Rape Defense Lawyer in Fayette, MO. If you are facing a rape accusation in Fayette, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you are undoubtedly going through one of the most challenging times of your life. The potential consequences are severe, including imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. You need to hire a specialized rape defense attorney to navigate the complexities of the Fayette, MO legal system and get you the best possible outcome.
Turn to Combs Waterkotte for help. Call one of our experienced Fayette, MO rape defense lawyers immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review and get expert guidance on how to proceed.
Rape Defense Lawyer in Fayette, MO: What are the Penalties in Missouri?
Facing rape charges in Fayette, MO comes with serious consequences that depend on the details of your case. These penalties include:
Rape in the First Degree
As defined by Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030, rape in the first degree occurs when an individual has sexual intercourse with someone who is incapacitated, incapable of consent, or lacks the capacity to consent, or by the use of forcible compulsion – which can involve administering a substance without the person’s knowledge or consent, impairing their ability to make an informed decision.
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 Fayette, MO, fighting tirelessly for you. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to get the help you deserve.
Rape in the Second Degree
According to RSMo. § 566.031, rape in the second degree involves engaging in sexual intercourse with another person while knowing that they do not consent. This crime is a class C felony, which can result in a person sentence ranging from 3 to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
Aggravating Factors
Certain factors can lead to more severe penalties for either degree of rape in Fayette, MO, including but not limited to:
- Use of a deadly weapon
- Causing serious physical injury to the other individual
- Previous convictions for sexual offenses
Rape Defense Lawyer in Fayette, MO: Essential Qualites for an Effective Attorney on Your Side
Given the severity of a rape accusation, hiring a knowledgable and persistent rape defense lawyer in Fayette, MO is crucial. Important qualities to look for in a defense attorney include:
- Experience & Track Record: Seek out a lawyer with a demonstrated history of handling rape defense cases similar to yours. Their past achievements can reflect their capability to effectively manage your case. The rape defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte have more than 60 years of combined experience defending clients and their innocence in the Fayette, MO area and beyond.
- Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney who focuses on sexual offenses will possess more profound insights and strategies tailored to these types of cases, compared 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 Fayette, MO area.
- Excellent Communication Skills: Your lawyer should clearly explain legal terms, processes, and strategies, ensuring you fully understand your situation and options. Combs Waterkotte’s rape defense lawyers offer free, no-obligation consultations that offer expert legal advice and guidance.
- Empathy & Professionalism: Dealing with a rape accusation is emotionally challenging. An empathetic attorney who maintains professionalism can offer the support and confidence you need during this difficult time. Our legal team stops at nothing to provide you with the best possible legal representation throughout the Fayette, MO area.
Rape Defense Lawyer in Fayette, MO: Why You Need to Hire Combs Waterkotte
If you have been charged with rape in or around Fayette, MO, the first step you should take is to call a rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte now. 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 Fayette, MO lawyers include:
- Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Fayette, MO possess extensive knowledge of sexual offense laws throughout Missouri and the legal nuances that come with these cases. They are proficient in the statutes, precedents, and procedural intricacies necessary to build a robust defense. - Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
Rape cases often rely on physical evidence, witness testimony, and expert analysis. Our experienced lawyers perform comprehensive investigations, meticulously gather and scrutinize evidence, and rigorously challenge the prosecution’s assertions. - Protection of Rights:
A Combs Waterkotte defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld 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 going to trial isn’t the best option for you, our adept rape defense 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 Fayette, MO: Effective Defense Tactics by Combs Waterkotte
A Fayette, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte employs a variety of defense strategies, including:
- Scrutinizing the Accuser’s Credibility: This strategy involves examining the accuser’s testimony and background to find inconsistencies, potential motives for false accusations, or credibility concerns.
- Consent: In Fayette, MO cases where consent is disputed, your defense lawyer can present evidence and testimony that demonstrate the encounter was consensual. This can include prior communications, past relationship history, or witness statements.
- Forensic Evidence: Examining and challenging forensic evidence, like DNA, can be crucial. Our experienced rape defense lawyer partners with forensic experts to find any mistakes or misinterpretations in the prosecution’s evidence.
- Alibi and Witness Evidence: Presenting an alibi or witness evidence that contradicts the accuser’s account can be an effective defense strategy.
- Procedural Defenses: If law enforcement or the prosecution failed to follow proper procedures, like obtaining evidence illegally or violating your rights, our Fayette, MO rape defense lawyer can move to suppress that evidence.
When you’re facing a rape accusation in or around Fayette, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the ideal rape defense lawyer in Fayette, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable rape defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Fayette and beyond:
- Assault Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
- Juvenile Defense Lawyer
Contact an Experienced Fayette, MO Rape Defense Lawyer Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
Facing a rape accusation in Fayette, MO or anywhere in Missouri requires the immediate expertise of a specialized attorney. From defending your rights and thoroughly investigating the case to forming strong defense strategies, a proactive Fayette, MO rape defense lawyer is key to securing the best possible outcome.
Call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation in Fayette, MO.
