Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Audrain County, MO

Sexual misconduct lawyer in Audrain County, MO. If you find yourself under arrest or confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Audrain County or any other location within [wdac-state-long], the last thing you need is a defense lawyer who approaches your case with judgmental attitudes or suspicious glances. At Combs Waterkotte, we fully comprehend that every situation has multiple facets, and we acknowledge the emotional and financial difficulties that accompany facing a sexual misconduct charge in Audrain County, MOIf you have been arrested or are facing charges for sexual misconduct in Audrain County or anywhere else in [wdac-state-long], the last thing you want is judgment or sideways glances from your own attorney. At Combs Waterkotte, we know that there is always more than one side of the story and we realize the emotional and financial hardship of dealing with a sexual misconduct charge in Audrain County, MO.

Time is of the essence. Our staff of well-informed lawyers specializing in sexual misconduct in Audrain County, MO is wholeheartedly committed to protecting your rights and mounting a vigorous defense on your behalf. With our substantial experience and abundant resources, we are fully equipped to pursue the most favorable resolution for your case.

Give us a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Our Audrain County, MO sex crimes attorney can meet with you virtually or in-person for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the specifics of your case and offer expert legal guidance.

What is Considered Sexual Misconduct Under [wdac-state-long] Law?

Sexual misconduct occurs when someone exposes themselves in a manner and circumstance that would cause shock, offense, or alarm, or when people have sexual intercourse in public. Accusations of sexual misconduct in Audrain County and throughout [wdac-state-long] can lead to three distinct charges, which include:

Sexual Misconduct in the First Degree

Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.093, an individual can be charged with first-degree sexual misconduct if they:

• Expose their genitals under circumstances in which they know their conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm
• Have sexual contact in the presence of a third person or persons under circumstances where they know that such conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm
• Have sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse in a public place in the presence of a third person

For a first offense, first-degree sexual misconduct is a class B misdemeanor, which carries with it up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. In the case of a second conviction, it elevates to a class A misdemeanor, which may entail imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of up to $2,000.

Second-Degree Sexual Misconduct

Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.095, sexual misconduct in the second degree is defined as soliciting or requesting another individual to engage in sexual conduct knowing that it is likely to cause affront or alarm. This is a class C misdemeanor, with a punishment of up to 15 days in jail and a fine of no more than $500.

Sexual Misconduct Involving a Child

This stands as the most serious of sexual misconduct offenses. Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.083, a person is charged with sexual misconduct involving a child if they:

• Knowingly expose their genitals to a child less than 15 years of age under circumstances in which they know that the conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm to the child
• Knowingly expose their genitals to a child less than 15 years of age for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of anyone, including the child
• Knowingly coerce or induce a child less than 15 years of age to expose the child’s genitals for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of anyone, including the child
• Knowingly coerce or induce a child who they know to be less than 15 years of age to expose the breasts of a female child through the Internet or other electronic means for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of anyone, including the child

For a first offense, this constitutes a class E felony, which can result in a maximum prison sentence of up to 4 years and a fine of up to $10,000. In the case of a repeat offender, it escalates to a class D felony, carrying a potential punishment of up to 7 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

There is no mandatory minimum sentencing for any of these charges in Audrain County, MO. Additional sentencing options may also include probation, mandatory counseling, and restitution to the victim. Also, if you are convicted of a sex crime in Audrain County, MO, you will likely be required to register as a sex offender. The length of time you have to remain on the registry will depend on your age and the nature of the crime. We will work hard to dismiss or reduce your charges to ones that don’t require sex offender registry. Moreover, our skilled Audrain County, MO lawyers may be able to help petition for your removal under Missouri Revised Statutes § 589.041.

Give Combs Waterkotte a call right now if you are facing any of the above allegations in Audrain County, MO or fill out our online contact form to talk to one of our lawyers about your case.

Your Rights and the Sexual Misconduct Legal Process in Audrain County, MO

If you find yourself facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Audrain County or any other part of [wdac-state-long], it is crucial to understand your rights, including the presumption of innocence, the right to remain silent, and the right to legal counsel. Additionally, you have the right to a fair trial under the Sixth Amendment, due process under the 14th Amendment, and protection from self-incrimination as stipulated in the Fifth Amendment.

Our sexual misconduct defense lawyers in Audrain County, MO can help walk you through the intricate and often lengthy legal process, which typical encompasses:

• Investigation
• Evidence gathering
• Pre-trial motions
• Possible plea negotiations
• Trial, if necessary

Your Combs Waterkotte Audrain County, MO sexual misconduct attorney will guide you through each stage, making sure that your rights are upheld and that you get the best possible legal representation and outcome. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

How a Audrain County, MO Sexual Misconduct Attorney From Combs Waterkotte Can Help

Even accusations of sexual misconduct can be life-altering in Audrain County, MO. But, with the right legal representation, you can effectively navigate the legal challenges and strive for a positive resolution. Consulting with a skilled Audrain County, MO criminal defense lawyer from Combs Waterkotte, particularly one who specializes in sexual misconduct cases, is your best course of action to protect your rights and construct a strong defense. Our Audrain County, MO lawyers will:

• Actively listen to your perspective
• Initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the details of your case
• Scrutinize the evidence and examine how it was obtained
• Assess the potential violations of your rights
• Evaluate the reliability of witnesses
• Search for any inconsistencies in the accuser’s account
• Negotiate with prosecutors to have your charges reduced or even dismissed
• Provide a resolute defense if necessary, challenging the jury to determine whether the prosecution has substantiated your charges beyond a reasonable doubt

Our experienced legal team makes sure that the residents of Audrain County, MO receive fair, effective legal presentation in any situation. In addition to sexual misconduct defense in Audrain County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in numerous forms of law, including:

• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
• Criminal Lawyer
• Juvenile Defense Lawyer
• Traffic Ticket Lawyer
• Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
• Speeding Ticket Lawyer

The Importance of Legal Representation in a Audrain County, MO Sexual Misconduct Case

It is truly unfortunate in our society that if you are facing allegations of sexual misconduct, many will instantly and automatically judge you to be 100 percent at fault. The Audrain County, MO lawyers at Combs Waterkotte get it, and we fight to limit the impact these allegations can have on you, your career, and your family. After all, our entire legal system operates under the principle that people are innocent until proven guilty.

When confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Audrain County or any other location within [wdac-state-long], it is imperative to seek guidance from a seasoned criminal defense attorney. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Here’s why it is of utmost importance to, at the very least, have a conversation with one of our specialized lawyers in this field:

• Legal Proficiency: Cases involving sexual misconduct are inherently intricate from a legal standpoint, irrespective of the jurisdiction within Audrain County or [wdac-state-long]. The potential ramifications of a conviction can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, contingent on the aforementioned circumstances. Our determined defense attorneys in Audrain County, MO possess the profound legal knowledge and experience necessary to adeptly navigate the intricacies of the legal system.
• Safeguarding Your Rights: Your Combs Waterkotte sexual misconduct attorney in Audrain County, MO will work tirelessly to safeguard your constitutional rights at every stage of the legal proceedings. This includes ensuring that any evidence obtained against you adheres to admissibility standards and that your entitlement to refrain from self-incrimination is duly upheld.
• Building a Strong Defense: Our Audrain County, MO criminal defense lawyer will investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations against you, amass pertinent evidence, and build a robust and impermeable defense strategy. There is always more than one side of the story, and, depending on the specifics of your Audrain County, MO case, we may question the credibility of your accuser or challenge the evidence presented by the prosecutor.
• Negotiation Skills: In some situations, your Audrain County, MO Combs Waterkotte lawyer possesses the adeptness to engage in negotiations aimed at securing a plea arrangement that mitigates the charges or penalties you are confronted with, and in some instances, even leading to complete dismissal of the case. We always leave the ultimate decision up to you, but all of our legal advice is based on what we genuinely believe to be in your best interest.
• Trial Advocacy: If your case goes to trial in Audrain County, MO, our sexual misconduct lawyer will articulately present your case, cross-examine witnesses, and work to secure a favorable outcome.

Connect With a Audrain County, MO Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Today | Combs Waterkotte

Irrespective of the character or gravity of the accusations lodged against you in Audrain County, MO, Combs Waterkotte was established with the mission of providing support to good individuals entangled in bad circumstances. We firmly believe that you are entitled to a proficient and unwavering team of defense specialists as you confront criminal charges, be it in Audrain County or elsewhere in [wdac-state-long].

Give Combs Waterkotte’s Audrain County, MO sexual misconduct defense lawyer a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.