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Springfield, MO

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Posted by Emily Herr on November 1, 2023

Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Springfield, MO

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

You have no time to waste. Our staff of well-informed sexual misconduct attorneys in Springfield, MO is dedicated to protecting 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 immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Our Springfield, MO sex crimes attorney can meet with you virtually or in-person for a free, no-strings-attached consultation to speak about the specifics of your case and offer expert legal guidance.

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

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 distinct charges that a person accused of sexual misconduct can face in Springfield 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, which carries with it up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $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

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. Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.083, an individual commits 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO Sexual Misconduct Legal Process

If you find yourself facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Springfield or anywhere else in Missouri, it is imperative to be aware of your rights, including the presumption of innocence, the right to remain silent, and the right to legal counsel. Furthermore, you are entitled to a fair trial under the Sixth Amendment, due process rights under the 14th Amendment, and protection from self-incrimination as stipulated in the Fifth Amendment.

Our Springfield, MO sexual misconduct defense lawyers are here to guide 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 Springfield, 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. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

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

Even accusations of sexual misconduct have the potential to drastically impact your life in Springfield, MO. But, with the assistance of proficient legal representation, you can effectively navigate the legal challenges and work toward a favorable outcome. Consulting with a skilled Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO attorneys will:

  • Actively listen to your perspective
  • Initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the details of your case
  • Review the evidence and the methods used to gather it
  • 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
  • Provide a resolute defense if necessary, challenging the jury to determine whether the prosecution has substantiated your charges beyond a reasonable doubt

Our experienced legal team ensures that the residents of Springfield, MO receive fair, effective legal presentation in any situation. In addition to sexual misconduct defense in Springfield, MO, our lawyers are experienced in many forms of law, including:

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

The Importance of Legal Representation in a Sexual Misconduct Case in Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO lawyers 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 premise that individuals are innocent until proven guilty.

When facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Springfield or any other location within Missouri, it’s critical to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Give us a call today 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: Sexual misconduct cases are legally intricate, no matter the jurisdiction in Springfield 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 Springfield, MO possess the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of the legal system.
  • Safeguarding Your Rights: Your Combs Waterkotte Springfield, MO sexual misconduct attorney will wholeheartedly champion the preservation of your constitutional rights at every stage of the legal proceedings. This encompasses the assurance that any evidence obtained against you is admissible and that your rights against self-incrimination are respected.
  • Building a Strong Defense: Our Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO case, we may question the credibility of your accuser or challenge the evidence presented by the prosecutor.
  • Negotiating Expertise: In some situations, your Springfield, 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.
  • Litigation Proficiency: In the event that your case proceeds to trial in Springfield, MO, our sexual misconduct lawyer will present your case persuasively, cross-examine witnesses, and steadfastly labor to secure a favorable outcome.

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

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

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

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