Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Ray County, MO

Sexual misconduct lawyer in Ray County, MO. If you find yourself under arrest or confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Ray County 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 scenario has multiple aspects, and we acknowledge the emotional and financial difficulties that accompany facing a sexual misconduct charge in Ray County, MOIf you have been arrested or are facing charges for sexual misconduct in Ray County 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 hardship of dealing with a sexual misconduct charge in Ray County, MO.

You have no time to waste. Our team of knowledgeable sexual misconduct attorneys in Ray 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 as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Our Ray County, MO sex crimes attorney can meet with you virtually or in-person for a free, no-strings-attached consultation to discuss the specifics of your case and offer expert legal advice.

What is Considered Sexual Misconduct Under [wdac-state-long] Law?

Sexual misconduct takes place when someone exposes themselves in a manner and circumstance that would cause shock, offense, or alarm, or when people have sexual intercourse in public. Accusations of sexual misconduct in Ray County and throughout [wdac-state-long] can lead to three distinct charges, which include:

Sexual Misconduct in the First Degree

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. In the case of a second conviction, it elevates to 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 stands as the most serious of sexual misconduct offenses. Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.083, a person is charged with sexual misconduct involving a child when 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 Ray County, 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 Ray County, 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 Ray County, MO lawyers may be able to help petition for your removal under Missouri Revised Statutes § 589.041.

If you are facing any of the above charges in Ray County, MO, call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online contact form to speak with one of our attorneys about your case.

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

If you’re accused of sexual misconduct in Ray County or anywhere else in [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 have the right to a fair trial in accordance with the Sixth Amendment, due process rights under the 14th Amendment, and protection against self-incrimination as stipulated in the Fifth Amendment.

Our sexual misconduct defense lawyers in Ray County, MO can help walk 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 Ray County, MO sexual misconduct attorney will guide 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 now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

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

Even accusations of sexual misconduct can be life-altering in Ray County, MO. However, with the right legal representation, you can effectively navigate the legal complexities and strive for a positive resolution. Consulting with a skilled Ray County, MO criminal defense lawyer from Combs Waterkotte, particularly one who specializes in sexual misconduct cases, is your best course of action to protect your rights and build a strong defense. Our Ray County, MO attorneys will:

• Actively listen to your perspective
• 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
• Look for inconsistencies in the accuser’s story
• Negotiate with prosecutors to have your charges reduced or even dismissed
• 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 makes sure that the citizens of Ray County, MO receive fair, effective legal presentation in any situation. In addition to sexual misconduct defense in Ray County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in many types of cases, 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 Ray County, 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 Ray County, MO lawyers at Combs Waterkotte get this unfortunate difficulty, 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 confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Ray County or any other location within [wdac-state-long], it’s critical to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. 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 lawyers in this field:

• Legal Expertise: Sexual misconduct cases are legally intricate, regardless of the jurisdiction in Ray County or [wdac-state-long], and the consequences of a conviction can be severe – either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the aforementioned circumstances. Our tenacious defense attorneys in Ray County, MO have the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of the legal system.
• Protection of Your Rights: Your Combs Waterkotte sexual misconduct attorney in Ray County, MO will work tirelessly to safeguard 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 Strong Defense: Our Ray County, MO criminal defense lawyer will investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations against you, gather 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 Ray 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 Ray County, 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: In the event that your case proceeds to trial in Ray County, MO, our sexual misconduct attorney will articulately present your case, deftly cross-examine witnesses, and work to secure a favorable verdict.

Contact a Sexual Misconduct Lawyer in Ray County, MO Now | Combs Waterkotte

Regardless of the nature or severity of the allegations against you in Ray County, MO, Combs Waterkotte was founded on helping good people caught in bad situations. We believe that you deserve an expert and dedicated professional defense team when you are facing criminal charges in Ray County or anywhere in [wdac-state-long].

Give Combs Waterkotte’s Ray County, MO sexual misconduct defense lawyer a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review.