Sex offense lawyers in Wentzville, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in Wentzville, 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 by 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 Wentzville, MO: Comprehending Sex Offenses in the Wentzville, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in the Wentzville, MO area. It is crucial to comprehend the legal landscape when facing these charges. Additionally, the enduring 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 get this quickly resolved.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Wentzville, MO have an ideal blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our exceptional record and over 275 reviews speak for themselves.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Wentzville, MO: Types of Sex Crimes
Missouri law classifies sex offenses into several categories, each with specific definitions and associated penalties. The following are some of the most common sex offenses as outlined in the Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape involves non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often involving force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. As per RSMo. § 566.030, rape is a severe felony with potential prison sentences ranging from 5 years to life.
- Sodomy: Sodomy charges involve engaging in 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. 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: 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, but sexual misconduct with a minor is considered the most severe 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 Wentzville, 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: 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 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 Wentzville, MO, due to the power imbalance and the potential for exploiting the student.
These sex offenses can carry varying degrees of penalties based on factors such as the age of the victim, the extent of force used, the nature of the relationship between the accused and the victim, and any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The Wentzville, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers recognize the seriousness of these allegations and will provide a robust defense. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact 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 Wentzville, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Wentzville, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of the offense, you could be looking at a prison sentence ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
- Fines: You may be required to pay significant fines and court costs, as is the case with many criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: If you’re convicted of a sex offense in the Wentzville, 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 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 Wentzville, MO area makes it difficult to restore your life even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Wentzville, 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 offer:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Wentzville, MO
Our lawyers focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay informed about updates in Wentzville, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, making sure your defense is grounded in the state’s most current legal standards.
Thorough Case Analysis
An experienced Wentzville, MO sex offense attorney meticulously reviews all evidence against you, such as witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.
Defending Your Rights in Wentzville, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Wentzville, MO legal process is critical. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will defend your rights at every stage – from interrogations and investigations to court proceedings if necessary. Reach out to our legal team right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Strategic Defense Planning
Each case is distinct and requires a personalized defense plan. Whether it involves challenging 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 Wentzville, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers are genuinely concerned about their clients’ well-being and they take the time to understand your side of the story. This can be an incredibly stressful time in your life. Our empathetic Wentzville, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal counsel and support, but also emotional guidance which can help you and your family manage.
When you are accused of a sex offense in or around Wentzville, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the leading sex offense lawyers in Wentzville, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting 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 Wentzville, MO residents:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Wentzville, MO: Possible Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around Wentzville, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense legal team is prepared to assist. Knowing the potential defenses available can be crucial to your case. Some common defenses our experienced sex offense lawyers utilize include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our lawyers will look 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 sex offense lawyers can gather and present evidence proving that you were elsewhere when the crime took place.
- False Allegations: We can argue 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 Wentzville, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
Facing sex offense charges in Wentzville, MO Wentzville, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and stressful situation. However, with the right legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can defend your rights and future, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Wentzville, MO as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.