Sex Offense Lawyers

Sex offense lawyers in St. Louis, Missouri. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in St. Louis or anywhere else in Missouri can be a life-altering experience. The stigma and potential legal consequences, along with social and professional ramifications, make it crucial to have an experienced and tenacious sex offense lawyer by your side.

If you or a loved one is facing these charges, call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-strings-attached consultation with one of our sex offense lawyers. There, you can discuss the specifics of your case and get expert legal advice and guidance on your next steps.

Sex Offense Lawyers in St. Louis: Understanding Sex Offenses

Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in St. Louis and elsewhere across Missouri. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing these charges. Additionally, the long-lasting shadow of doubt or shame that gets cast over your life due to even being accused of a sexual offense is enough to want to get this quickly resolved.

The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers based in St. Louis have an ideal blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our exceptional record and over 250 reviews speak for themselves.

Sex Offense Lawyers in St. Louis: Types of Crimes

Missouri law categorizes sex offenses into various types, each with distinct definitions and applicable penalties. The following are some of the most common sex offenses as defined under Missouri Revised Statutes:

• Rape: Rape includes non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often involving force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. According to RSMo. § 566.030, rape is a serious felony offense with prison sentences ranging from 5 years to life.
• Sodomy: The charge of sodomy involves oral or anal sexual conduct with another person without their consent. Statutory sodomy is having deviate sexual intercourse with another person who is less than 14 years of age.
• Sexual Abuse/Assault: Sexual abuse or assault covers a range of abusive sexual behaviors that may not meet the criteria for rape or sodomy, including touching or groping, but still involve exploitation or harm and are still considered criminal.
• Statutory Rape: Statutory rape involves sexual intercourse with a minor under the age of consent, even if the minor appears to consent. The age of consent is 17 in Missouri, and engaging in sexual activity with a minor under 14 can result in charges of statutory rape in the first degree.
• Sexual Misconduct With a Minor: A sexual misconduct with a minor charge involves sexual contact with a minor (under 15 years old), including acts like exposing one’s genitals or coercing the minor to expose their genitals or breasts. Other forms of sexual misconduct are also illegal in St. Louis and elsewhere in Missouri, but sexual misconduct with a minor is the most serious offense under RSMo. § 566.083, often a class D or class E felony.
• Child Pornography: This charge involves the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under the age of 18. Child pornography in St. Louis or elsewhere in Missouri is a class D or class B felony offense and, according to RSMo. § 573.037, you could be subject to separate sentences for each article of child pornography you are accused of possessing, creating, or distributing.
• Sexual Exploitation: This offense involves using a minor or vulnerable person for sexual purposes, such as producing child pornography. Sexual exploitation charges can vary depending on the circumstances, but frequently involve either trafficking for sexual exploitation or the sexual exploitation of a minor.
• Sexual Contact With a Student: This typically refers to sexual contact or behavior between an educator (teacher, school employee, or volunteer) and a student enrolled in the same school district. Sexual contact with a student is taken very seriously in St. Louis and throughout Missouri due to the inherent power imbalance and potential for exploitation of the student by the adult in a position of authority.

These sex offenses can carry varying degrees of penalties depending on factors such as the age of the victim, the use and degree of force, the relationship between you and the victim, and whether any aggravating circumstances are present. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the seriousness of these charges and will defend you against them. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Sex Offense Lawyers in St. Louis: Penalties for Convictions

Penalties of a sex offense conviction in St. Louis and throughout Missouri can include:

• Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of your offense, you could be facing a prison term of years or even life.
• Fines: You may have to pay substantial fines and court costs, as is the case with many criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
• Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: If you’re convicted of a sex offense in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri, you will be required to register as a sex offender likely for the rest of your life. This can seriously affect your opportunities for employment and housing, as well as your personal relationships.
• Damage to Your Reputation and Lasting Restrictions: A sex offense conviction in St. Louis can damage your reputation and harm the relationships in your life – whether it’s colleagues, romantic relationships, family members, or neighbors. The long-lasting or even permanent nature of sex offense convictions throughout Missouri make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.

Why You Need the Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side

No matter the severity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is here to help. Our skilled attorneys provide:

Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in St. Louis

Our lawyers specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay up-to-date on changes in St. Louis and Missouri legislation and court rulings, making sure your defense is based on the state’s most current legal standards.

Thorough Case Evaluation

A skilled sex offense attorney meticulously reviews all evidence against you, including any witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.

Protecting Your Rights in St. Louis

Making sure your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is vital. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will protect your rights every step of the way – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Give our legal team a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Strategic Defense Planning

Every case is different, requiring a tailored defense strategy. Whether it’s challenging the credibility of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea bargains, our sex offense lawyers will develop a sound strategy suited to your specific circumstances.

Emotional & Psychological Support Throughout Your Case in St. Louis

The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine concern for clients’ well-being and they take the time to understand your side of the story. This can be an incredibly stressful time in your life. Our compassionate sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal advice and support, but also emotional guidance which can help you and your family cope.

Sex Offense Lawyers in St. Louis: Possible Defenses

If you’re facing a sex offense accusation, the Combs Waterkotte defense attorneys are ready to help. It’s important to understand the potential defenses that might help you. Some common defenses our sex offense lawyers use include:

• Mistaken Identity: Our attorneys will look to prove that you were not the person who committed this crime.
• Consent: We can demonstrate that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity with factual evidence, as well as by investigating the accuser’s background.
• Alibi: Our sex offense lawyers can work to provide evidence that you were somewhere else when the crime occurred.
• False Allegations: We can argue that your accuser may have ulterior motives for making the allegation, including revenue, financial gain, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.

Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Connect With the Leading St. Louis Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away

Being accused of a sex offense in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and stressful situation. However, with the right legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can protect your rights and your future, and work toward the best possible outcome.

Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review.