Washington, MO

Sex Crimes Attorney in Washington, MO

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

The consequences are serious, but you still have protections under the law. You require the assistance of a knowledgeable and seasoned sex crimes attorney in St. Louis to protect your rights and represent your case. Sex crimes carry significant ramifications, which can include a prison sentence, exorbitant fines, and mandatory enrollment as a sex offender. On this page, our skilled sex crimes criminal defense lawyers outline the various categories of sex crime charges in Missouri, the potential consequences of a conviction, and how a proficient defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte can protect you when you face a sex crime.

Kinds of Sex Crime Charges in Missouri

Sex crimes in Missouri encompass a broad spectrum in terms of nature, gravity, and potential punishments, ranging from sexual assault and rape to child pornography and sexual misconduct involving a minor. Some of the Washington, Missouri sex crime cases we take on include:

• Rape: Rape is defined as non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration. It is a grave felony offense that carries a sentence ranging from five years in prison to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute 566.030.
• Sexual assault: Sexual assault describes any unwanted physical contact, including touching. It is also a grave felony offense that can result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years.
• Statutory rape: Statutory rape occurs when someone 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 an adult who engages in sexual activity with a child under the age of 14 can result in charges of statutory rape in the first degree.
• Child pornography: Child pornography involves the production, distribution, or possession of pornographic material depicting children under the age of 18. It is a heinous felony offense, up to a class B felony, that can result in a penal sentence of up to 30 years, and pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute 573.037, you could be subject to individual sentences for each article of child pornography you are accused of possessing.
• Sexual misconduct with a minor: Sexual misconduct with a minor in Missouri involves 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 serious offense under Missouri Revised Statute 566.083, often a class D or E felony, and can result in a prison sentence and other consequences.

Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in Washington, Missouri

If you are found guilty of a sex crime in Missouri, you are subject to severe consequences that can impact your life for many years. Each case has its own details, including the evidence presented, the nature of what occurred, 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: Based 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 settle substantial fines and court costs.
3. Mandatory registration as a sex offender: If you are convicted of a sex crime in Missouri, you will be required 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 tarnish your reputation and impact 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 forfeiting the right to vote and own a firearm to being excluded from jobs, leases, and other opportunities due to background checks, makes it extremely difficult to rebuild your life, even after you’ve served your sentence.

How a Sex Crimes Attorney in Washington, MO Can Help You

When you hire Chris Combs to represent you in your Missouri sex offense case in Washington, MO, you enjoy essential and carefully weighed legal guidance and representation throughout your case. An experienced legal attorney in St. Louis can help you by working hard to defend and protect, including:

1. Investigating the charges: Your attorney will examine the charges against you, interrogate witnesses, and compile evidence to build a compelling defense.
2. Legal advice: We will give you legal advice regarding your case, answer your questions and assist you comprehend what to expect before every step throughout the process.
3. Negotiating: In some cases, as your defense attorney we can negotiate with the prosecutor to drop the charges, minimize the charges to lesser crimes, or come to a pre-plea agreement to avoid 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 hard 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 getting the case dismissed is not an option, we can negotiate a plea bargain to secure you a lesser sentence than you would otherwise face.

This situation does not have to destroy your life. With a criminal defense attorney dedicated to your case, you have a chance. As a leading criminal defense firm in Washington, Missouri, Combs Waterkotte understands the weighty nature of sex crime charges and the harmful consequences they can have on individuals and their families. Our seasoned sex crimes attorneys have successfully defended numerous clients against a variety of sex crime and other criminal charges, and we are committed to providing our clients with the best possible legal representation.

Other cases we take on in Washington, MO include:

• Gun Crime Lawyer
• 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

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

Being charged with a sex crime is an undeniably life-altering experience, with the potential for severe 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 support you manage this difficult time.

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