Sex offense lawyers in Chesterfield, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in Chesterfield, 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.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Chesterfield, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses in the Chesterfield, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, particularly in Chesterfield, MO and the surrounding areas. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing such charges. Additionally, the enduring shadow of doubt or shame cast by an accusation of a sexual offense is enough to want to a quick resolution.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Chesterfield, MO have an ideal blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our exceptional record and over 275 reviews speak for themselves.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Chesterfield, MO: Sex Crimes in Chesterfield, 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 includes non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often involving force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. As defined in RSMo. § 566.030, rape is a serious felony offense with 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 is having deviate sexual intercourse with another person who is less than 14 years of age.
- 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 sexual misconduct with a minor charge involves sexual contact with a minor (under 15 years old), including acts 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 a class D or class E felony.
- Child Pornography: This crime entails producing, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit materials featuring minors. In Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, MO, due to the power imbalance and the potential for exploiting the student.
These sex offenses can result in different levels of penalties depending on factors such as the age of the victim, the use and severity of force, the relationship between you and the victim, and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The Chesterfield, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the seriousness of these charges and will provide a robust defense. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Chesterfield, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Chesterfield, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Based on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of your offense, you could be looking at a prison sentence ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
- Fines: You may have to pay substantial fines and court costs, as is the case with many criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: If you’re convicted of a sex offense in the Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Chesterfield, 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 offer:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Chesterfield, MO
Our attorneys specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay informed about updates in Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, MO sex offense lawyer carefully examines all evidence against you, such as witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and formulate a strong defense strategy.
Defending Your Rights in Chesterfield, MO
Ensuring your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is vital in Chesterfield, MO. Our seasoned sex offense lawyers will defend your rights at every stage – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Reach out to our legal team now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Tailored Defense Strategies
Every case is unique and demands a customized defense strategy. Whether it involves challenging the validity of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea bargains, our sex offense lawyers will formulate a solid strategy that fits your particular circumstances.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout Your Case in Chesterfield, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine concern for their clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This can be an extremely stressful period in your life. Our compassionate Chesterfield, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal counsel and support, but also offer emotional guidance to help you and your family manage.
When you’re accused of a sex offense in or around Chesterfield, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading sex offense lawyers in Chesterfield, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our seasoned sex offense lawyers, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Chesterfield, MO residents:
- 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 Chesterfield, MO: Potential Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around Chesterfield, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense attorneys are ready to help. It’s important to understand the potential defenses that might help you. Some common defense strategies our expert sex offense lawyers might employ 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 lawyers can gather and present evidence proving that you were elsewhere when the crime occurred.
- False Allegations: We can show 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? Connect With the Leading Chesterfield, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Facing sex offense charges in Chesterfield, MO Chesterfield, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and stressful situation. However, with the right legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can defend your rights and future, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Chesterfield, MO as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, no-obligation case review.