Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Festus, MO

Sexual misconduct lawyer in Festus, MO. If you find yourself under arrest or confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Festus 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 scenario has multiple aspects, and we acknowledge the emotional and financial hardships that accompany facing a sexual misconduct charge in Festus, MOIf you have been arrested or are facing charges for sexual misconduct in Festus or anywhere else in [wdac-state-long], the last thing you want is judgment or sideways glances from your own lawyer. 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 defending a sexual misconduct charge in Festus, MO.

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

Give us a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Our Festus, MO sex crimes lawyer can meet with you virtually or in-person for a free, no-obligation case review to speak about the specifics of your case and offer expert legal advice.

What is Considered Sexual Misconduct Under [wdac-state-long] 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 Festus and throughout [wdac-state-long] can lead to three specific charges, which include:

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, sexual misconduct in the first degree is a class B misdemeanor, which carries with it up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. For a second conviction, it is a class A misdemeanor, which could mean up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

Sexual Misconduct in the Second Degree

Second-degree sexual misconduct is described under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.095. It involves the act of soliciting or requesting another person 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. According to 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 Festus, 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 Festus, 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. Additionally, our skilled Festus, 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 Festus, MO or contact us online to talk to one of our lawyers about your case.

Your Rights and the Sexual Misconduct Legal Process in Festus, MO

If you’re accused of sexual misconduct in Festus or any other part of [wdac-state-long], it is imperative to be aware of your rights, which encompass the presumption of innocence, the right to remain silent, and the right to legal counsel. Additionally, you are entitled to a fair trial in accordance with the Sixth Amendment, due process under the 14th Amendment, and protection against self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment.

Our Festus, MO sexual misconduct defense lawyers 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 Festus, MO sexual misconduct lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will guide you through every step, ensuring the protection of your rights and striving for the most advantageous legal representation and result. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

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

Even allegations of sexual misconduct have the potential to drastically impact your life in Festus, MO. But, with the assistance of proficient legal representation, you can navigate the legal complexities and work toward a favorable outcome. Consulting with a skilled Festus, MO criminal defense lawyer from Combs Waterkotte, especially one who specializes in sexual misconduct cases, is your best course of action to protect your rights and construct a strong defense. Our Festus, MO lawyers 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
• Assess the potential violations of your rights
• 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 experienced legal team ensures that the residents of Festus, MO receive fair, effective legal presentation in any situation. Along with sexual misconduct defense in Festus, MO, our attorneys are experienced in numerous types of cases, 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 Sexual Misconduct Case in Festus, MO

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 Festus, MO legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte understand this hardship, and we are dedicated 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 facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Festus or elsewhere throughout [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 attorneys in this field:

• Legal Expertise: Cases involving sexual misconduct are inherently intricate from a legal standpoint, regardless of the jurisdiction within Festus 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 Festus, 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 sexual misconduct attorney in Festus, MO will work tirelessly to safeguard your constitutional rights at every stage of the legal proceedings. This encompasses the assurance that any evidence obtained against you adheres to admissibility standards and that your entitlement to refrain from self-incrimination is duly upheld.
• Building a Formidable Defense: Our Festus, 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 bear in mind that in any Festus, MO case, multiple aspects exist to the narrative, and contingent upon the particulars of your scenario, we may cast doubt on the credibility of the accuser or contest the evidence introduced by the prosecution.
• Negotiation Skills: In some situations, your Festus, MO Combs Waterkotte attorney 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: In the event that your case proceeds to trial in Festus, MO, our sexual misconduct attorney will articulately present your case, deftly cross-examine witnesses, and steadfastly labor to secure a favorable verdict.

Reach Out to a Sexual Misconduct Lawyer in Festus, MO Today | Combs Waterkotte

Irrespective of the character or gravity of the allegations against you in Festus, MO, Combs Waterkotte was established with the mission of providing support to good individuals caught in bad situations. We firmly maintain that you are entitled to a proficient and unwavering defense team as you confront criminal charges, be it in Festus or elsewhere in [wdac-state-long].

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