Weldon Spring, MO

Rape Defense Lawyer in Weldon Spring, MO. Facing a rape accusation in Weldon Spring, 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. To ensure you have the best possible defense, it’s crucial to hire a specialized rape defense attorney who understands the intricacies of the Weldon Spring, MO legal system.

You need to hire Combs Waterkotte. Reach out to one of our knowledgeable Weldon Spring, 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 Weldon Spring, MO: What are the Penalties in Missouri?

Facing rape charges in Weldon Spring, MO comes with serious consequences that depend on the details of your case. These penalties 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 through 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 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 Weldon Spring, 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. The penalty 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 enhanced penalties for either degree of rape in Weldon Spring, 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 Weldon Spring, 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 Weldon Spring, MO is crucial. Important qualities to look for in a defense attorney include:

• Experience & Proven Track Record: It is vital to choose a lawyer with a proven history of successfully handling rape defense cases. Their past successes can be indicative of their ability to manage your case effectively. The rape defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte boast over seven decades of combined experience defending clients and their innocence in Weldon Spring, MO.
• Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney who focuses on sexual offenses will possess deeper insights and strategies specific to these cases, unlike a general criminal defense lawyer. Combs Waterkotte is a law firm that focuses on defending against rape and other sexual crimes anywhere in the Weldon Spring, MO area.
• Strong Communication Abilities: Your lawyer 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 to provide expert legal advice and guidance.
• Compassion & Professionalism: Dealing with a rape accusation is emotionally challenging. An empathetic attorney who maintains professionalism can offer the support and confidence needed during this tough time. Our legal team stops at nothing to provide you with the best possible legal representation throughout the Weldon Spring, MO area.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Weldon Spring, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

If you are facing a rape charge in or anywhere around Weldon Spring, MO, the first step you should take is 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 Weldon Spring, MO lawyers include:

• Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
  The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Weldon Spring, MO possess extensive knowledge of sexual offense laws throughout Missouri and the legal nuances that come with these cases. They are proficient in the 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 experienced lawyers conduct thorough investigations, meticulously gather and scrutinize evidence, and rigorously challenge the prosecution’s assertions.
• Protection of Rights:
  A Combs Waterkotte defense attorney will make sure 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 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 lessens the impact on your life.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Weldon Spring, MO: Key Defense Strategies Used by Combs Waterkotte

A Weldon Spring, MO rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte has a wealth of defense strategies to pull from, including:

• Challenging the Credibility of the Accuser: This defense strategy involves examining the accuser’s testimony and background for inconsistencies, motives for false accusations, or other credibility issues.
• Consent: In Weldon Spring, MO cases where consent is disputed, your defense lawyer can present evidence and testimony to show that the encounter was consensual. This can include communications between you and the accuser, previous relationship history, or witness statements.
• Forensic Evidence: Challenging forensic evidence, such as DNA, is essential. Our experienced rape defense lawyer will work with a network of forensic experts to find any mistakes or misinterpretations in the evidence presented by the prosecution.
• Alibi and Witness Testimony: Providing an alibi or witness evidence that disputes the accuser’s account can be an effective defense strategy.
• Procedural Defenses: If law enforcement or the prosecution failed to follow proper procedures, like conducting illegal searches or violating your rights in any way, our Weldon Spring, MO rape defense lawyer will work to have such evidence excluded.

When you are facing a rape accusation in or around Weldon Spring, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the best rape defense lawyer in Weldon Spring, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed rape defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Weldon Spring, 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 Weldon Spring, MO Rape Defense Lawyer Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

If you’re accused of rape in Weldon Spring, MO or anywhere in Missouri, consulting with a specialized attorney is a crucial first step to protect your future. From protecting your rights and thoroughly investigating the case to forming robust defense strategies, a proactive Weldon Spring, 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 consultation in Weldon Spring, MO.