Rape Defense Lawyer in Kirksville, MO. If you are facing a rape accusation in Kirksville, 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. You need to hire a specialized rape defense attorney to navigate the complexities of the Kirksville, MO legal system and get you the best possible outcome.
Turn to Combs Waterkotte for help. Reach out to one of our esteemed Kirksville, MO rape defense lawyers immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review to discuss your situation and receive expert advice on your next steps.
Legal Videos
What Happens When You Are Wrongfully Accused of a Sex Crime?
What happens when you are wrongfully accused of a sex crime? Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Right. And you'll see sometimes, and I've had cases, where you had two individuals …
Too Intoxicated to Give Consent?
Missouri criminal defense lawyers Steven Waterkotte and Chris Combs talk about alleged victims being too intoxicated to give consent. Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Most people …
Criminal Lawyer Talks About Representing Sex Criminals
Real Criminal Defense Lawyer talks about representing sex criminals. Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: I always say probably what the public views as the most vile or despicable …
Your Word Against Theirs in Court
Are just allegations enough to get charged with a crime? When it's your word against theirs in court. Episode Transcript Chris Combs: And allegations alone will do it. Steve hit on this …
What Happens When You Are Charged With a Child Sex Crime?
What happens when you are charged with a child sex crime? Episode Transcript Chris Combs: If you're a tier three sex offender, you can only have approved electronic devices. You have to …
What Happens When You Are Wrongfully Accused of a Sex Crime?
What happens when you are wrongfully accused of a sex crime? Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Right. And you'll see sometimes, and I've had cases, where you had two individuals …
Too Intoxicated to Give Consent?
Missouri criminal defense lawyers Steven Waterkotte and Chris Combs talk about alleged victims being too intoxicated to give consent. Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Most people …
Criminal Lawyer Talks About Representing Sex Criminals
Real Criminal Defense Lawyer talks about representing sex criminals. Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: I always say probably what the public views as the most vile or despicable …
Your Word Against Theirs in Court
Are just allegations enough to get charged with a crime? When it's your word against theirs in court. Episode Transcript Chris Combs: And allegations alone will do it. Steve hit on this …
What Happens When You Are Charged With a Child Sex Crime?
What happens when you are charged with a child sex crime? Episode Transcript Chris Combs: If you're a tier three sex offender, you can only have approved electronic devices. You have to …
Rape Defense Lawyer in Kirksville, MO: What are the Penalties in Missouri?
Facing rape charges in Kirksville, 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 he or she has sexual intercourse with another individual who is incapacitated, incapable of consent, or lacks the capacity to consent, or through 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. It’s crucial to have a dedicated rape defense lawyer on your side in Kirksville, MO, advocating for you every step of the way. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to get the help you need.
Rape in the Second Degree
As defined by RSMo. § 566.031, rape in the second degree occurs when an individual knowingly engages in sexual intercourse without the other person’s consent. This offense is classified as a class C felony, punishable by 3 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Aggravating Factors
Certain factors can lead to more severe penalties for any degree of rape in Kirksville, MO, including but not limited to:
- Use of a deadly weapon
- Causing serious physical injury to the other individual
- Having prior convictions for sexual offenses
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A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
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Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
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Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
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Rape Defense Lawyer in Kirksville, MO: Qualities of an Effective Attorney to Have on Your Side
The seriousness of a rape accusation necessitates hiring a knowledgable and determined rape defense lawyer in Kirksville, MO. Important qualities to look for in a defense attorney include:
- Experience & Proven Track Record: It is vital to choose a lawyer with a proven history of successfully handling rape defense cases. Their past successes can be indicative of their ability to manage your case effectively. The rape defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte boast over seven decades of combined experience defending clients and their innocence in Kirksville, MO.
- 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 Kirksville, MO area.
- Excellent Communication Abilities: Your lawyer should be able to 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-strings-attached case reviews that do exactly that – providing expert legal advice and guidance.
- Compassion & Professionalism: Dealing with a rape accusation is emotionally challenging. An empathetic attorney who upholds professionalism can provide the support and confidence needed during this tough time. Our legal team is committed to providing you with the best possible legal representation in Kirksville, MO.
Adair County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Adair County and Missouri.
Rape Defense Lawyer in Kirksville, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing a rape charge in or around Kirksville, MO, your first move should be to contact 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 Kirksville, MO lawyers include:
- Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Kirksville, MO possess extensive knowledge of sexual offense laws throughout Missouri and the legal nuances that come with these cases. They are well-versed in the statutes, precedents, and procedural intricacies necessary to build a robust defense. - Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
Rape cases often hinge on physical evidence, witness testimony, and expert analysis. Our experienced attorneys conduct thorough investigations, gather and scrutinize evidence, and challenge the prosecution’s case. - Protection of Rights:
A Combs Waterkotte defense attorney will make sure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process. This includes preventing unlawful searches and seizures, ensuring you receive a fair trial, and safeguarding against self-incrimination. - Effective Negotiation:
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 lessens the impact on your life.
Rape Defense Lawyer in Kirksville, MO: Effective Defense Tactics by Combs Waterkotte
A Kirksville, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte has a wealth of defense strategies to pull from, including:
- Challenging the Accuser’s Credibility: This approach involves scrutinizing the accuser’s testimony and background for inconsistencies, motives for false accusations, or other credibility issues.
- Consent: In Kirksville, MO cases where consent is at issue, your defense lawyer can present evidence and testimony that demonstrate the encounter was consensual. This can include prior communications, previous relationship history, or witness statements.
- Analyzing Forensic Evidence: Examining and challenging forensic evidence, like DNA, can be crucial. Our knowledgeable rape defense lawyer will work with a network of forensic experts to find any mistakes or misinterpretations in the evidence presented by the prosecution.
- Alibi and Witness Evidence: Providing an alibi or witness testimony that disputes the accuser’s account can be a powerful defense strategy.
- Procedural Defenses: If law enforcement or the prosecution did not follow proper procedures, like conducting illegal searches or violating your rights, our Kirksville, MO rape defense lawyer can move to have such evidence suppressed.
When you are facing a rape accusation in or around Kirksville, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the best rape defense lawyer in Kirksville, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable rape defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Kirksville and beyond:
Get in Touch With a Skilled Kirksville, MO Rape Defense Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you are facing a rape accusation in Kirksville, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, seeking the expertise of a specialized attorney is the first essential step in safeguarding your future. From defending your rights and investigating the case to crafting effective defense strategies, an aggressive Kirksville, MO rape defense lawyer is indispensable in getting the best possible outcome in your case.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review in Kirksville, MO.
