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Atchison County, MO

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Last Updated: July 3, 2024

Sex offense lawyers in Atchison County, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in Atchison County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri for that matter can be a life-altering 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.

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Sex Offense Lawyers in Atchison County, MO: Understanding Sex Offenses

Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in and around Atchison County, MO. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing these charges. Moreover, the lingering doubt and shame associated with even an accusation of a sexual offense can disrupt your life substantially, making a swift resolution imperative.

The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Atchison County, MO have an ideal blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and over 275 reviews speak for themselves.

Sex Offense Lawyers Atchison County, MO | Atchison County, MO Sex Crimes Attorneys | Criminal Defense Near St. Louis

Sex Offense Lawyers in Atchison County, MO: Types of Sex Crimes

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

  • Rape: Rape involves non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often accompanied by force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. As defined in RSMo. § 566.030, rape is a severe felony with potential prison sentences ranging from 5 years to life.
  • Sodomy: Sodomy charges involve engaging in oral or anal sexual conduct with another person without their consent. Statutory sodomy pertains to deviate sexual intercourse with an individual under 14 years old.
  • Sexual Abuse/Assault: Sexual abuse or assault covers a range of abusive sexual behaviors that may not meet the criteria for rape or sodomy, including touching or groping, but still involve exploitation or harm and are still considered criminal.
  • Statutory Rape: Statutory rape involves sexual intercourse with a minor under the age of consent, even if the minor appears to 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. Other forms of sexual misconduct are also illegal, but sexual misconduct with a minor is considered the most severe under RSMo. § 566.083, often classified as a class D or class E felony.
  • Child Pornography: This offense includes the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under 18. In Atchison County, MO, and across Missouri, child pornography is a severe crime, classified as a class D or class B felony, as outlined in RSMo. § 573.037. Each piece of child pornography may result in separate charges.
  • Sexual Exploitation: This offense involves using a minor or vulnerable person for sexual purposes, such as creating child pornography. Sexual exploitation charges vary based on the situation, but often involve either trafficking for sexual exploitation or the sexual exploitation of a minor.
  • 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 Atchison 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 like the victim’s age, the use and degree of force, the relationship between you and the victim, and whether any aggravating circumstances are present. Don’t let a sex offense devastate your life. The Atchison County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the seriousness of these allegations and will defend you against them. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

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

Penalties of a sex offense conviction in Atchison County, MO can include:

  • Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of the offense, you could be looking at 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 you’re convicted of a sex offense in the Atchison County, MO area, you will be required to register as a sex offender likely for the rest of your life. This can seriously affect your opportunities for employment and housing, as well as your personal relationships.
  • Damage to Your Reputation and Lasting Restrictions: A sex offense conviction in Atchison County, MO can damage your reputation and harm the relationships in your life – whether it’s colleagues, romantic relationships, family members, or neighbors. The long-lasting or even permanent nature of sex offense convictions throughout the Atchison County, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.

Why You Need the Atchison 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 experienced attorneys offer:

In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Atchison County, MO

Our legal experts specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay informed about updates in Atchison County, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, ensuring your defense is based on the state’s most current legal standards.

Comprehensive Case Evaluation

A knowledgeable Atchison County, MO sex offense lawyer carefully reviews all evidence against you, including any witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to uncover flaws in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.

Protecting Your Rights in Atchison County, MO

Making sure your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is vital in Atchison County, MO. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will safeguard your rights at every juncture – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Give our legal team a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Tailored Defense Strategies

Each case is distinct and requires a personalized defense plan. 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 Atchison County, MO

The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers are genuinely concerned about their clients’ well-being and they take the time to understand your side of the story. This period of time can be incredibly stressful. Our compassionate Atchison County, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal advice and support, but also emotional guidance which can help you and your family manage.

When you’re accused of a sex offense in or around Atchison County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best sex offense lawyers in Atchison County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Atchison County, MO residents:

Sex Offense Lawyers Atchison County, MO | Criminal Defense Law Firm near Atchison County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Sex Offense Lawyers in Atchison County, MO: Possible Defenses

If you’re facing a sex offense accusation anywhere near Atchison County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense legal team is ready to help. Knowing the potential defenses available can be crucial to your case. Some common defense strategies our experienced sex offense lawyers might employ include:

  • Mistaken Identity: Our lawyers will look to prove that you were not the individual responsible for the crime.
  • Consent: We can provide evidence demonstrating that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity, supported by factual proof and an investigation into the accuser’s background.
  • Alibi: Our sex offense lawyers can establish that you were in a different location when the crime occurred.
  • False Allegations: We can argue that the accuser may have other motivations for making the allegation, like financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.

Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Contact the Top Atchison County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Today

Being accused of a sex offense in Atchison County, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and overwhelming experience. However, with skilled legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can safeguard your rights and your future, and strive for the best possible outcome.

Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Atchison County, MO a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, no-obligation case review.

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