Ste. Genevieve, MO

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

You need to hire Combs Waterkotte. Call one of our experienced Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO: Understanding the Penalties in Missouri

The penalties for rape charges in Ste. Genevieve, 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 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 Ste. Genevieve, 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

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 offense is classified as 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 either degree of rape in Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO: Key Attributes of an Effective Attorney to Have on Your Side

Given the severity of a rape accusation, hiring a knowledgable and persistent rape defense lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO is crucial. Important qualities to look for in a defense attorney include:

• Experience & Track Record: It is vital to choose a lawyer with a proven history of successfully handling rape defense cases. Their previous successes can be indicative of their ability to manage your case effectively. The rape defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte boast over 60 years of combined experience defending clients and their innocence throughout the Ste. Genevieve, MO area.
• Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney specializing in sexual offenses will have deeper insights and strategies tailored to these types of 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO area.
• Strong Communication Skills: Your attorney should 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 do exactly that – providing expert legal advice and guidance.
• Empathy & Professionalism: Facing a rape accusation is emotionally challenging. An empathetic attorney who upholds professionalism can provide the support and confidence needed during this difficult time. Our legal team is committed to providing you with the best possible legal representation throughout the Ste. Genevieve, MO area.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO: The Importance of Hiring Combs Waterkotte

If you are facing a rape charge in or anywhere around Ste. Genevieve, 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.

Reasons to hire our Ste. Genevieve, MO lawyers include:

• Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
  The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Ste. Genevieve, 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 requirements needed to build a robust defense.
• Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
  Rape cases often rely on physical evidence, witness testimony, and expert analysis. Our seasoned lawyers conduct thorough 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 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 lessens the impact on your life.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO: Key Defense Strategies Used by Combs Waterkotte

A Ste. Genevieve, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte has a wealth of defense strategies to pull from, including:

• Scrutinizing the Accuser’s Credibility: This strategy involves scrutinizing the accuser’s testimony and background to find inconsistencies, motives for false accusations, or other credibility issues.
• Consent: In Ste. Genevieve, MO cases where consent is at issue, your defense lawyer can provide evidence and testimony that demonstrate the encounter was consensual. This might include communications between you and the accuser, past relationship history, or witness statements.
• Analyzing Forensic Evidence: Challenging forensic evidence, such as DNA, is essential. Our skilled rape defense lawyer collaborates with forensic experts to find any mistakes or misinterpretations in the prosecution’s evidence.
• Alibi and Witness Evidence: Providing an alibi or witness testimony that disputes the accuser’s account can be a strong defense strategy.
• Procedural Defenses: If law enforcement or the prosecution did not follow proper procedures, like conducting illegal searches or violating your rights in any way, our Ste. Genevieve, MO rape defense lawyer will work to have such evidence excluded.

When you’re accused of rape in or around Ste. Genevieve, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best rape defense lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our seasoned rape defense lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Ste. Genevieve, 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

Reach Out to an Expert Ste. Genevieve, MO Rape Defense Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Immediately

If you are facing a rape accusation in Ste. Genevieve, 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 investigating the case to forming strong defense strategies, a proactive Ste. Genevieve, MO rape defense lawyer is essential to achieving the best possible outcome.

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