneys provide:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Smithville, MO
Our attorneys focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay up-to-date on changes in Smithville, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, making sure your defense is grounded in the state’s most current legal standards.
Thorough Case Evaluation
A knowledgeable Smithville, MO sex offense lawyer carefully reviews all evidence against you, including any witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Smithville, MO
Making sure your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is vital in Smithville, MO. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will protect 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 unique and demands a customized defense strategy. Whether it involves challenging the validity of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea bargains, our sex offense lawyers will develop a sound strategy suited to your specific circumstances.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout the Duration of Your Case in Smithville, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers are genuinely concerned about their clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This period of time can be incredibly stressful. Our empathetic Smithville, 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 accused of a sex offense in or around Smithville, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal sex offense lawyers in Smithville, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting 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 Smithville, MO residents:
- Traffic Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Felony Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
- Gun Charges Attorney
Sex Offense Lawyers in Smithville, MO: Potential Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation anywhere near Smithville, 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 defenses our experienced sex offense lawyers utilize include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our legal team will work 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 establish that you were in a different location when the crime took place.
- False Allegations: We can show 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 Smithville, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Today
Facing sex offense charges in Smithville, MO Smithville, 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 protect your rights and your future, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Smithville, MO right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, confidential case review.
