Sex offense lawyers in Union, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in Union, MO or anywhere else in Missouri for that matter can be a life-altering experience. The stigma, potential legal repercussions, and social and professional consequences make it imperative to have a skilled and dedicated sex offense lawyer.
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 Union, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, especially in Union, MO and the surrounding areas. 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 substantially, making a swift resolution imperative.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Union, MO have an ideal blend of practical experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and over 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Union, 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 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 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 pertains to deviate sexual intercourse with an individual 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 under 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 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 Union, 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: 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 offense usually involves sexual interactions between educators, school employees, or volunteers, and students in the same school district. Sexual contact with a student is viewed severely in Union, MO, due to the inherent power imbalance and risk of student exploitation.
These sex offenses can result in different levels of penalties based on factors like the victim’s age, 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 derail your life. The Union, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the gravity of these allegations and will defend you against them. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Franklin County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Franklin County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Union, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties of a sex offense conviction in Union, MO can include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of your offense, you could be facing a prison term of years or even life.
- Fines: Similar to many other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges, substantial fines and court costs may be imposed.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction in the Union, 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 Union, 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 Union, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Union, 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 skilled attorneys provide:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Union, MO
Our legal experts specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay current on changes in Union, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, ensuring your defense is based on the most current legal standards in the state.
Thorough Case Evaluation
A skilled Union, MO sex offense attorney meticulously 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.
Defending Your Rights in Union, MO
Ensuring your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is vital in Union, MO. Our seasoned sex offense lawyers will defend your rights at every juncture – from interrogations and investigations to court proceedings if necessary. Call 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’s 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 Your Case in Union, 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 Union, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal advice and support, but also offer emotional guidance to help you and your family manage.
When you are facing a sex offense charge in or around Union, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best sex offense lawyers in Union, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Union and beyond:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Union, MO: Potential Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around Union, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense lawyers are here to assist. Understanding the possible defenses that could be employed in your case is crucial. Some common defenses our expert sex offense lawyers might employ include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our attorneys 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 attorneys 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 Union, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Today
Facing sex offense charges in Union, MO Union, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and stressful experience. However, with skilled legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can protect your rights and your future, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Union, MO right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review.