Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Barton County, MO

Sexual misconduct lawyer in Barton County, MO. If you find yourself under arrest or confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Barton 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 recognize that every situation has multiple facets, and we acknowledge the emotional and financial hardships that accompany facing a sexual misconduct charge in Barton County, MOIf you have been arrested or are facing charges for sexual misconduct in Barton County 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 Barton County, MO.

You have no time to waste. Our team of knowledgeable sexual misconduct lawyers in Barton County, MO is dedicated 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.

Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Our Barton County, MO sex crimes lawyer can meet with you virtually or in-person for a free, no-obligation 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 someone exposes themselves in a manner and circumstance that would cause shock, offense, or alarm, or when people have sexual intercourse in public. There are three specific charges that a person accused of sexual misconduct can face in Barton County and elsewhere in Missouri, including:

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. 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.

Second-Degree Sexual Misconduct

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 jail time 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 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

For a first offense, it is 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 Barton County, MO. In addition to jail time, 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 Barton 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 Barton 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 Barton County, MO or fill out our online contact form to talk to one of our lawyers about your case.

Your Rights and the Sexual Misconduct Legal Process in Barton County, MO

If you’re accused of sexual misconduct in Barton 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. Additionally, you have the right to a fair trial under the Sixth Amendment, due process rights under the 14th Amendment, and protection from self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment.

Our sexual misconduct defense attorneys in Barton 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 Barton County, MO sexual misconduct lawyer 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 today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

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

Even allegations of sexual misconduct can be life-altering in Barton County, MO. However, with the assistance of proficient legal representation, you can effectively navigate the legal complexities and work toward a favorable outcome. Seeking counsel from a skilled criminal defense attorney in Barton County, MO, particularly one with expertise in sexual misconduct cases, is the most prodent stop to protect your rights and construct a robust defense. Our Barton County, MO attorneys will:

• Actively listen to your perspective
• Initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the details of your case
• Scrutinize the evidence and examine how it was obtained
• Assess the potential violations of your rights
• Examine witness reliability
• 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 experienced legal team makes sure that the residents of Barton County, MO receive fair, effective legal presentation in any situation. Along with sexual misconduct defense in Barton County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in numerous forms of law, 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 Sexual Misconduct Case in Barton 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 Barton County, MO legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte understand this hardship, and we are committed to mitigating the potential consequences that these allegations may cast upon you, your professional life, and your family. It is vital 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 Barton County or any other location within Missouri, it is imperative to seek guidance from a seasoned criminal defense lawyer. Give us a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Here’s why it’s so critical to at least speak to one of our lawyers who specialize in this area of the law:

• Legal Expertise: Sexual misconduct cases are legally intricate, regardless of the jurisdiction in Barton 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 Barton County, MO possess the knowledge and experience to navigate the intricacies of the legal system.
• Safeguarding Your Rights: Your Combs Waterkotte Barton County, MO sexual misconduct attorney will work tirelessly to safeguard your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. This encompasses the assurance that any evidence obtained against you is admissible and that your rights against self-incrimination are respected.
• Constructing a Formidable Defense: Our Barton County, MO criminal defense lawyer will investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations against you, gather evidence, and forge an unwavering, impenetrable defense strategy. It is imperative to bear in mind that in any Barton County, MO case, multiple aspects exist to the narrative, and contingent upon the specifics 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 Barton 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.
• Trial Advocacy: In the event that your case proceeds to trial in Barton County or anywhere in Missouri, our sexual misconduct attorney will articulately present your case, cross-examine witnesses, and steadfastly labor to secure a favorable outcome.

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

No matter the nature or severity of the accusations lodged against you in Barton County, 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 Barton County or anywhere in Missouri.

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