St. Louis, MO

Rape Defense Lawyer in St. Louis, MO. If you are facing a rape accusation in St. Louis, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you are undoubtedly going through one of the most challenging times of your life. The potential consequences are severe, including imprisonment, hefty fines, and an irreparable stigma 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 St. Louis, MO legal system.

Turn to Combs Waterkotte for help. Call one of our experienced St. Louis, MO rape defense lawyers immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and get expert guidance on how to proceed.

Rape Defense Lawyer in St. Louis, MO: Understanding the Penalties in Missouri

The penalties for rape charges in St. Louis, MO 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 they engage in sexual intercourse with another person 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 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 St. Louis, 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 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, 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 enhanced penalties under either degree of rape in St. Louis, MO, including but not limited to:

• Use of a deadly weapon
• Inflicting serious physical harm to the accuser
• Previous convictions for sexual offenses

Rape Defense Lawyer in St. Louis, MO: Essential Qualites for an Effective Attorney on Your Side

The seriousness of a rape accusation necessitates hiring a knowledgable and determined rape defense lawyer in St. Louis, MO. Important qualities to look for 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 more than seven decades of combined experience defending clients and their innocence in the St. Louis, MO area and beyond.
• Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney specializing in sexual offenses will have more profound insights and strategies specific to these cases, compared to a general criminal defense lawyer. Combs Waterkotte is a law firm that focuses on the defense of rape and other sexual crimes anywhere in the St. Louis, MO area.
• Strong Communication Skills: Your lawyer should clearly explain legal terms, processes, and strategies, ensuring you fully understand your situation and options. Combs Waterkotte’s rape defense lawyers provide free, no-strings-attached consultations that offer expert legal advice and guidance.
• Empathy & Professionalism: Facing a rape accusation is emotionally challenging. An empathetic attorney who upholds professionalism can offer the support and confidence you need during this difficult time. Our legal team is dedicated to providing top-tier legal representation throughout the St. Louis, MO area.

Rape Defense Lawyer in St. Louis, MO: The Importance of Hiring Combs Waterkotte

If you have been charged with rape in or near St. Louis, MO, your first move should be to contact a rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte immediately. 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 St. Louis, MO attorneys:

• Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
  The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in St. Louis, 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 relevant statutes, precedents, and procedural intricacies essential for crafting a strong defense.
• Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
  Rape cases often hinge on physical evidence, witness testimony, and expert analysis. Our seasoned attorneys perform comprehensive investigations, gather and scrutinize evidence, and 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 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 St. Louis, MO: Effective Defense Tactics by Combs Waterkotte

A St. Louis, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte employs a variety of defense strategies, including:

• Challenging the Credibility of the Accuser: This defense strategy involves analyzing the accuser’s testimony and background to find inconsistencies, possible motives for false accusations, or credibility concerns.
• Consent: In St. Louis, MO cases where consent is disputed, your defense lawyer can present evidence and testimony to show that the encounter was consensual. This might include prior communications, 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 prosecution’s evidence.
• Alibi and Witness Evidence: Providing an alibi or witness evidence that contradicts the accuser’s account can be a strong defense strategy.
• Procedural Defenses: If law enforcement or the prosecution did not adhere to proper procedures, such as obtaining evidence illegally or violating your rights in any way, our St. Louis, MO rape defense lawyer will work to have such evidence excluded.

When you’re accused of rape in or around St. Louis, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal rape defense lawyer in St. Louis, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our seasoned rape defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Louis 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

Get in Touch With a Skilled St. Louis, MO Rape Defense Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

Facing a rape accusation in St. Louis, MO or anywhere in Missouri requires the immediate expertise of a specialized attorney. From defending your rights and investigating the case to forming strong defense strategies, an assertive St. Louis, MO rape defense lawyer is key to securing the best possible outcome in your case.

Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review in St. Louis, MO.