Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Marion County, MO

Sexual misconduct lawyer in Marion County, MO. If you find yourself under arrest or confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Marion County 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 fully comprehend that every scenario has multiple facets, and we acknowledge the emotional and financial difficulties that accompany facing a sexual misconduct charge in Marion County, MOIf you have been arrested or are facing charges for sexual misconduct in Marion County or anywhere else in Missouri, the last thing you want is judgment or sideways glances from your own attorney. 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 defending a sexual misconduct charge in Marion County, MO.

You have no time to waste. Our staff of well-informed sexual misconduct lawyers in Marion County, 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.

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

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 specific charges that a person accused of sexual misconduct can face in Marion County 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, 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.

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. According to 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 are no mandatory minimum sentencing requirements for any of these charges in Marion County, MO. In addition to imprisonment, alternative sentencing options may be considered, including probation, mandatory counseling, and restitution to the victim. Furthermore, if you are convicted of a sex crime in Marion County, MO, you may be required 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 Marion County, MO attorneys are committed 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 Marion County, MO or contact us online to talk to one of our lawyers about your case.

Your Rights and the Marion County, MO Sexual Misconduct Legal Process

If you find yourself facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Marion County or any other part of 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 under the Sixth Amendment, due process under the 14th Amendment, and protection against self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment.

Our sexual misconduct defense attorneys in Marion County, MO can help walk you through the legal process, which can be especially lengthy and complex. It typically involves:

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

Your Marion County, 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 right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

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

Even allegations of sexual misconduct have the potential to drastically impact your life in Marion County, MO. But, with the right legal representation, you can navigate the legal challenges and strive for a positive resolution. Seeking counsel from a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Marion County, MO, particularly one with expertise in sexual misconduct cases, is the most prodent stop to protect your rights and build a robust defense. Our Marion County, 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
• 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 citizens of Marion County, MO receive fair, effective legal presentation in any situation. Along with sexual misconduct defense in Marion County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in numerous types of cases, including:

• Sex Offense Lawyers
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
• Criminal Lawyer
• Juvenile Defense Lawyer
• Traffic Ticket Lawyer

The Importance of Legal Representation in a Marion County, 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, often presuming complete culpability. The Marion County, MO legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte understand this challenge, and we are dedicated to mitigating the potential consequences that these accusations may cast upon you, your professional life, and your family. It is important 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 Marion County or elsewhere throughout Missouri, it is imperative to seek guidance from a seasoned criminal defense attorney. Call us now 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 Expertise: Sexual misconduct cases are legally intricate, no matter the jurisdiction in Marion County or Missouri, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe – either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the aforementioned circumstances. Our tenacious defense attorneys in Marion County, MO have the knowledge and experience to navigate the intricacies of the legal system.
• Protection of Your Rights: Your Combs Waterkotte sexual misconduct attorney in Marion County, 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 Marion 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 Marion County, MO case, we may question the credibility of your accuser or challenge the evidence presented by the prosecutor.
• Negotiation Skills: In certain scenarios, your Marion County, 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.
• Litigation Proficiency: In the event that your case proceeds to trial in Marion County, MO, our sexual misconduct lawyer will present your case persuasively, deftly cross-examine witnesses, and work to secure a favorable verdict.

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

Regardless of the nature or severity of the allegations against you in Marion County, 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 Marion County or anywhere in Missouri.

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