Sex offense lawyers in Taney County, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in Taney County, 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, make it crucial to have an experienced and determined sex offense lawyer by 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.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Taney County, MO: Comprehending Sex Offenses in the Taney County, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in and around Taney County, MO. It is crucial to understand the legal landscape when 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 Taney County, MO offer a perfect blend of practical experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our exceptional record and more than 275 reviews speak for themselves.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Taney 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 accompanied by force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. According to 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 under 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 charge of sexual misconduct with a minor involves inappropriate sexual contact with a minor under 15 years old. This includes actions 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 charge involves the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under the age of 18. Child pornography in Taney County, 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 creating 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 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 Taney County, MO, due to the power imbalance and the potential for exploiting the student.
These sex offenses can carry varying degrees of penalties depending on factors such as the age of the victim, the use and degree of force, the relationship between you and the victim, and any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense devastate your life. The Taney County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the seriousness of these charges and will provide a robust defense. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Taney County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Taney County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Taney County, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Taney County, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Based on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of the offense, you could be facing a prison term of years or even life.
- Fines: You may have to pay significant 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 Taney 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 sex offense conviction in Taney County, 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 Taney County, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Taney County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side
No matter the severity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is here to help. Our skilled attorneys offer:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Taney County, MO
Our lawyers specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay up-to-date on changes in Taney County, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, ensuring your defense is grounded in the most current legal standards in the state.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
A knowledgeable Taney County, MO sex offense lawyer meticulously examines all evidence against you, including any witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a robust defense strategy.
Protecting Your Rights in Taney County, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Taney County, MO legal process is critical. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will protect 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.
Tailored Defense Strategies
Each case is distinct and requires a personalized defense plan. Whether it’s 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 Taney County, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine care for their clients’ well-being and they take the time to understand your side of the story. This can be an extremely stressful period in your life. Our compassionate Taney County, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal advice and support, but also emotional guidance which can help you and your family manage.
When you are facing a sex offense charge in or around Taney County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading sex offense lawyers in Taney County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Taney County, MO residents:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Taney County, MO: Possible Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around Taney County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense attorneys are prepared to assist. Knowing the potential defenses available can be crucial to your case. Some common defenses our expert sex offense lawyers use include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our lawyers will work to prove that you were not the individual responsible for the crime.
- Consent: We can demonstrate that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity with factual evidence, as well as by investigating the accuser’s background.
- 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, including financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Contact the Top Taney County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Today
Facing sex offense charges in Taney County, MO Taney County, 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 protect your rights and future, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Taney County, MO a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, confidential case review.