Rape Defense Lawyer in Saline County, MO. If you are facing a rape accusation in Saline County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, this is probably the most daunting and distressing time of your life. The stakes are incredibly high, with possible long-term – if not permanent – consequences including imprisonment, hefty fines, and an irreparable stigma on your criminal record. To ensure you have the best possible defense, it’s crucial to hire a specialized rape defense attorney who understands the intricacies of the Saline County, MO legal system.
Turn to Combs Waterkotte for help. Call one of our knowledgeable Saline County, MO rape defense lawyers right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and receive expert advice on your next steps.
Rape Defense Lawyer in Saline County, MO: What are the Penalties in Missouri?
Facing rape charges in Saline County, MO comes with serious consequences that depend on the details of your case. These penalties include:
Rape in the First Degree
According to Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030, an individual commits rape in the first degree if they engage in sexual intercourse with another person who is incapacitated, incapable of consent, or lacks the capacity to consent, or by the use of forcible compulsion – which includes the use of a substance administered without that person’s knowledge or consent, rendering he or she physically or mentally impaired so as to be incapable of making an informed consent to sexual intercourse.
The penalties for this crime range from 5 years to life imprisonment, with more severe charges carrying mandatory minimum sentences of 15-30 years. You need a rape defense lawyer in your corner in Saline County, MO, fighting tirelessly for you. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to get the help you need.
Rape in the Second Degree
RSMo. § 566.031 qualifies rape in the second degree as sexual intercourse with another individual knowing that he or she does so without that person’s consent. This crime is a class C felony, carrying 3-10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Aggravating Factors
Certain circumstances can lead to more severe penalties under either degree of rape in Saline County, MO, including but not limited to:
- Use of a deadly weapon
- Inflicting serious physical harm to the accuser
- Having prior convictions for sexual offenses
Rape Defense Lawyer in Saline County, MO: Key Attributes of an Effective Attorney to Have on Your Side
The gravity of a rape accusation makes hiring a knowledgable and tenacious rape defense lawyer in Saline County, MO a necessity. Important qualities to look for in a defense attorney include:
- Experience & Track Record: It is vital to choose a lawyer with a proven history of successfully handling rape defense cases. Their past achievements can reflect their capability to effectively manage your case. The rape defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte boast more than seven decades of combined experience defending clients and their innocence in Saline County, MO.
- Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney specializing in sexual offenses will have deeper insights and strategies tailored to these types of cases, as opposed to a general criminal defense lawyer. Combs Waterkotte is a law firm that specializes in defending against rape and other sexual crimes anywhere in the Saline County, MO area.
- Excellent Communication Skills: Your lawyer should clearly explain legal terms, processes, and strategies, making sure you fully understand your situation and options. Combs Waterkotte’s rape defense lawyers provide free, no-obligation consultations that do exactly that – providing expert legal advice and guidance.
- Compassion & Professionalism: Facing a rape accusation is emotionally challenging. A compassionate attorney who upholds professionalism can give you the support and confidence you need during this tough time. Our legal team stops at nothing to provide you with the best possible legal representation throughout the Saline County, MO area.
Rape Defense Lawyer in Saline County, MO: The Importance of Hiring Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing a rape charge in or around Saline County, MO, the first step you should take is to call a rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte right away. Our attorneys are available 24/7 by calling (314) 900-HELP or reaching out online to discuss the specifics of your case.
Reasons to hire our Saline County, MO lawyers include:
- Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Saline County, MO have a deep understanding of sexual offense laws throughout Missouri and the legal nuances that come with these cases. They are proficient in the statutes, precedents, and procedural requirements necessary to build a strong defense. - Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
Rape cases often rely on physical evidence, witness testimonies, and expert analysis. Our experienced lawyers perform comprehensive investigations, gather and scrutinize evidence, and rigorously challenge the prosecution’s case. - Protection of Rights:
A Combs Waterkotte defense attorney will vigilantly protect your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. This includes preventing unlawful searches and seizures, ensuring you receive a fair trial, and safeguarding against self-incrimination. - Negotiation Skills:
If a trial is not in your best interest, our skilled rape defense legal team can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce charges or secure a plea deal that minimizes the impact on your life.
Rape Defense Lawyer in Saline County, MO: Some Common Defense Strategies Employed by Combs Waterkotte
A Saline County, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte utilizes a range of defense tactics, including:
- Scrutinizing the Accuser’s Credibility: This strategy involves analyzing the accuser’s testimony and background to find inconsistencies, motives for false accusations, or credibility issues.
- Consent: In Saline County, MO cases where consent is disputed, your defense lawyer can provide evidence and testimony to show that the encounter was consensual. This might include prior communications, previous relationship history, or witness testimony.
- Forensic Evidence: Examining and challenging forensic evidence, like DNA, can be crucial. Our skilled rape defense lawyer partners with forensic experts to identify any errors or misinterpretations in the evidence presented by the prosecution.
- Alibi and Witness Testimony: Presenting an alibi or witness testimony that disputes the accuser’s account can be an effective defense strategy.
- Procedural Defenses: If law enforcement or the prosecution failed to follow proper procedures, like conducting illegal searches or violating your rights, our Saline County, MO rape defense lawyer can move to have such evidence suppressed.
When you’re facing a rape accusation in or around Saline County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal rape defense lawyer in Saline County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable rape defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Saline County, MO residents:
- Assault Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
- Juvenile Defense Lawyer
Reach Out to an Expert Saline County, MO Rape Defense Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
Facing a rape accusation in Saline County, MO or anywhere in Missouri requires the immediate expertise of a specialized attorney. From defending your rights and thoroughly investigating the case to crafting robust defense strategies, an assertive Saline County, MO rape defense lawyer is indispensable in getting the best possible outcome.
Call Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review in Saline County, MO.
