Rape Defense Lawyer in St. Charles County, MO. If you are facing a rape accusation in St. Charles 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. You need to hire a specialized rape defense attorney to navigate the complexities of the St. Charles County, MO legal system and get you the best possible outcome.
Turn to Combs Waterkotte for help. Reach out to one of our esteemed St. Charles County, MO rape defense lawyers right now 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 St. Charles County, MO: What are the Penalties in Missouri?
Facing rape charges in St. Charles County, 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 through forcible compulsion – which includes the use of a substance administered without that person’s knowledge or consent, rendering them 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. Charles 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
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. This offense is classified as 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 more severe penalties for either degree of rape in St. Charles 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 St. Charles 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 St. Charles County, MO a necessity. Things 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 previous successes can be indicative of their ability to manage your case effectively. The rape defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte boast more than seven decades of combined experience defending clients and their innocence throughout the St. Charles County, MO area.
- Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney specializing in sexual offenses will possess more profound insights and strategies specific to these 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 St. Charles County, MO area.
- 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 case reviews that do exactly that – providing expert legal advice and guidance.
- Compassion & Professionalism: Facing a rape accusation is emotionally challenging. An empathetic attorney who maintains professionalism can provide the support and confidence you need during this tough time. Our legal team stops at nothing to provide you with the best possible legal representation throughout the St. Charles County, MO area.
Rape Defense Lawyer in St. Charles County, MO: Why You Need to Hire Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing a rape charge in or around St. Charles County, MO, the first step you should take is to 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 St. Charles County, MO lawyers include:
- Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in St. Charles 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 relevant statutes, precedents, and procedural requirements needed to build a robust defense. - Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
Rape cases often hinge on physical evidence, witness testimony, and expert analysis. Our seasoned attorneys perform comprehensive investigations, meticulously gather and examine evidence, and rigorously challenge the prosecution’s case. - Protection of Rights:
A Combs Waterkotte defense attorney will vigilantly protect your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. This includes preventing unlawful searches and seizures, ensuring you receive a fair trial, and protecting you from self-incrimination. - Effective Negotiation:
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 St. Charles County, MO: Key Defense Strategies Used by Combs Waterkotte
A St. Charles County, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte employs a variety of defense strategies, including:
- Challenging the Accuser’s Credibility: This strategy involves scrutinizing the accuser’s testimony and background to find inconsistencies, motives for false accusations, or credibility concerns.
- Consent: In St. Charles County, MO cases where consent is disputed, your defense lawyer can provide evidence and testimony to show that the encounter was consensual. This can include communications between you and the accuser, previous relationship history, or witness testimony.
- Forensic Evidence: Challenging forensic evidence, such as DNA, is essential. Our skilled rape defense lawyer partners with forensic experts to identify any errors or misinterpretations in the prosecution’s evidence.
- Alibi and Witness Evidence: Presenting 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 follow proper procedures, such as conducting illegal searches or violating your rights in any way, our St. Charles County, MO rape defense lawyer can move to have such evidence suppressed.
When you are facing a rape accusation in or around St. Charles County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal rape defense lawyer in St. Charles County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed rape defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for St. Charles County, MO residents:
- Assault Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
- Juvenile Defense Lawyer
Get in Touch With a Skilled St. Charles County, MO Rape Defense Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Immediately
If you are facing a rape accusation in St. Charles 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 forming effective defense strategies, an assertive St. Charles County, 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 case review in St. Charles County, MO.
