Sex offense lawyers in St. Charles County, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in St. Charles County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri for that matter can be a life-altering experience. The stigma and potential legal consequences, coupled with social and professional ramifications, underscore the necessity of having an experienced and tenacious sex offense lawyer on your side.
If you or someone you care about is dealing with these charges, reach out to Combs Waterkotte without delay at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our sex offense lawyers to discuss the specifics of your case and receive expert legal advice and guidance on your next steps.
Sex Offense Lawyers in St. Charles County, MO: Comprehending Sex Offenses in the St. Charles County, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in the St. Charles County, MO area. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing these charges. Additionally, the long-lasting 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 St. Charles County, MO possess a unique combination of practical experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and more than 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.
Sex Offense Lawyers in St. Charles County, MO: Kinds of Sex Crimes
Missouri law classifies sex offenses into several categories, each with specific definitions and associated 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 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 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 below 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. Other forms of sexual misconduct are also illegal in and around St. Charles County, 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 offense includes the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under 18. In St. Charles 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 can vary depending on the circumstances, but often involve 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 St. Charles County, 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 use and severity of force, the nature of the relationship between the accused and the victim, and whether any aggravating circumstances are present. Don’t let a sex offense devastate your life. The St. Charles County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the seriousness of these allegations and will defend you against them. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
St. Charles County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Charles County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in St. Charles County, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in St. Charles County, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Based on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of your offense, you could be looking at a prison term of years or even life.
- Fines: Similar to many other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges, substantial fines and court costs could be imposed.
- 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 St. Charles County, MO area.
- 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 St. Charles County, MO area makes it difficult to restore your life even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the St. Charles County, 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 skilled attorneys provide:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in St. Charles County, MO
Our lawyers specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay current on changes in St. Charles County, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, making sure your defense is based on the most current legal standards in the state.
Thorough Case Evaluation
An experienced St. Charles County, MO sex offense attorney carefully reviews all evidence against you, including witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and formulate a strong defense strategy.
Defending Your Rights in St. Charles County, MO
Making sure your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is essential in St. Charles County, MO. Our seasoned sex offense lawyers will defend your rights at every stage – from interrogations and investigations to court proceedings if necessary. Give our legal team a call 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 deals, 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 St. Charles 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 St. Charles County, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal counsel and support, but also offer emotional guidance to help you and your family manage.
When you’re facing a sex offense charge in or around St. Charles County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the best sex offense lawyers in St. Charles 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 offers expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Charles County and beyond:
Sex Offense Lawyers in St. Charles County, MO: Possible Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation anywhere near St. Charles County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense lawyers are here to assist. It’s important to understand the potential defenses that might help you. Some common defenses our expert sex offense lawyers utilize include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our lawyers will work 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 establish that you were in a different location when the crime took place.
- False Allegations: We can show that the accuser may have other motivations 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 St. Charles County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Facing sex offense charges in St. Charles County, MO St. Charles County, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and overwhelming situation. 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 St. Charles County, MO right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review.