Sex offense lawyers in Lexington, MO. Facing allegations or charges related to a sex offense in Lexington, MO or anywhere in Missouri can profoundly impact your life. 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 serious charges, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our sex offense lawyers to discuss the specific circumstances of your case and obtain expert legal advice and guidance on the best course of action.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Lexington, MO: Comprehending Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, particularly in Lexington, MO and the surrounding areas. It is crucial to comprehend the legal landscape if you’re 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 Lexington, MO offer a perfect blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and more than 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Lexington, MO: Types of Sex Crimes
Missouri law categorizes sex offenses into various types, each with distinct definitions and applicable 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 involving 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 includes 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 encompasses a range of abusive sexual behaviors, like unwanted touching or groping, which may not qualify as rape or sodomy but still involve exploitation and harm, and are criminal offenses.
- Statutory Rape: Statutory rape is defined as engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor below the legal age of consent. The age of consent is 17 in Missouri, and engaging in sexual activity with a minor under 14 can result in 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 in and around Lexington, MO, but sexual misconduct with a minor is the most serious offense under RSMo. § 566.083, often classified as a class D or class E felony.
- Child Pornography: This charge involves the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under the age of 18. Child pornography in Lexington, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a class D or class B felony offense and, according to RSMo. § 573.037, you could be subject to separate sentences for each article of child pornography you are accused of possessing, creating, or distributing.
- 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 Lexington, MO, due to the power imbalance and the potential for exploiting the student.
These sex offenses can carry varying degrees of penalties based on factors such as the age of the victim, the extent of force used, the nature of the relationship between the accused and the victim, and whether any aggravating circumstances are present. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The Lexington, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the gravity of these charges and will defend you against them. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Lafayette County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Lafayette County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Lexington, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Lexington, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Based on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of your offense, you could be looking at a prison term of years or even life.
- Fines: Similar to many other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges, substantial fines and court costs may be imposed.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: If you’re convicted of a sex offense in the Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Lexington, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side
No matter the severity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is ready to assist. Our experienced attorneys offer:
In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Lexington, MO
Our lawyers focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay current on changes in Lexington, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, ensuring your defense is grounded in the state’s most current legal standards.
Thorough Case Analysis
A knowledgeable Lexington, MO sex offense lawyer carefully scrutinizes all evidence against you, such as witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Lexington, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Lexington, MO legal process is critical. Our seasoned sex offense lawyers will defend your rights at every juncture – from interrogations and investigations to court proceedings if necessary. Give our legal team a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Tailored Defense Strategies
Each case is distinct and requires a personalized defense plan. Whether it involves disputing the validity of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea deals, our sex offense lawyers will develop a sound strategy suited to your specific circumstances.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout the Duration of Your Case in Lexington, 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 can be an extremely stressful period in your life. Our compassionate Lexington, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal advice 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 Lexington, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal sex offense lawyers in Lexington, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed sex offense lawyers, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Lexington 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 Lexington, MO: Possible Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation near Lexington, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense legal team is here to assist. Knowing the potential defenses available can be crucial to your case. Some common defenses our expert sex offense lawyers use include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our legal team will look to prove that you were not the person who committed this crime.
- Consent: We can present evidence showing that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity, supported by factual evidence and background investigation of the accuser.
- Alibi: Our attorneys can gather and present evidence proving that you were elsewhere when the crime occurred.
- False Allegations: We can show that the accuser may have ulterior motives for making the allegation, including financial gain, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Contact the Top Lexington, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Today
Facing sex offense charges in Lexington, MO Lexington, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and overwhelming situation. However, with the right legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can defend your rights and your future, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Lexington, MO a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.