Daviess County, MO

Rape Defense Lawyer in Daviess County, MO. If you are facing a rape accusation in Daviess 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 a permanent mark 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 Daviess County, MO legal system.

You need to hire Combs Waterkotte. Reach out to one of our experienced Daviess County, MO rape defense lawyers immediately 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 Daviess County, MO: Understanding the Penalties in Missouri

Facing rape charges in Daviess 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 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 can involve administering a substance without the person’s knowledge or consent, impairing their ability to make an informed decision.

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 Daviess County, MO, doing whatever it takes to fight for you. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to get the help you need and deserve.

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, 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 under either degree of rape in Daviess County, 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

Rape Defense Lawyer in Daviess County, 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 Daviess County, MO is crucial. Key attributes to seek in a defense attorney include:

• Experience & Proven Track Record: You should look for a lawyer with a proven track record in handling rape defense cases just like yours. Their past achievements can reflect their capability to effectively manage your case. The rape defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte boast over 60 years of combined experience defending clients and their innocence in the Daviess County, MO area and beyond.
• Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney specializing in 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 the defense of rape and other sexual crimes anywhere in the Daviess County, MO area.
• Strong Communication Skills: Your lawyer should be able to 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 case reviews that offer expert legal advice and guidance.
• Empathy & Professionalism: Dealing with a rape accusation is emotionally taxing. A compassionate attorney who maintains professionalism can provide the support and confidence you need during this difficult time. Our legal team is dedicated to providing top-tier legal representation throughout the Daviess County, MO area.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Daviess County, MO: The Importance of Hiring Combs Waterkotte

If you have been charged with rape in or around Daviess County, MO, your first move should be 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.

Why you should hire our Daviess County, MO attorneys:

• Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
  The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Daviess County, MO have an 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 seasoned lawyers perform comprehensive investigations, gather and scrutinize evidence, and challenge the prosecution’s assertions.
• Protection of Rights:
  A Combs Waterkotte defense attorney will make sure 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 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 Daviess County, MO: Key Defense Strategies Used by Combs Waterkotte

A Daviess County, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte employs a variety of defense strategies, including:

• Scrutinizing the Credibility of the Accuser: This approach involves scrutinizing the accuser’s testimony and background for inconsistencies, possible motives for false accusations, or other credibility issues.
• Consent: In Daviess County, MO cases where consent is at issue, your defense lawyer can present evidence and testimony that demonstrate the encounter was consensual. This might include communications between you and the accuser, past relationship history, or witness testimony.
• 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 evidence presented by the prosecution.
• Alibi and Witness Testimony: Providing 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 did not follow proper procedures, such as conducting illegal searches or violating your rights in any way, our Daviess County, MO rape defense lawyer can move to suppress that evidence.

When you are facing a rape accusation in or around Daviess County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the leading rape defense lawyer in Daviess County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed rape defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Daviess County and beyond:

• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Assault Lawyer
• Sex Offense Lawyers
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
• Criminal Lawyer

Reach Out to an Expert Daviess County, MO Rape Defense Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Immediately

If you are facing a rape accusation in Daviess County, MO 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 thoroughly investigating the case to crafting robust defense strategies, an aggressive Daviess County, MO rape defense lawyer is essential to achieving the best possible outcome.

Call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review in Daviess County, MO.