Wright County, MO

Rape Defense Lawyer in Wright County, MO. If you are facing a rape accusation in Wright 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 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 Wright County, MO legal system.

You need to hire Combs Waterkotte. Call one of our experienced Wright County, MO rape defense lawyers right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and receive expert advice on your next steps.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Wright County, MO: What are the Penalties in Missouri?

Facing rape charges in Wright 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 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. You need a rape defense lawyer in your corner in Wright County, MO, doing whatever it takes to fight for you. 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 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 enhanced penalties for either degree of rape in Wright 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 Wright County, MO: Essential Qualites for an Effective Attorney on Your Side

Given the severity of a rape accusation, hiring a knowledgable and persistent rape defense lawyer in Wright County, MO is crucial. Things to look for in a defense attorney include:

• Experience & Track Record: You should look for a lawyer with a proven track record in handling rape defense cases just like yours. Their previous successes can be indicative of their ability to manage your case effectively. The rape defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte have over 60 years of combined experience defending clients and their innocence in the Wright County, MO area and beyond.
• Specialization in Sexual Offense Defense: An attorney specializing in sexual offenses will have deeper insights and strategies specific to these cases, unlike a general criminal defense lawyer. Combs Waterkotte is a law firm that specializes in the defense of rape and other sexual crimes anywhere in the Wright County, MO area.
• Strong Communication Abilities: Your lawyer should clearly explain legal terms, processes, and strategies, making sure you fully understand your situation and options. Combs Waterkotte’s rape defense lawyers offer free, no-strings-attached consultations that do exactly that – providing expert legal advice and guidance.
• Empathy & Professionalism: Facing a rape accusation is emotionally challenging. An empathetic attorney who maintains professionalism can provide the support and confidence needed during this tough time. Our legal team stops at nothing to provide you with the best possible legal representation in Wright County, MO.

Rape Defense Lawyer in Wright County, MO: Why You Need to Hire Combs Waterkotte

If you have been charged with rape in or near Wright County, MO, your first move should be to call 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.

Reasons to hire our Wright County, MO lawyers include:

• Expertise in Sexual Offense Laws:
  The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers in Wright County, MO have a deep understanding of sexual offense laws throughout Missouri and the legal nuances that come with these cases. They are proficient in the relevant statutes, precedents, and procedural intricacies necessary to build a robust defense.
• Investigation & Evidence Gathering:
  Rape cases often rely on physical evidence, witness testimony, and expert analysis. Our seasoned 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 protecting you from 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 Wright County, MO: Key Defense Strategies Used by Combs Waterkotte

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

• Scrutinizing the Credibility of the Accuser: This defense strategy involves examining the accuser’s testimony and background to find inconsistencies, motives for false accusations, or credibility concerns.
• Consent: In Wright County, MO cases where consent is disputed, 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 testimony.
• Forensic Evidence: Challenging forensic evidence, such as DNA, is essential. Our knowledgeable rape defense lawyer collaborates with forensic experts to find any mistakes or misinterpretations in the evidence presented by the prosecution.
• Alibi and Witness Evidence: Providing an alibi or witness evidence that contradicts the accuser’s account can be a powerful defense strategy.
• Procedural Defenses: If law enforcement or the prosecution failed to adhere to proper procedures, such as obtaining evidence illegally or violating your rights, our Wright County, MO rape defense lawyer can move to suppress that evidence.

When you are facing a rape accusation in or around Wright County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal rape defense lawyer in Wright County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing 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 Wright County, 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

Reach Out to an Expert Wright County, MO Rape Defense Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Immediately

If you’re accused of rape in Wright County, MO or anywhere in Missouri, consulting with a specialized attorney is a crucial first step to protect your future. From defending your rights and thoroughly investigating the case to crafting effective defense strategies, a proactive Wright County, MO rape defense lawyer is key to securing the best possible outcome.

Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review in Wright County, MO.