Sex offense lawyers in Washington, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in Washington, 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 tenacious 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 Washington, MO: Understanding Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in the Washington, MO area. 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 Washington, MO offer a perfect blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and more than 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.
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Sex Offense Lawyers in Washington, MO: Kinds of Sex Crimes
Missouri law defines sex offenses into various categories, each with unique definitions and corresponding penalties. Here are some of the most common sex offenses as outlined in the Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape includes non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often accompanied by force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. As per 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 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: 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 Washington, 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 Washington, 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 Washington, 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 such as the age of the victim, the extent of force used, the relationship between the parties involved, and whether any aggravating circumstances are present. Don’t let a sex offense derail your life. The Washington, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the seriousness of these allegations and are ready to defend you. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact 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 Washington, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties for a sex offense conviction in Washington, MO can include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of your offense, you could be facing 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 may be imposed.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: If you’re convicted of a sex offense in the Washington, 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: Such a conviction can tarnish your reputation and strain relationships with colleagues, romantic partners, family, and neighbors. The long-lasting or permanent nature of these convictions in the Washington, MO area makes rebuilding your life challenging, even post-sentence.
Why You Need the Washington, 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 knowledgeable lawyers provide:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Washington, MO
Our lawyers specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay current on changes in Washington, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, ensuring your defense is based on the state’s most current legal standards.
Comprehensive Case Analysis
A skilled Washington, MO sex offense attorney meticulously reviews all evidence against you, such as witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and formulate a strong defense strategy.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Washington, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Washington, MO legal process is critical. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will protect your rights at every juncture – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Reach out to our legal team 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 develop a sound strategy suited to your specific circumstances.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout Your Case in Washington, 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 incredibly stressful time in your life. Our empathetic Washington, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal counsel and support, but also emotional assistance to help you and your family cope.
When you are facing a sex offense charge in or around Washington, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading sex offense lawyers in Washington, 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 offers expertise in the following areas for Washington, MO residents:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Washington, MO: Potential Defense Strategies
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation anywhere near Washington, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense lawyers are ready to help. 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 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 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 Washington, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
Facing sex offense charges in Washington, MO Washington, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and overwhelming experience. However, with skilled legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can safeguard your rights and future, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Washington, MO a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review.
