Rape Defense Lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri. If you are facing a rape accusation in St. Louis 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 Missouri legal system and get you the best possible outcome.
You need to hire Combs Waterkotte. Call one of our experienced St. Louis rape defense lawyers immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review where you can discuss the specifics of your case and get expert guidance on next steps.
Rape Defense Lawyer: What are the Penalties in St. Louis and Throughout Missouri?
The penalties for rape charges in St. Louis and throughout Missouri are severe and can vary depending on the specifics of your case. They 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 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 penalty for this offense is anywhere from 5 years to life imprisonment. Some more severe charges carry mandatory minimum sentences of 15-30 years. You need a rape defense lawyer in your corner in St. Louis, doing whatever it takes to fight for you. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
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. The penalty is a class C felony, carrying 3-10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Aggravating Factors
Certain factors can lead to enhanced penalties under either degree of rape, 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: Qualities of an Effective Attorney to Have on Your Side in St. Louis
The gravity of a rape accusation makes hiring a knowledgable and tenacious rape defense lawyer in St. Louis a necessity. Things to look for in a defense attorney include:
- Experience & Track Record: You should look for a lawyer with a proven track record in handling rape defense cases just like yours. Their past successes can be indicative of their ability to manage your case effectively. The rape defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte have more than 60 years of combined experience defending clients and their innocence in St. Louis and throughout Missouri.
- 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 based in St. Louis that specializes in the defense of rape and other sexual crimes.
- Strong Communication Skills: Your attorney 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 consultations that do exactly that – providing expert legal advice and guidance.
- Empathy & Professionalism: Facing a rape accusation is emotionally taxing. An empathetic attorney who maintains professionalism can provide the support and confidence you need during this challenging time. Our legal team stops at nothing to provide you with the best possible legal representation in St. Louis and elsewhere in Missouri.
Rape Defense Lawyer: Why You Need to Hire Combs Waterkotte in St. Louis
If you have been charged with rape in St. Louis or anywhere else in Missouri, the first thing you should do is 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 lawyers include:
- Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in St. Louis have 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 requirements necessary to build a strong defense. - Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
Rape cases often hinge on physical evidence, witness testimony, and expert analysis. Our experienced attorneys conduct thorough investigations, gathering and scrutinizing evidence, and challenging 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 protecting you from 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: Some Common Defense Strategies Employed by Combs Waterkotte in St. Louis
A St. Louis rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte has a wealth of defense strategies to pull from, including:
- Challenging the Credibility of the Accuser: This defense strategy involves scrutinizing the accuser’s testimony and background to find inconsistencies, motives for false accusations, or credibility issues.
- Consent: In cases where consent is disputed, your defense lawyer can present evidence and testimony that demonstrate the encounter was consensual. This can include communications between you and the accuser, previous relationship history, or witness testimony.
- Forensic Evidence: Examining and challenging forensic evidence, like DNA, can be crucial. Our skilled rape defense lawyer will work with a network of 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 contradicts the accuser’s account can be a powerful defense strategy.
- Procedural Defenses: If law enforcement or the prosecution failed to follow proper procedure, like obtaining evidence illegally or violating your rights in any way, our rape defense lawyer can move to have such evidence suppressed.
Reach Out to an Expert St. Louis Rape Defense Lawyer Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing a rape accusation in St. Louis or anywhere else in Missouri, seeking the expertise of a specialized attorney is the first essential step in safeguarding your future. From protecting your rights and investigating the case to developing robust defense strategies, an aggressive St. Louis rape defense lawyer is indispensable in getting the best possible outcome in your case.
Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review.
