Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Independence, MO

Sexual misconduct lawyer in Independence, MO. If you find yourself under arrest or confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Independence 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 hardships that accompany facing a sexual misconduct charge in Independence, MOIf you have been arrested or are facing charges for sexual misconduct in Independence or anywhere else in Missouri, the last thing you want is judgment or sideways glances from your own lawyer. At Combs Waterkotte, we know that there is always more than one side of the story and we realize the emotional and financial burden of dealing with a sexual misconduct charge in Independence, MO.

Time is of the essence. Our team of well-informed lawyers specializing in sexual misconduct in Independence, MO is wholeheartedly devoted 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.

Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Our Independence, 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 advice.

What is Considered Sexual Misconduct Under Missouri Law?

Sexual misconduct occurs 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. There are three distinct charges that a person accused of sexual misconduct can face in Independence and elsewhere in Missouri, including:

Sexual Misconduct in the First Degree

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. 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

Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.095, sexual misconduct in the second degree is defined as soliciting or requesting another individual 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 stands as the most serious of sexual misconduct offenses. According to 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

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 is no mandatory minimum sentencing for any of these charges in Independence, 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 Independence, 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 Independence, MO lawyers may be able to help petition for your removal under Missouri Revised Statutes § 589.041.

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

Your Rights and the Independence, MO Sexual Misconduct Legal Process

If you find yourself facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Independence 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 are entitled 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 Independence, MO sexual misconduct defense lawyers can help walk you through the legal process, which can be particularly lengthy and complex. It typically involves:

• Investigation
• Evidence gathering
• Pre-trial motions
• Possible plea negotiations
• Trial, if necessary

Your Combs Waterkotte Independence, MO sexual misconduct attorney will accompany you through each stage, making sure that your rights are upheld and that you get the best possible legal representation and outcome. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

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

Even allegations of sexual misconduct have the potential to drastically impact your life in Independence, MO. However, with the assistance of proficient legal representation, you can effectively navigate the legal challenges and strive for a positive resolution. Seeking counsel from a skilled criminal defense attorney in Independence, MO, especially one with expertise in sexual misconduct cases, is the most prodent stop to safeguard your rights and construct a robust defense. Our Independence, MO lawyers will:

• Listen to your side of the story
• Conduct a full investigation into your case
• Review the evidence and the methods used to gather it
• Assess the potential violations of your rights
• Evaluate the reliability of witnesses
• 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 skilled legal team makes sure that the residents of Independence, MO receive fair, effective legal presentation in any situation. In addition to sexual misconduct defense in Independence, MO, our attorneys are experienced in many 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 Independence, 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 Independence, MO attorneys at Combs Waterkotte get this unfortunate difficulty, 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 Independence 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 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 Independence 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 Independence, MO have the knowledge and experience to navigate the intricacies of the legal system.
• Safeguarding Your Rights: Your Combs Waterkotte Independence, MO sexual misconduct attorney will wholeheartedly champion the preservation of your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. This encompasses the assurance that any evidence brought forth against you adheres to admissibility standards and that your entitlement to refrain from self-incrimination is duly upheld.
• Constructing a Formidable Defense: Our Independence, MO criminal defense lawyer will diligently scrutinize 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 Independence, MO case, multiple facets 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 certain scenarios, your Independence, 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. 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.
• Trial Advocacy: In the event that your case proceeds to trial in Independence, MO, our sexual misconduct attorney will present your case persuasively, deftly cross-examine witnesses, and steadfastly labor to secure a favorable outcome.

Contact a Sexual Misconduct Lawyer in Independence, MO Now | Combs Waterkotte

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

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