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Plattsburg, MO

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Posted by Emily Herr on November 1, 2023

Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Plattsburg, MO

Sexual misconduct lawyer in Plattsburg, MO. If you find yourself under arrest or confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Plattsburg 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 scenario has multiple facets, and we acknowledge the emotional and financial difficulties that accompany facing a sexual misconduct charge in Plattsburg, MOIf you have been arrested or are facing charges for sexual misconduct in Plattsburg or anywhere else in Missouri, the last thing you want is judgment or sideways glances from your own attorney. 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 Plattsburg, MO.

Time is of the essence. Our staff of well-informed attorneys specializing in sexual misconduct in Plattsburg, MO is wholeheartedly devoted 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.

Give us a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Our Plattsburg, MO sex crimes attorney can meet with you virtually or in-person for a free, no-obligation case review to discuss the specifics of your case and offer expert legal guidance.

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Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Plattsburg, MO | Plattsburg, MO Criminal Defense | Combs Waterkotte

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 Plattsburg and throughout Missouri can lead to three specific charges, which include:

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 may entail imprisonment for up to one year 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 is by far the most serious of sexual misconduct offenses. Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.083, an individual 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, 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 is no mandatory minimum sentencing for any of these charges in Plattsburg, 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 Plattsburg, 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 Plattsburg, MO lawyers may be able to help petition for your removal under Missouri Revised Statutes § 589.041.

If you are facing any of the above charges in Plattsburg, MO, call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our online contact form to speak with one of our attorneys about your case.

Your Rights and the Plattsburg, MO Sexual Misconduct Legal Process

If you find yourself facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Plattsburg 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 in accordance with the Sixth Amendment, due process under the 14th Amendment, and protection against self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment.

Our sexual misconduct defense lawyers in Plattsburg, 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 Combs Waterkotte Plattsburg, MO sexual misconduct attorney will guide 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 right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

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

Even accusations of sexual misconduct can be life-altering in Plattsburg, 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 an adept criminal defense lawyer in Plattsburg, MO, particularly one with expertise in sexual misconduct cases, is the most prodent stop to protect your rights and construct a robust defense. Our Plattsburg, MO attorneys 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
  • 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 makes sure that the citizens of Plattsburg, MO receive fair, effective legal presentation in any situation. In addition to sexual misconduct defense in Plattsburg, MO, our lawyers are experienced in numerous types of cases, including:

Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Plattsburg, MO | Sex Crimes Attorney in Plattsburg, MO | Combs Waterkotte

The Importance of Legal Representation in a Sexual Misconduct Case in Plattsburg, MO

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 Plattsburg, MO attorneys at Combs Waterkotte get this unfortunate difficulty, and we fight to limit the impact these allegations can have on you, your career, and your family. After all, our entire legal system operates under the principle that individuals are innocent until proven guilty.

When confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Plattsburg or elsewhere throughout Missouri, it’s critical to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Call us right away 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 lawyers in this field:

  • Legal Expertise: Cases involving sexual misconduct are inherently intricate from a legal standpoint, regardless of the jurisdiction within Plattsburg or Missouri. The potential ramifications of a conviction can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, contingent on the aforementioned circumstances. Our determined defense lawyers in Plattsburg, MO possess the profound legal knowledge and experience necessary to adeptly navigate the intricacies of the legal system.
  • Protection of Your Rights: Your Combs Waterkotte sexual misconduct attorney in Plattsburg, MO will work tirelessly to safeguard your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. This encompasses the assurance that any evidence brought forth against you is admissible and that your rights against self-incrimination are respected.
  • Building a Strong Defense: Our Plattsburg, MO criminal defense lawyer will investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations against you, gather evidence, and build a robust and impermeable defense strategy. It is imperative to bear in mind that in any Plattsburg, MO case, multiple facets exist to the narrative, and contingent upon the particulars 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 Plattsburg, MO Combs Waterkotte lawyer 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.
  • Trial Advocacy: In the event that your case proceeds to trial in Plattsburg or anywhere in Missouri, our sexual misconduct lawyer will articulately present your case, cross-examine witnesses, and steadfastly labor to secure a favorable outcome.

Contact a Sexual Misconduct Lawyer in Plattsburg, MO Right Away | Combs Waterkotte

Regardless of the nature or severity of the allegations against you in Plattsburg, MO, Combs Waterkotte was founded on helping good people in bad situations. We believe that you deserve an expert and committed professional defense team when you are facing criminal charges in Plattsburg or anywhere in Missouri.

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

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