Sex offense lawyers in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in Ste. Genevieve, 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 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, particularly in Ste. Genevieve, MO and the surrounding areas. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing these 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO have an ideal blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and over 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Ste. Genevieve, MO: Kinds of Sex Crimes
Missouri law categorizes sex offenses into various types, each with distinct definitions and applicable penalties. The following are some of the most common sex offenses as defined under Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape entails non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often accompanied by 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: 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 under 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 in and around Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, 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 vary based on the situation, 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 Ste. Genevieve, 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 such as the age of the victim, the use and degree of force, the relationship between the parties involved, and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The Ste. Genevieve, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the seriousness of these allegations and will provide a robust defense. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Ste. Genevieve, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties of a sex offense conviction in Ste. Genevieve, MO can include:
- Prison Time: Based 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: Similar to many other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges, substantial fines and court costs could be imposed.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction in the Ste. Genevieve, MO area means you will likely need to register as a sex offender for life, impacting your employment, housing, and personal relationships.
- Damage to Your Reputation and Lasting Restrictions: A sex offense conviction in Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Ste. Genevieve, 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 knowledgeable lawyers provide:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Ste. Genevieve, MO
Our lawyers focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay current on changes in Ste. Genevieve, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, ensuring your defense is grounded in the most current legal standards in the state.
Comprehensive Case Analysis
A skilled Ste. Genevieve, MO sex offense attorney meticulously scrutinizes all evidence against you, such as any witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a robust defense strategy.
Protecting Your Rights in Ste. Genevieve, MO
Ensuring your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is vital in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Our seasoned sex offense lawyers will protect your rights every step of the way – from interrogations and investigations to court proceedings if necessary. Reach out to our legal team right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Strategic Defense Planning
Every case is different, requiring a tailored defense strategy. Whether it involves challenging the validity of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea bargains, our sex offense lawyers will craft a robust strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout Your Case in Ste. Genevieve, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine care for clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This period of time can be incredibly stressful. Our compassionate Ste. Genevieve, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal advice and support, but also emotional assistance to help you and your family cope.
When you’re accused of a sex offense in or around Ste. Genevieve, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal sex offense lawyers in Ste. Genevieve, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our seasoned sex offense lawyers, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Ste. Genevieve, MO residents:
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
- Juvenile Defense Lawyer
Sex Offense Lawyers in Ste. Genevieve, MO: Potential Defense Strategies
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation anywhere near Ste. Genevieve, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense attorneys are ready to help. Understanding the possible defenses that could be employed in your case is crucial. Some common defense strategies our expert sex offense lawyers utilize 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 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Facing sex offense charges in Ste. Genevieve, MO Ste. Genevieve, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and stressful experience. However, with the right legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can safeguard your rights and your future, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Ste. Genevieve, MO as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential case review.
