Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Springfield, MO

Sexual misconduct lawyer in Springfield, MO. If you find yourself under arrest or confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Springfield 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 aspects, and we acknowledge the emotional and financial hardships that accompany facing a sexual misconduct charge in Springfield, MOIf you have been arrested or are facing charges for sexual misconduct in Springfield 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 hardship of defending a sexual misconduct charge in Springfield, MO.

You have no time to waste. Our team of well-informed sexual misconduct attorneys in Springfield, MO is devoted to safeguarding 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 Springfield, MO sex crimes lawyer 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 guidance.

What is Considered Sexual Misconduct Under Missouri Law?

Sexual misconduct takes place 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 Springfield and throughout Missouri can lead to three distinct charges, which include:

First-Degree Sexual Misconduct

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. 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.

Second-Degree Sexual Misconduct

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 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 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

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 Springfield, 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO lawyers are dedicated 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.

If you are facing any of the above charges in Springfield, 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 Sexual Misconduct Legal Process in Springfield, MO

If you find yourself facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Springfield or any other part of Missouri, 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. Furthermore, you have the right to a fair trial under the Sixth Amendment, due process under the 14th Amendment, and protection from self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment.

Our Springfield, MO sexual misconduct defense lawyers 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 Springfield, MO sexual misconduct attorney 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 reach out to us online.

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

Even accusations of sexual misconduct have the potential to drastically impact your life in Springfield, MO. However, with the right legal representation, you can effectively navigate the legal challenges and strive for a positive resolution. Consulting with a skilled Springfield, 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 construct a strong defense. Our Springfield, MO attorneys will:

• Listen to your side of the story
• Initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the details of your case
• Review the evidence and examine how it was obtained
• Assess the potential violations of your rights
• Evaluate the reliability of witnesses
• Look for inconsistencies in the accuser’s story
• 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 Springfield, MO receive fair, effective legal presentation in any situation. In addition to sexual misconduct defense in Springfield, MO, our lawyers 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 Springfield, MO Sexual Misconduct Case

It is truly unfortunate in our society that if you’re facing allegations of sexual misconduct, many will instantly and automatically judge you to be entirely at fault. The Springfield, MO lawyers at Combs Waterkotte get it, and we fight to limit the impact these charges can have on you, your career, and your family. After all, our entire legal system operates under the premise that individuals are innocent until proven guilty.

When confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Springfield or any other location within Missouri, it’s critical to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Call us today 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: Sexual misconduct cases are legally intricate, regardless of the jurisdiction in Springfield 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 Springfield, MO possess the knowledge and experience to navigate the intricacies of the legal system.
• Protection of Your Rights: Your Combs Waterkotte sexual misconduct attorney in Springfield, MO will work tirelessly to safeguard your constitutional rights at every stage of the legal proceedings. This includes ensuring that any evidence obtained against you is admissible and that your rights against self-incrimination are respected.
• Constructing a Formidable Defense: Our Springfield, MO criminal defense lawyer will investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations against you, gather evidence, and build a robust and impermeable defense strategy. It is imperative to bear in mind that in any Springfield, MO case, numerous facets 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 Springfield, MO Combs Waterkotte lawyer 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 Springfield or anywhere in Missouri, our sexual misconduct lawyer will articulately present your case, cross-examine witnesses, and work to secure a favorable verdict.

Contact a Springfield, MO Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Today | Combs Waterkotte

Regardless of the nature or severity of the accusations lodged against you in Springfield, MO, Combs Waterkotte was founded on helping good people in bad situations. We believe that you deserve an expert and dedicated professional defense team when you are facing criminal charges in Springfield or anywhere in Missouri.

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