Franklin County, MO

Sex offense lawyers in Franklin County, MO. Being accused or charged with a sex offense in Franklin County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri can be a life-changing experience. The stigma, potential legal repercussions, and social and professional consequences make it imperative to have a skilled and dedicated sex offense lawyer.

If you or a loved one is facing these charges, call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-strings-attached consultation with one of our sex offense lawyers. There, you can discuss the specifics of your case and get expert legal advice and guidance on your next steps.

Sex Offense Lawyers in Franklin County, MO: Understanding Sex Offenses in the Franklin County, MO Area

Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in the Franklin County, MO area. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing these charges. Additionally, the enduring shadow of doubt or shame that gets cast over your life due to even being accused of a sexual offense is enough to want to get this quickly resolved.

The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Franklin County, MO offer a perfect blend of practical experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and over 275 reviews speak for themselves.

Sex Offense Lawyers in Franklin County, MO: Sex Crimes in Franklin County, MO

Missouri law classifies sex offenses into several categories, each with specific definitions and associated penalties. Here are some of the most common sex offenses as defined under Missouri Revised Statutes:

• Rape: Rape involves non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often accompanied by force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. According to RSMo. § 566.030, rape is a severe felony with potential prison sentences ranging from 5 years to life.
• Sodomy: The charge of sodomy involves oral or anal sexual conduct with another person without their consent. Statutory sodomy refers to deviate sexual intercourse with someone under 14 years old.
• Sexual Abuse/Assault: Sexual abuse or assault includes various forms of non-consensual sexual behavior, such as inappropriate touching or groping, which do not meet the criteria for rape or sodomy but still involve criminal exploitation or harm.
• Statutory Rape: Statutory rape is defined as engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor below the legal age of consent. In Missouri, the age of consent is 17, and sexual activity with a minor under 14 can lead to charges of statutory rape in the first degree.
• Sexual Misconduct With a Minor: A charge of sexual misconduct with a minor involves inappropriate sexual contact with a minor under 15 years old. This includes actions like exposing one’s genitals or coercing the minor to expose their genitals or breasts. While various forms of sexual misconduct are criminal, this particular offense is the most serious under RSMo. § 566.083, often a class D or class E felony.
• Child Pornography: This crime entails producing, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit materials featuring minors. In Franklin County, MO, and Missouri at large, child pornography offenses are classified as class D or class B felony offenses under RSMo. § 573.037. Each instance of possession, creation, or distribution is treated as a separate offense.
• Sexual Exploitation: Sexual exploitation involves using minors or vulnerable individuals for sexual purposes, like creating explicit content. Charges can range based on specifics, frequently involving trafficking or exploiting minors.
• Sexual Contact With a Student: This charge typically refers to sexual interactions between a teacher, school employee, or volunteer, and a student in the same school district. Sexual contact with a student is a serious offense in Franklin County, MO, due to the power imbalance and the potential for exploiting the student.

These sex offenses can result in different levels of penalties based on factors such as the age of the victim, the extent of force used, the relationship between you and the victim, and any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The Franklin County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the gravity of these allegations and will defend you against them. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Sex Offense Lawyers in Franklin County, MO: Penalties for Convictions

Penalties for a sex offense conviction in Franklin County, MO can include:

• Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of the offense, you could be facing a prison sentence ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
• Fines: Similar to many other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges, substantial fines and court costs could be imposed.
• Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: If convicted, you will have to register as a sex offender likely for life, which will affect job prospects, housing options, and personal relationships throughout the Franklin County, MO area.
• Damage to Your Reputation and Lasting Restrictions: A conviction can seriously harm your reputation and affect relationships with coworkers, loved ones, family members, and neighbors. The enduring or permanent nature of these convictions in the Franklin County, MO area makes it difficult to restore your life even after serving your sentence.

Why You Need the Franklin County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side

Regardless of the gravity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is ready to assist. Our knowledgeable lawyers provide:

Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Franklin County, MO

Our attorneys specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay current on changes in Franklin County, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, making sure your defense is grounded in the most current legal standards in the state.

Comprehensive Case Evaluation

A knowledgeable Franklin County, MO sex offense lawyer carefully scrutinizes all evidence against you, including witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.

Defending Your Rights in Franklin County, MO

Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Franklin County, MO legal process is critical. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will defend your rights at every stage – from interrogations and investigations to court proceedings if necessary. Reach out to our legal team right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Strategic Defense Planning

Every case is different, requiring a tailored defense strategy. Whether it involves challenging the credibility of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea bargains, our sex offense lawyers will craft a robust strategy tailored to your specific situation.

Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout Your Case in Franklin County, MO

The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers are genuinely concerned about their clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This period of time can be incredibly stressful. Our compassionate Franklin County, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal advice and support, but also emotional assistance to help you and your family manage.

When you are accused of a sex offense in or around Franklin County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the best sex offense lawyers in Franklin County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Franklin County and beyond:

• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Assault Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer

Sex Offense Lawyers in Franklin County, MO: Possible Defenses

If you’re facing a sex offense accusation anywhere near Franklin County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense attorneys are prepared to assist. Understanding the possible defenses that could be employed in your case is crucial. Some common defense strategies our experienced sex offense lawyers use include:

• Mistaken Identity: Our attorneys will look to prove that you were not the person who committed this crime.
• Consent: We can demonstrate that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity with factual evidence, as well as by investigating the accuser’s background.
• Alibi: Our sex offense lawyers can work to provide evidence that you were somewhere else when the crime took place.
• False Allegations: We can show that the accuser may have ulterior motives for making the allegation, such as financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.

Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Contact the Top Franklin County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away

Facing sex offense charges in Franklin County, MO Franklin County, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and overwhelming situation. However, with skilled legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can safeguard your rights and future, and work toward the best possible outcome.

Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Franklin County, MO a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential case review.