Sex offense lawyers in Crestwood, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in Crestwood, MO or anywhere else in Missouri for that matter can be a life-altering experience. The stigma and potential legal consequences, along with social and professional ramifications, underscore the necessity of having an experienced and determined sex offense lawyer on your side.
If you or a loved one is facing these serious charges, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our sex offense lawyers to discuss the specific circumstances of your case and obtain expert legal advice and guidance on the best course of action.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Crestwood, MO: Comprehending Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in and around Crestwood, MO. It is crucial to understand the legal landscape if you’re facing these charges. Additionally, the long-lasting shadow of doubt or shame cast by an accusation of a sexual offense is enough to want to a quick resolution.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Crestwood, MO possess a unique combination of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and more than 275 reviews speak for themselves.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Crestwood, MO: Sex Crimes in Crestwood, MO
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 accompanied by force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. As per RSMo. § 566.030, rape is a severe felony with potential 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 encompasses a range of abusive sexual behaviors, like unwanted touching or groping, which may not qualify as rape or sodomy but still involve exploitation and harm, and are criminal offenses.
- Statutory Rape: Statutory rape involves sexual intercourse with a minor below the age of consent, even if the minor appears to consent. In Missouri, the age of consent is 17, and sexual activity with a minor under 14 can lead to charges of statutory rape in the first degree.
- Sexual Misconduct With a Minor: A charge of sexual misconduct with a minor involves inappropriate sexual contact with a minor under 15 years old. This includes actions like exposing one’s genitals or coercing the minor to expose their genitals or breasts. Other forms of sexual misconduct are also illegal, but sexual misconduct with a minor is considered the most severe under RSMo. § 566.083, often classified as a class D or class E felony.
- Child Pornography: This offense includes the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under 18. In Crestwood, MO, and across Missouri, child pornography is a severe crime, classified as a class D or class B felony, as outlined in RSMo. § 573.037. Each piece of child pornography may result in separate charges.
- Sexual Exploitation: This offense involves using a minor or vulnerable person for sexual purposes, such as creating 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 the Crestwood, MO area 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 result in different levels of penalties depending on factors such as the age of the victim, the use and severity of force, the nature of the relationship between the accused and the victim, and whether any aggravating circumstances are present. Don’t let a sex offense derail your life. The Crestwood, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers recognize the seriousness of these charges and will provide a robust defense. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Crestwood, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties for a sex offense conviction in Crestwood, MO might include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of the offense, you could be facing a prison term of years or even life.
- Fines: You may have to pay substantial fines and court costs, similar to other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: If you’re convicted of a sex offense in the Crestwood, MO area, 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 Crestwood, MO 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 the Crestwood, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Crestwood, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side
Regardless of the gravity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is here to help. Our experienced attorneys provide:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Crestwood, MO
Our legal experts specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay informed about updates in Crestwood, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, ensuring your defense is grounded in the most current legal standards in the state.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
A skilled Crestwood, MO sex offense attorney meticulously examines all evidence against you, such as witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to uncover flaws in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.
Protecting Your Rights in Crestwood, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Crestwood, MO legal process is critical. Our seasoned sex offense lawyers will defend your rights every step of the way – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Call our legal team now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Strategic Defense Planning
Each case is distinct and requires a personalized defense plan. Whether it involves challenging the validity of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea bargains, our sex offense lawyers will craft a robust strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout the Duration of Your Case in Crestwood, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers are genuinely concerned about their clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This can be an incredibly stressful time in your life. Our empathetic Crestwood, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal advice and support, but also offer emotional guidance to help you and your family manage.
When you are facing a sex offense charge in or around Crestwood, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal sex offense lawyers in Crestwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable sex offense lawyers, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Crestwood, MO residents:
Sex Offense Lawyers in Crestwood, MO: Possible Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around Crestwood, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense legal team is here to assist. It’s important to understand the potential defenses that might help you. Some common defenses our expert sex offense lawyers use include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our legal team will look to prove that you were not the individual responsible for the crime.
- Consent: We can provide evidence demonstrating that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity, supported by factual proof and an investigation into the accuser’s background.
- Alibi: Our lawyers can gather and present evidence proving that you were elsewhere when the crime occurred.
- False Allegations: We can show that the accuser may have other motivations for making the allegation, like financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Connect With the Leading Crestwood, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Being accused of a sex offense in Crestwood, MO 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 future, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Crestwood, MO a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, confidential consultation.