Sexual misconduct lawyer in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. If you find yourself under arrest or confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Bellefontaine Neighbors or any other location within Missouri, the last thing you need is a defense attorney who approaches your case with judgmental attitudes or suspicious glances. At Combs Waterkotte, we recognize that every scenario has multiple facets, and we acknowledge the emotional and financial hardships that accompany facing a sexual misconduct charge in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MOIf you have been arrested or are facing charges for sexual misconduct in Bellefontaine Neighbors or anywhere else in Missouri, the last thing you want is judgment or sideways glances from your own lawyer. At Combs Waterkotte, we fully understand that there is always more than one side of the story and we recognize the emotional and financial burden of defending a sexual misconduct charge in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO.
Time is of the essence. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys specializing in sexual misconduct in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO is wholeheartedly committed to safeguarding 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.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Our Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO sex crimes lawyer can meet with you virtually or in-person for a free, no-obligation case review to discuss the specifics of your case and offer expert legal guidance.
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 …
What is Considered Sexual Misconduct Under Missouri Law?
Sexual misconduct occurs when an individual engages in conduct that involves exposing themselves in a manner and in circumstances likely to provoke shock, offense, or alarm, or when individuals engage in sexual intercourse in public. Accusations of sexual misconduct in Bellefontaine Neighbors and throughout Missouri can lead to three distinct charges, which include:
Sexual Misconduct in the First Degree
According to the provisions outlined in Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.093, a person may face charges of 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, punishable by a potential jail term of up to 6 months and a fine not exceeding $1,000. For a second conviction, it is 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
Second-degree sexual misconduct is described under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.095. It involves the act of soliciting or requesting another individual to participate in sexual conduct, knowing that such actions are likely to provoke affront or alarm. This offense is classified as a class C misdemeanor and carries a penalty of up to 15 days of incarceration and a fine not exceeding $500.
Sexual Misconduct Involving a Child
This is by far the most serious of sexual misconduct offenses. Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.083, an individual 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
It is a class E felony for a first-time offender, which carries with it up to 4 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. For a repeat offender, it is a class D felony, the punishment for which is up to 7 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
There are no mandatory minimum sentencing requirements for any of these charges in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. In addition to jail time, alternative sentencing options may be considered, including probation, mandatory counseling, and restitution to the victim. Additionally, if you are convicted of a sex crime in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, you may be obligated to register as a sex offender. The duration of your registration requirement hinges on factors such as your age and the nature of the offense. Our proficient Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO lawyers are dedicated to pursuing charge dismissal or reduction to offenses that do not mandate sex offender registration. Moreover, we can explore the possibility of petitioning for your removal from the registry under Missouri Revised Statutes § 589.041.
Give Combs Waterkotte a call right away if you are facing any of the above allegations in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO or fill out our online contact form to talk to one of our lawyers about your case.
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Your Rights and the Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO Sexual Misconduct Legal Process
If you find yourself facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Bellefontaine Neighbors or anywhere else in Missouri, it is crucial to understand your rights, which encompass the presumption of innocence, the right to remain silent, and the right to legal counsel. Furthermore, you are entitled to a fair trial under the Sixth Amendment, due process under the 14th Amendment, and protection against self-incrimination as stipulated in the Fifth Amendment.
Our Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO sexual misconduct defense attorneys are here to guide 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO sexual misconduct attorney will accompany you through each stage, making sure that your rights are upheld and that you get the best possible legal representation and outcome. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
How a Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO Sexual Misconduct Attorney From Combs Waterkotte Can Help
Even accusations of sexual misconduct can be life-altering in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. However, with the assistance of proficient legal representation, you can navigate the legal challenges and strive for a positive resolution. Seeking counsel from an adept criminal defense attorney in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, particularly one with expertise in sexual misconduct cases, is the most prodent stop to protect your rights and build a robust defense. Our Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO attorneys will:
- Listen to your side of the story
- Initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the details of your case
- Review the evidence and the methods used to gather it
- Determine if your rights were violated
- Examine witness reliability
- Search for any inconsistencies in the accuser’s account
- Engage in negotiations with prosecutors, seeking to secure change reduction or dismissal
- Defend you at trial if we have to, and challenge the jury on whether or not the prosecution has proven your charges beyond a reasonable doubt
Our skilled legal team makes sure that the citizens of Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO receive fair, effective legal presentation in any situation. In addition to sexual misconduct defense in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, our attorneys are experienced in numerous forms of law, including:
The Importance of Legal Representation in a Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO Sexual Misconduct Case
Regrettably, it’s a stark reality in our society that when confronted with accusations of sexual misconduct, a considerable number of individuals are inclined to pass swift and definitive judgment, frequently presuming complete culpability. The Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte understand this hardship, and we are committed to mitigating the potential consequences that these accusations may cast upon you, your professional life, and your family. It is vital to emphasize that our entire legal system operates on the premise that people accused of a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty.
When confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Bellefontaine Neighbors or any other location within Missouri, it is imperative to seek guidance from a seasoned criminal defense attorney. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Here’s why it’s so important to at least speak to one of our lawyers who specialize in this area of the law:
- Legal Proficiency: Cases involving sexual misconduct are inherently complex from a legal standpoint, regardless of the jurisdiction within Bellefontaine Neighbors or Missouri. The potential ramifications of a conviction can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, contingent on the aforementioned circumstances. Our determined defense attorneys in Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO will wholeheartedly champion the preservation of your constitutional rights at every stage of the legal proceedings. This encompasses the assurance that any evidence obtained against you is admissible and that your rights against self-incrimination are respected.
- Constructing a Strong Defense: Our Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO criminal defense lawyer will diligently scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the allegations against you, amass pertinent evidence, and forge an unwavering, impenetrable defense strategy. It is imperative to keep in mind that in any Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO case, multiple facets exist to the narrative, and contingent upon the specifics of your situation, we may cast doubt on the credibility of the accuser or contest the evidence introduced by the prosecution.
- Negotiation Skills: In some situations, your Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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.
- Litigation Proficiency: In the event that your case proceeds to trial in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, our sexual misconduct attorney will present your case persuasively, cross-examine witnesses, and steadfastly labor to secure a favorable outcome.
Reach Out to a Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Now | Combs Waterkotte
Irrespective of the character or gravity of the accusations lodged against you in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, Combs Waterkotte was established with the mission of providing support to good individuals entangled in bad circumstances. We firmly maintain that you are entitled to a proficient and unwavering team of defense specialists as you confront criminal charges, be it in Bellefontaine Neighbors or elsewhere in Missouri.
Give Combs Waterkotte’s Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO sexual misconduct defense lawyer a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free consultation.
