Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Joplin, MO

Sexual misconduct lawyer in Joplin, MO. If you find yourself under arrest or confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Joplin or any other location within [wdac-state-long], the last thing you need is a defense attorney 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 Joplin, MOIf you have been arrested or are facing charges for sexual misconduct in Joplin 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 recognize the emotional and financial burden of defending a sexual misconduct charge in Joplin, MO.

Time is of the essence. Our team of well-informed lawyers specializing in sexual misconduct in Joplin, 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.

Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Our Joplin, 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. There are three distinct charges that a person accused of sexual misconduct can face in Joplin and elsewhere in [wdac-state-long], including:

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, sexual misconduct in the first degree is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by a potential jail term of up to 6 months and a fine not exceeding $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 is by far the most serious of sexual misconduct violations. According to 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 is no mandatory minimum sentencing for any of these charges in Joplin, 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 Joplin, 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 Joplin, 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 Joplin, MO or contact us online to talk to one of our lawyers about your case.

Your Rights and the Joplin, MO Sexual Misconduct Legal Process

If you find yourself facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Joplin or anywhere else in [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. Also, 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 Joplin, MO sexual misconduct defense lawyers 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 Joplin, MO sexual misconduct lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will accompany you through every step, ensuring the protection of your rights and striving for the most advantageous legal representation and result. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

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

Even accusations of sexual misconduct can be life-altering in Joplin, 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 Joplin, MO criminal defense lawyer from Combs Waterkotte, especially one who specializes in sexual misconduct cases, is your best course of action to safeguard your rights and construct a strong defense. Our Joplin, MO lawyers will:

• Actively listen to your perspective
• Conduct a full investigation into your case
• Review the evidence and examine how it was obtained
• 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
• Provide a resolute defense if necessary, challenging the jury to determine whether the prosecution has substantiated your charges beyond a reasonable doubt

Our skilled legal team ensures that the residents of Joplin, MO receive fair, effective legal presentation in any situation. In addition to sexual misconduct defense in Joplin, MO, our lawyers are experienced in many forms of law, including:

• Crime Defense Lawyers
• 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 Joplin, 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 Joplin, MO legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte understand this challenge, and we are committed to mitigating the potential consequences that these allegations may cast upon you, your professional life, and your family. It is vital to emphasize that our entire legal system operates on the fundamental tenet that people accused of a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty.

When facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Joplin or elsewhere throughout [wdac-state-long], it is imperative to seek guidance from a seasoned criminal defense lawyer. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Here’s why it’s so critical to at least speak to one of our attorneys who specialize in this area of the law:

• Legal Expertise: Cases involving sexual misconduct are inherently complex from a legal standpoint, regardless of the jurisdiction within Joplin 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 Joplin, 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 Joplin, MO will wholeheartedly champion the preservation of your constitutional rights at every stage of the legal proceedings. This encompasses the assurance that any evidence brought forth against you adheres to admissibility standards and that your entitlement to refrain from self-incrimination is duly upheld.
• Building a Formidable Defense: Our Joplin, 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 Joplin, MO case, we may question the credibility of your accuser or challenge the evidence presented by the prosecutor.
• Negotiation Skills: In certain scenarios, your Joplin, 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.
• Litigation Proficiency: If your case goes to trial in Joplin or anywhere in [wdac-state-long], our sexual misconduct attorney will present your case persuasively, cross-examine witnesses, and steadfastly labor to secure a favorable outcome.

Reach Out to a Sexual Misconduct Lawyer in Joplin, MO Right Away | Combs Waterkotte

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

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