Saline County, MO

Sex Crimes Attorney in Saline County, MO

If you are facing accusations related to sex crimes in Saline County, Missouri, Combs Waterkotte is here for you and ready to talk about how our group of sex crimes lawyers in Saline County, MO can help you. Get in touch with our expert team for a complimentary review of your case by filling out our form or by calling (314) 900-HELP.

The stakes are high, but you still have constitutional rights. You need the support of a knowledgeable and seasoned sex crimes attorney in St. Louis to safeguard your rights and defend your case. Sex crimes come with significant ramifications, including imprisonment, exorbitant fines, and mandatory enrollment as a sex offender. Below, our seasoned sex crimes criminal defense lawyers outline the different types of sex crime charges in Missouri, the potential consequences of a conviction, and how a competent defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte can advocate you when you face a sex crime.

Kinds of Sex Crime Charges in Missouri

Sex crimes in Missouri span a wide range in terms of substance, gravity, and potential punishments, including everything from sexual assault and rape to child pornography and sexual misconduct involving a minor. Some of the most prevalent sex crime charges in Saline County, Missouri include:

• Rape: Rape is described as non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration. It is a grave felony offense that carries a penal sentence of anywhere from five years to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute 566.030.
• Sexual assault: Sexual assault involves any non-consensual sexual contact, including groping. It is also a serious felony offense that can result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years.
• Statutory rape: Statutory rape occurs when an individual has a sexual encounter with a minor. Children under the age of consent are seen as incapable of giving informed consent because of their young age. The age of consent in Missouri is 17 years old, and engaging in sexual activity with a minor under the age of 14 as an adult can result in charges of statutory rape in the first degree.
• Child pornography: Child pornography is the production, distribution, or possession of pornographic material involving children under the age of 18. It is a heinous felony offense, up to a class B felony, that can result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years, and pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute 573.037, you could be subject to individual penalties for each individual piece of child pornography you are accused of possessing.
• Sexual misconduct with a minor: Sexual misconduct with a minor is defined in Missouri law as sexual contact with a minor who is under the age of 15, including acts such as exposing one’s genitals or coercing the minor to expose their genitals or breasts. Other forms of sexual misconduct are also prohibited in Missouri, but sexual misconduct with a minor is the most egregious offense under Missouri Revised Statute 566.083, often a class D or E felony, and can result in a penal sentence and other consequences.

Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in Saline County, Missouri

If you are found guilty of a sex crime in Missouri, you are subject to harsh consequences that can impact your life for years to come. Each case has its own details, including the evidence presented, the nature of what happened, your previous criminal history, the judge presiding over your case, and capability of your defense lawyer and other factors. Though the consequences of any criminal record are many, some of the primary consequences of a sex crime conviction in St. Louis or Missouri include:

1. Prison time: Depending on the seriousness of the offense and Missouri law sentencing guidelines, you could be subject to years or even life in prison.
2. Fines: As is the case in many criminal felony and misdemeanor charges, you may have to cover substantial fines and court costs.
3. Mandatory registration as a sex offender: If you are found guilty of a sex crime in Missouri, you will be obligated to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. This can significantly limit your employment opportunities, housing options, and personal relationships.
4. Damage to your reputation: A sex crime conviction will ostensibly harm your reputation and affect some of the relationships in your life, from romantic relationships to friends, colleagues, family members, and neighbors.
5. Lasting restrictions in your life: The permanent nature of Missouri’s sex offender registry along with the many consequences of a felony conviction, from losing the right to vote and own a firearm to being excluded from jobs, leases, and other opportunities due to background checks, makes it extraordinarily difficult to rebuild your life, even after you’ve served your sentence.

How a Sex Crimes Attorney in Saline County, MO Can Help You

When you hire Combs Waterkotte to represent you in your Missouri sex offense case in Saline County, MO, you enjoy vital and meticulously evaluated legal guidance and representation throughout your case. An experienced criminal defense attorney in St. Louis can help you by working hard to defend and safeguard, including:

1. Investigating the charges: Your attorney will examine the charges against you, interrogate witnesses, and gather evidence to build a solid defense.
2. Legal advice: We will provide you legal advice regarding your case, address your questions and help you comprehend what to expect before every step throughout the process.
3. Negotiating: In some cases, as your defense attorney we can discuss terms with the prosecutor to drop the charges, reduce the charges to lesser crimes, or come to a pre-plea agreement to sidestep the downfalls of a conviction.
4. Court representation: We’ll be by your side at every court appearance. Standing in front of a judge can be daunting and it can be challenging to know what to do. A sex crimes attorney in St. Louis will represent you in court and present your defense to a judge and jury.
5. Plea bargains: If you opt not to go to trial or obtaining the case dismissed is not an option, we can negotiate a plea bargain to secure you a lesser sentence than you would otherwise face.

Do not let this wreck your life. With a sex crimes defense attorney dedicated to your case, you have a chance. As a leading criminal defense firm in Saline County, Missouri, Combs Waterkotte comprehends the serious nature of sex crime charges and the devastating consequences they can have on individuals and their families. Our experienced sex crimes attorneys have skillfully defended countless clients against a variety of sex crime and other criminal charges, and we are devoted to supplying our clients with the best possible legal representation.

Other cases we take on in Saline County, MO include:

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

St. Louis Sex Crimes Attorney: Protecting Your Rights and Future

Being charged with a sex crime is an unquestionably life-altering experience, with the potential for harsh legal penalties and an unquantifiable social cost. At Combs Waterkotte, we recognize the emotional and financial burden of dealing with a sex crime charge, and we are here to assist you traverse this difficult time.

Our team of seasoned St. Louis sex crimes attorneys is dedicated to protecting your rights and championing for your future. We have the know-how, experience, and resources needed to offer you with the best possible legal representation, and we are determined to assisting you obtain the best possible outcome in your case. You have no time to waste. Call (314) 900-HELP now.