Sexual Misconduct Lawyer St. Louis County, MO

Sexual misconduct lawyer in St. Louis County, MO. If you find yourself under arrest or confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in St. Louis County or any other location within Missouri, the last thing you need is a defense lawyer who approaches your case with judgmental attitudes or suspicious glances. At Combs Waterkotte, we recognize that every situation has multiple facets, and we acknowledge the emotional and financial difficulties that accompany facing a sexual misconduct charge in St. Louis County, MOIf you have been arrested or are facing charges for sexual misconduct in St. Louis 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 hardship of dealing with a sexual misconduct charge in St. Louis County, MO.

Time is of the essence. Our staff of knowledgeable attorneys specializing in sexual misconduct in St. Louis County, MO is wholeheartedly committed to safeguarding 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 immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Our St. Louis 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 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. Allegations of sexual misconduct in St. Louis County and throughout Missouri can lead to three distinct 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, 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.

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 individual 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 violations. Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.083, an individual commits 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 are no mandatory minimum sentencing requirements for any of these charges in St. Louis County, MO. Along with imprisonment, alternative sentencing options may be considered, including probation, mandatory counseling, and restitution to the victim. Additionally, if you are convicted of a sex crime in St. Louis County, MO, you may be obligated 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 St. Louis County, 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.

Give Combs Waterkotte a call right now if you are facing any of the above allegations in St. Louis County, MO or contact us online to talk to one of our lawyers about your case.

Your Rights and the Sexual Misconduct Legal Process in St. Louis County, MO

If you’re accused of sexual misconduct in St. Louis County or anywhere else in 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 are entitled to a fair trial in accordance with the Sixth Amendment, due process rights under the 14th Amendment, and protection against self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment.

Our St. Louis County, 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 St. Louis County, 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. Give us a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

How a St. Louis County, MO Sexual Misconduct Attorney From Combs Waterkotte Can Help

Even allegations of sexual misconduct have the potential to drastically impact your life in St. Louis County, MO. But, with the right legal representation, you can effectively navigate the legal challenges and work toward a favorable outcome. Consulting with a skilled St. Louis 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 St. Louis County, MO attorneys will:

• Listen to your side of the story
• Initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the details of your case
• Scrutinize the evidence and the methods used to gather it
• Determine if your rights were violated
• Examine witness reliability
• Search for any inconsistencies in the accuser’s account
• Negotiate with prosecutors to have your charges reduced or even dismissed
• 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 citizens of St. Louis County, MO receive fair, effective legal presentation in any situation. In addition to sexual misconduct defense in St. Louis County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in numerous forms of law, including:

• Weapons Crime Attorney
• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer
• Drug Crimes Lawyer
• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer

The Importance of Legal Representation in a Sexual Misconduct Case in St. Louis County, 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 St. Louis County, 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 important to emphasize that our entire legal system operates on the premise that individuals accused of a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty.

When confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in St. Louis County or elsewhere throughout Missouri, it’s critical to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Here’s why it’s so important to at least speak to one of our attorneys who specialize in this area of the law:

• Legal Proficiency: Sexual misconduct cases are legally intricate, regardless of the jurisdiction in St. Louis 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 St. Louis County, MO have the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of the legal system.
• Safeguarding Your Rights: Your Combs Waterkotte St. Louis County, MO sexual misconduct attorney will work tirelessly to safeguard your constitutional rights at every stage of the legal proceedings. This includes ensuring that any evidence obtained against you adheres to admissibility standards and that your entitlement to refrain from self-incrimination is duly upheld.
• Constructing a Strong Defense: Our St. Louis County, MO criminal defense lawyer will investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations against you, amass pertinent 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 St. Louis County, MO case, we may question the credibility of your accuser or challenge the evidence presented by the prosecutor.
• Negotiation Skills: In some situations, your St. Louis County, MO Combs Waterkotte lawyer 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. It is paramount to underscore that the ultimate decision always rests with you; nonetheless, all our legal counsel is grounded in our genuine belief of what serves your best interests.
• Litigation Proficiency: In the event that your case proceeds to trial in St. Louis County, MO, our sexual misconduct lawyer will present your case persuasively, cross-examine witnesses, and steadfastly labor to secure a favorable verdict.

Reach Out to a Sexual Misconduct Lawyer in St. Louis County, MO Today | Combs Waterkotte

Irrespective of the character or gravity of the allegations against you in St. Louis County, MO, Combs Waterkotte was established with the mission of providing support to good individuals caught in bad circumstances. We firmly maintain that you are entitled to a proficient and unwavering team of defense specialists as you confront criminal charges, be it in St. Louis County or elsewhere in Missouri.

Call a Combs Waterkotte sexual misconduct defense attorney in St. Louis County, MO right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.