Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Forsyth, MO

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

Time is of the essence. Our staff of knowledgeable lawyers specializing in sexual misconduct in Forsyth, MO is wholeheartedly devoted to protecting 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.

Give us a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Our Forsyth, MO sex crimes attorney can meet with you virtually or in-person for a free, no-strings-attached 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. Accusations of sexual misconduct in Forsyth and throughout Missouri can lead to three specific charges, which include:

Sexual Misconduct in the First Degree

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 may entail imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of up to $2,000.

Sexual Misconduct in the Second Degree

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 violations. 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, 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 Forsyth, 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 Forsyth, 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 Forsyth, 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 Forsyth, 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 Forsyth, MO

If you’re accused of sexual misconduct in Forsyth or any other part of Missouri, it is crucial to understand your rights, including the presumption of innocence, the right to remain silent, and the right to legal counsel. Also, you have the right to a fair trial under the Sixth Amendment, due process rights under the 14th Amendment, and protection against self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment.

Our sexual misconduct defense lawyers in Forsyth, 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 Forsyth, 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 now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

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

Even allegations of sexual misconduct can be life-altering in Forsyth, MO. But, with the assistance of proficient legal representation, you can navigate the legal complexities and strive for a positive resolution. Consulting with a skilled Forsyth, MO criminal defense lawyer from Combs Waterkotte, especially one who specializes in sexual misconduct cases, is your best course of action to safeguard your rights and construct a strong defense. Our Forsyth, MO attorneys will:

• Listen to your side of the story
• Conduct a full investigation into your case
• Scrutinize the evidence and the methods used to gather it
• Determine if your rights were violated
• 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 skilled legal team ensures that the residents of Forsyth, MO receive fair, effective legal presentation in any situation. Along with sexual misconduct defense in Forsyth, MO, our lawyers are experienced in many 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 Sexual Misconduct Case in Forsyth, MO

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 100 percent at fault. The Forsyth, MO attorneys at Combs Waterkotte get it, and we fight to limit the impact these charges can have on you, your job, and your family. After all, our entire legal system operates under the principle that people are innocent until proven guilty.

When facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Forsyth or elsewhere throughout Missouri, it’s critical to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Here’s why it’s so critical 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, no matter the jurisdiction in Forsyth 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 Forsyth, MO have the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of the legal system.
• Safeguarding Your Rights: Your Combs Waterkotte sexual misconduct attorney in Forsyth, MO will wholeheartedly champion the preservation of your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. This encompasses the assurance 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 Forsyth, MO criminal defense lawyer will diligently scrutinize 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 Forsyth, MO case, we may question the credibility of your accuser or challenge the evidence presented by the prosecutor.
• Negotiation Skills: In certain scenarios, your Forsyth, MO Combs Waterkotte attorney 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.
• Litigation Proficiency: If your case goes to trial in Forsyth or anywhere in Missouri, our sexual misconduct lawyer will present your case persuasively, deftly cross-examine witnesses, and work to secure a favorable outcome.

Connect With a Forsyth, MO Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Today | Combs Waterkotte

Regardless of the nature or severity of the accusations lodged against you in Forsyth, 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 Forsyth or anywhere in Missouri.

Call a Combs Waterkotte sexual misconduct defense attorney in Forsyth, MO right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free case review.