St. Joseph, MO

Sex Crimes Attorney in St. Joseph, MO

If you are facing accusations related to sex crimes in St. Joseph, Missouri, Combs Waterkotte is here for you and ready to talk about how our experienced sex crimes lawyers in St. Joseph, MO can help you. Get in touch with our expert team for a free review of your case online through our form or via (314) 900-HELP.

The consequences are serious, but you still have protections under the law. You require the aid of a skilled and experienced sex crimes attorney in St. Louis to protect your rights and defend your case. Sex crimes carry serious consequences, which can include prison time, substantial fines, and mandatory sex offender registration. Below, our experienced sex crimes defense lawyers discuss the various categories of sex crime charges in Missouri, the potential consequences of a conviction, and how a capable defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte can advocate you when you are accused of a sex crime.

Sex Crime Charges in Missouri

Sex crimes in Missouri span a wide range in terms of substance, gravity, and potential sentences, ranging from sexual assault and rape to child pornography and sexual misconduct involving a minor. Some of the most prevalent sex crime charges in St. Joseph, Missouri include:

• Rape: Rape is defined as non-consensual sexual activity or penetration. It is a grave felony offense that carries a prison sentence ranging from five years in prison to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute 566.030.
• Sexual assault: Sexual assault describes any non-consensual physical contact, including touching. It is also a serious felony offense that can result in a penal sentence of up to 30 years.
• Statutory rape: Statutory rape occurs when an individual engages in sexual activity with a minor. Children under the age of consent are treated as too young to be capable of giving informed consent. The age of consent in Missouri is 17 years old, and an adult who engages in sexual activity with a child under the age of 14 can result in charges of statutory rape in the first degree.
• Child pornography: Child pornography involves the creation, distribution, or possession of obscene images or videos depicting children under the age of 18. It is a severe D or B felony offense that can result in a penal sentence of up to 30 years, and pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute 573.037, you could be subject to separate sentences for each article of child pornography you are accused of possessing.
• Sexual misconduct with a minor: Sexual misconduct with a minor is defined in Missouri law as sexual contact with a minor who is less than 15 years of age, including acts such as exposing one’s genitals or coercing the minor to expose their genitals or breasts. Other forms of sexual misconduct are also illegal in Missouri, but sexual misconduct with a minor is the most egregious offense under Missouri Revised Statute 566.083, often a class D or E felony, and can result in a prison sentence and other consequences.

Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in St. Joseph, Missouri

If you are found guilty of a sex crime in Missouri, you are subject to severe consequences that can impact your life for many years. Each case is different and depends on the evidence presented, the nature of what took place, your previous criminal history, the judge presiding over your case, and competence of your defense lawyer and other factors. Though the consequences of any criminal record are many, some of the primary consequences of a sex crime conviction in St. Louis or Missouri include:

1. Prison time: Depending on the seriousness of the offense and Missouri law sentencing guidelines, you could face years or even life in prison.
2. Fines: As is the case in many criminal felony and misdemeanor charges, you may have to pay significant fines and court costs.
3. Mandatory registration as a sex offender: If you are found guilty of a sex crime in Missouri, you will be obligated to register as a sex offender for the remainder of your life. This can greatly limit your employment opportunities, housing options, and personal relationships.
4. Damage to your reputation: A sex crime conviction will ostensibly harm your reputation and affect some of the relationships in your life, from romantic relationships to friends, colleagues, family members, and neighbors.
5. Lasting restrictions in your life: The permanent nature of Missouri’s sex offender registry along with the many consequences of a felony conviction, from losing the right to vote and own a firearm to being excluded from jobs, leases, and other opportunities due to background checks, makes it extraordinarily difficult to rebuild your life, even after you’ve served your sentence.

How a Sex Crimes Attorney in St. Joseph, MO Can Help You

When you hire Chris Combs to represent you in your Missouri sex offense case in St. Joseph, MO, you enjoy vital and thoughtfully considered legal guidance and representation throughout your case. An experienced legal attorney in St. Louis can help you by working hard to defend and protect, including:

1. Investigating the charges: Your attorney will investigate the charges against you, interview witnesses, and collect evidence to build a compelling defense.
2. Legal advice: We will offer you legal advice regarding your case, address your questions and help you understand what to expect before every step throughout the process.
3. Negotiating: In some cases, as your defense attorney we can engage in negotiations with the prosecutor to drop the charges, minimize the charges to lesser crimes, or come to a pre-plea agreement to prevent the downfalls of a conviction.
4. Court representation: We’ll be by your side at every court appearance. Standing in front of a judge can be daunting and it can be challenging to know what to do. A sex crimes attorney in St. Louis will represent you in court and make your defense to a judge and jury.
5. Plea bargains: If you opt not to go to trial or achieving the case dismissed is not an option, we can discuss a plea bargain to land you a lesser sentence than you would otherwise face.

This situation does not have to destroy the life you’ve built. With a criminal defense attorney dedicated to your case, you have a chance. As a leading law firm in St. Joseph, Missouri, Combs Waterkotte recognizes the grave nature of sex crime charges and the harmful consequences they can have on individuals and their families. Our seasoned sex crimes attorneys have skillfully defended numerous clients against a variety of sex crime and other criminal charges, and we are devoted to offering our clients with the best possible legal representation.

Other cases we take on in St. Joseph, MO include:

• 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
• Criminal Lawyer

St. Louis Sex Crimes Attorney: Protecting Your Rights and Future

Being charged with a sex crime is an undeniably life-altering experience, with the potential for harsh legal penalties and an unquantifiable social cost. At Combs Waterkotte, we recognize the emotional and financial burden of dealing with a sex crime charge, and we are here to assist you manage this difficult time.

Our team of seasoned St. Louis sex crimes attorneys is dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting for your future. We have the know-how, experience, and resources needed to offer you with the best possible legal representation, and we are committed to helping you obtain the best possible outcome in your case. You have no time to waste. Call (314) 900-HELP now.