Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Bolivar, MO

Sexual misconduct lawyer in Bolivar, MO. If you find yourself under arrest or confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Bolivar 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 fully comprehend that every scenario has multiple facets, and we acknowledge the emotional and financial difficulties that accompany facing a sexual misconduct charge in Bolivar, MOIf you have been arrested or are facing charges for sexual misconduct in Bolivar or anywhere else in Missouri, the last thing you want is judgment or sideways glances from your own lawyer. At Combs Waterkotte, we fully understand that there is always more than one side of the story and we recognize the emotional and financial hardship of defending a sexual misconduct charge in Bolivar, MO.

Time is of the essence. Our team of knowledgeable lawyers specializing in sexual misconduct in Bolivar, MO is wholeheartedly committed to protecting your rights and mounting a vigorous defense on your behalf. With our substantial experience and abundant resources, we are fully equipped to pursue the most favorable resolution for your case.

Give us a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Our Bolivar, 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 guidance.

What is Considered Sexual Misconduct Under Missouri 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. Allegations of sexual misconduct in Bolivar and throughout Missouri can lead to three specific 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, 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.

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 jail time and a fine not exceeding $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

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 Bolivar, 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 Bolivar, 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. Additionally, our skilled Bolivar, MO lawyers may be able to help petition for your removal under Missouri Revised Statutes § 589.041.

Give Combs Waterkotte a call right away if you are facing any of the above allegations in Bolivar, MO or fill out our online contact form to talk to one of our lawyers about your case.

Your Rights and the Bolivar, MO Sexual Misconduct Legal Process

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

Our Bolivar, 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 Bolivar, 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 contact us online.

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

Even allegations of sexual misconduct can be life-altering in Bolivar, MO. However, with the right legal representation, you can navigate the legal challenges and work toward a favorable outcome. Consulting with a skilled Bolivar, MO criminal defense lawyer from Combs Waterkotte, especially one who specializes in sexual misconduct cases, is your best course of action to protect your rights and build a strong defense. Our Bolivar, MO lawyers will:

• Actively listen to your perspective
• 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
• 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 Bolivar, MO receive fair, effective legal presentation in any situation. In addition to sexual misconduct defense in Bolivar, MO, our lawyers are experienced in numerous types of cases, including:

• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Assault Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer
• Sex Offense Lawyers
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer

The Importance of Legal Representation in a Bolivar, 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 Bolivar, MO legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte understand this challenge, and we are dedicated to mitigating the potential consequences that these allegations 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 facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Bolivar or elsewhere throughout Missouri, it’s critical to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Give us a call right away 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 Proficiency: Sexual misconduct cases are legally intricate, no matter the jurisdiction in Bolivar 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 Bolivar, MO possess the knowledge and experience to navigate the intricacies of the legal system.
• Safeguarding Your Rights: Your Combs Waterkotte Bolivar, MO sexual misconduct attorney will wholeheartedly champion the preservation of your constitutional rights at every stage of the legal proceedings. This includes ensuring that any evidence brought forth against you is admissible and that your rights against self-incrimination are respected.
• Constructing a Formidable Defense: Our Bolivar, MO criminal defense lawyer will investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations against you, amass pertinent evidence, and forge an unwavering, impenetrable defense strategy. It is imperative to bear in mind that in any Bolivar, MO case, numerous facets exist to the narrative, and contingent upon the particulars of your situation, we may cast doubt on the credibility of the accuser or contest the evidence introduced by the prosecution.
• Negotiation Skills: In some situations, your Bolivar, 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. 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 Bolivar, MO, our sexual misconduct lawyer will articulately present your case, deftly cross-examine witnesses, and steadfastly labor to secure a favorable verdict.

Reach Out to a Sexual Misconduct Lawyer in Bolivar, MO Now | Combs Waterkotte

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

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