St. Peters, MO

Rape Defense Lawyer in St. Peters, MO. Facing a rape accusation in St. Peters, 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 St. Peters, MO legal system and get you the best possible outcome.

Turn to Combs Waterkotte for help. Reach out to one of our knowledgeable St. Peters, MO rape defense lawyers right now 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. Peters, MO: What are the Penalties in Missouri?

Facing rape charges in St. Peters, 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 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 St. Peters, MO, fighting tirelessly for you. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to get the help you need.

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 crime is a class C felony, punishable by 3 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Aggravating Factors

Certain circumstances can lead to more severe penalties for any degree of rape in St. Peters, 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 St. Peters, MO: Qualities of an Effective Attorney to Have on Your Side

The seriousness of a rape accusation necessitates hiring a knowledgable and determined rape defense lawyer in St. Peters, MO. Things 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 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 in St. Peters, MO.
• Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney who focuses on sexual offenses will have deeper insights and strategies specific to these cases, as opposed 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. Peters, 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 provide free, no-obligation consultations to provide expert legal advice and guidance.
• Empathy & Professionalism: Facing a rape accusation is emotionally taxing. A compassionate attorney who maintains professionalism can give you the support and confidence needed during this difficult time. Our legal team is dedicated to providing top-tier legal representation throughout the St. Peters, MO area.

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

If you have been charged with rape in or anywhere around St. Peters, MO, the first thing you should do is 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. Peters, MO attorneys:

• Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
  The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in St. Peters, 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 statutes, precedents, and procedural intricacies necessary to build a strong defense.
• Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
  Rape cases often hinge on physical evidence, witness testimonies, and expert analysis. Our experienced lawyers perform comprehensive investigations, meticulously gather and examine evidence, and rigorously challenge the prosecution’s assertions.
• 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.
• Effective Negotiation:
  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 St. Peters, MO: Effective Defense Tactics by Combs Waterkotte

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

• Scrutinizing the Accuser’s Credibility: This defense strategy involves analyzing the accuser’s testimony and background to find inconsistencies, potential motives for false accusations, or other credibility concerns.
• Consent: In St. Peters, MO cases where consent is at issue, your defense lawyer can provide evidence and testimony to show that the encounter was consensual. This might include communications between you and the accuser, previous relationship history, or witness statements.
• Forensic Evidence: Examining and challenging forensic evidence, like DNA, can be crucial. Our knowledgeable rape defense lawyer partners with forensic experts to identify any errors or misinterpretations in the prosecution’s evidence.
• Alibi and Witness Testimony: Presenting an alibi or witness testimony that contradicts the accuser’s account can be an effective defense strategy.
• Procedural Defenses: If law enforcement or the prosecution failed to adhere to proper procedures, such as conducting illegal searches or violating your rights, our St. Peters, MO rape defense lawyer will work to have such evidence excluded.

When you are accused of rape in or around St. Peters, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading rape defense lawyer in St. Peters, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable rape defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for St. Peters, MO residents:

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

Contact an Experienced St. Peters, MO Rape Defense Lawyer Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

Facing a rape accusation in St. Peters, MO or anywhere in Missouri requires the immediate expertise of a specialized attorney. From protecting your rights and thoroughly investigating the case to developing effective defense strategies, a proactive St. Peters, MO 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 in St. Peters, MO.