Lincoln County, MO

Rape Defense Lawyer in Lincoln County, MO. Facing a rape accusation in Lincoln County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri is incredibly overwhelming. The stakes are high, with potential penalties including lengthy imprisonment, heavy fines, and a lasting impact on your reputation and record. You need to hire a specialized rape defense attorney to navigate the complexities of the Lincoln County, MO legal system and get you the best possible outcome.

Turn to Combs Waterkotte for help. Call one of our knowledgeable Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, MO: What are the Penalties in Missouri?

The penalties for rape charges in Lincoln County, MO are severe and can vary depending on the specifics of your case. They 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 Lincoln County, 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, 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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, MO a necessity. Important qualities 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 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 Lincoln County, MO.
• Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney who focuses on sexual offenses will have more profound 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 the defense of rape and other sexual crimes anywhere in the Lincoln County, MO area.
• Strong Communication Abilities: 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-strings-attached consultations that do exactly that – providing expert legal advice and guidance.
• Compassion & Professionalism: Facing a rape accusation is emotionally taxing. A compassionate 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 Lincoln County, MO area.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Lincoln County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

If you have been charged with rape in or around Lincoln County, MO, the first thing you should do is contact 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 Lincoln County, MO lawyers include:

• Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
  The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Lincoln County, MO have a deep understanding 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 needed to build a robust defense.
• Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
  Rape cases often hinge on physical evidence, witness testimonies, and expert analysis. Our seasoned attorneys perform comprehensive investigations, 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 protected 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 Lincoln County, MO: Some Common Defense Strategies Employed by Combs Waterkotte

A Lincoln County, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte utilizes a range of defense tactics, including:

• Challenging the Credibility of the Accuser: This approach involves examining the accuser’s testimony and background for inconsistencies, potential motives for false accusations, or credibility concerns.
• Consent: In Lincoln County, MO cases where consent is at issue, your defense lawyer can provide evidence and testimony that demonstrate the encounter was consensual. This might include prior communications, previous relationship history, or witness testimony.
• Analyzing Forensic Evidence: Challenging forensic evidence, such as DNA, is critical. Our experienced 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: 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 failed to adhere to proper procedures, such as obtaining evidence illegally or violating your rights in any way, our Lincoln County, MO rape defense lawyer will work to have such evidence excluded.

When you’re facing a rape accusation in or around Lincoln County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the leading rape defense lawyer in Lincoln County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable rape defense lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Lincoln County, MO residents:

• 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

Contact an Experienced Lincoln County, MO Rape Defense Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Immediately

Facing a rape accusation in Lincoln County, MO or anywhere in Missouri requires the immediate expertise of a specialized attorney. From defending your rights and thoroughly investigating the case to forming effective defense strategies, a proactive Lincoln County, 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 consultation in Lincoln County, MO.