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Branson, MO

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Posted by Emily Herr on November 1, 2023

Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Branson, MO

Sexual misconduct lawyer in Branson, MO. If you find yourself under arrest or confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Branson 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 Branson, MOIf you have been arrested or are facing charges for sexual misconduct in Branson 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 realize the emotional and financial burden of dealing with a sexual misconduct charge in Branson, MO.

You have no time to waste. Our staff of well-informed sexual misconduct attorneys in Branson, MO is devoted to protecting your rights and aggressively fighting for your future. We have the necessary experience and resources at our disposal to get you the best possible outcome in your case.

Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Our Branson, MO sex crimes lawyer can meet with you virtually or in-person for a free, no-strings-attached consultation to speak about the specifics of your case and offer expert legal guidance.

Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Branson, MO | Branson, MO Criminal Defense | Combs Waterkotte

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. There are three distinct charges that a person accused of sexual misconduct can face in Branson and elsewhere in Missouri, including:

First-Degree Sexual Misconduct

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, 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.

Sexual Misconduct in the Second Degree

Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.095, sexual misconduct in the second degree is defined as soliciting or requesting another person 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 violations. Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.083, an individual commits 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 is no mandatory minimum sentencing for any of these charges in Branson, 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 Branson, 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 Branson, 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 Branson, 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 Branson, MO

If you find yourself facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Branson 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. Also, you have the right to a fair trial in accordance with the Sixth Amendment, due process rights under the 14th Amendment, and protection from self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment.

Our sexual misconduct defense lawyers in Branson, MO are here to guide you through the legal process, which can be particularly lengthy and complex. It typically involves:

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

Your Combs Waterkotte Branson, 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. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

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

Even allegations of sexual misconduct can be life-altering in Branson, MO. However, with the assistance of proficient legal representation, you can effectively navigate the legal complexities and work toward a favorable outcome. Consulting with a skilled Branson, MO criminal defense lawyer from Combs Waterkotte, particularly one who specializes in sexual misconduct cases, is your best course of action to safeguard your rights and construct a strong defense. Our Branson, MO lawyers will:

  • Listen to your side of the story
  • Initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the details of your case
  • Scrutinize the evidence and the methods used to gather it
  • Determine if your rights were violated
  • Evaluate the reliability of witnesses
  • 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 ensures that the residents of Branson, MO receive fair, effective legal presentation in any situation. In addition to sexual misconduct defense in Branson, MO, our attorneys are experienced in numerous types of cases, including:

Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Branson, MO | Sex Crimes Attorney in Branson, MO | Combs Waterkotte

The Importance of Legal Representation in a Branson, 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 entirely at fault. The Branson, 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 individuals are innocent until proven guilty.

When facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Branson 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 contact us online. Here’s why it is of utmost importance to, at the very least, have a conversation with one of our specialized attorneys in this field:

  • Legal Expertise: Cases involving sexual misconduct are inherently intricate from a legal standpoint, irrespective of the jurisdiction within Branson or Missouri. The potential ramifications of a conviction can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, contingent on the aforementioned circumstances. Our determined defense lawyers in Branson, MO possess the profound legal knowledge and experience necessary to adeptly navigate the intricacies of the legal system.
  • Protection of Your Rights: Your Combs Waterkotte Branson, MO sexual misconduct attorney will work tirelessly to safeguard your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. This includes ensuring that any evidence obtained against you is admissible and that your rights against self-incrimination are respected.
  • Building a Formidable Defense: Our Branson, MO criminal defense lawyer will diligently scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the allegations against you, gather evidence, and forge an unwavering, impenetrable defense strategy. There is always more than one side of the story, and, depending on the specifics of your Branson, MO case, we may question the credibility of your accuser or challenge the evidence presented by the prosecutor.
  • Negotiation Skills: In some situations, your Branson, MO Combs Waterkotte attorney may be able to negotiate a plea bargain that reduces the charges or penalties you face, if not lead to a 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: In the event that your case proceeds to trial in Branson, MO, our sexual misconduct lawyer will present your case persuasively, deftly cross-examine witnesses, and work to secure a favorable outcome.

Contact a Branson, MO Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Right Away | Combs Waterkotte

No matter the nature or severity of the allegations against you in Branson, MO, Combs Waterkotte was founded on helping good people caught in bad situations. We believe that you deserve an expert and committed professional defense team when you are facing criminal charges in Branson or anywhere in Missouri.

Give Combs Waterkotte’s Branson, MO sexual misconduct defense lawyer a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free case review.

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