DeKalb County, MO

Sex offense lawyers in DeKalb County, MO. Being accused or charged with a sex offense in DeKalb County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri can be a life-changing experience. The stigma and potential legal consequences, along with social and professional impacts, underscore the necessity of having 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 DeKalb County, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses in the DeKalb County, MO Area

Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, particularly in DeKalb County, MO and the surrounding areas. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing such charges. Moreover, the lingering doubt and shame associated with even an accusation of a sexual offense can disrupt your life significantly, making a swift resolution imperative.

The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in DeKalb County, MO offer a perfect blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and over 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.

Sex Offense Lawyers in DeKalb County, MO: Types of Sex 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 under the 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 serious felony offense with prison sentences ranging from 5 years to life.
• Sodomy: Sodomy charges involve engaging in oral or anal sexual conduct with another person without their consent. Statutory sodomy pertains to deviate sexual intercourse with an individual under 14 years old.
• 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 is defined as engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor below the legal age of 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 and around DeKalb County, MO, but sexual misconduct with a minor is the most serious offense under RSMo. § 566.083, often classified as a class D or class E felony.
• Child Pornography: This crime entails producing, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit materials featuring minors. In DeKalb County, MO, and Missouri at large, child pornography offenses are classified as class D or class B felony offenses under RSMo. § 573.037. Each instance of possession, creation, or distribution is treated as a separate offense.
• Sexual Exploitation: Sexual exploitation involves using minors or vulnerable individuals for sexual purposes, like creating explicit content. Charges can range based on specifics, frequently involving trafficking or exploiting minors.
• 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 DeKalb County, 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 based on factors such as the age of the victim, the use and severity of force, the relationship between the parties involved, and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense devastate your life. The DeKalb County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the gravity of these charges and will defend you against them. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Sex Offense Lawyers in DeKalb County, MO: Penalties for Convictions

Penalties for a sex offense conviction in DeKalb County, MO can include:

• Prison Time: Based on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of your offense, you could be looking at a prison term of years or even life.
• Fines: Similar to many other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges, substantial fines and court costs may be imposed.
• Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: If you’re convicted of a sex offense in the DeKalb County, 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: Such a conviction can tarnish your reputation and strain relationships with colleagues, romantic partners, family, and neighbors. The long-lasting or permanent nature of these convictions in the DeKalb County, MO area makes rebuilding your life challenging, even post-sentence.

Why You Need the DeKalb County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side

Regardless of the gravity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is ready to assist. Our skilled attorneys offer:

In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in DeKalb County, MO

Our legal experts specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay current on changes in DeKalb County, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, ensuring your defense is grounded in the state’s most recent legal standards.

Comprehensive Case Evaluation

A knowledgeable DeKalb County, MO sex offense lawyer carefully 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.

Safeguarding Your Rights in DeKalb County, MO

Ensuring your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is essential in DeKalb County, MO. Our seasoned sex offense lawyers will safeguard your rights every step of the way – from interrogations and investigations to court proceedings if necessary. Reach out to our legal team right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Tailored Defense Strategies

Each case is distinct and requires a personalized defense plan. Whether it involves challenging the credibility of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea bargains, our sex offense lawyers will formulate a solid strategy that fits your particular circumstances.

Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout the Duration of Your Case in DeKalb County, MO

The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers are genuinely concerned about their 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 DeKalb County, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal advice and support, but also emotional assistance to help you and your family manage.

When you are accused of a sex offense in or around DeKalb County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best sex offense lawyers in DeKalb County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our seasoned sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for DeKalb County, MO residents:

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

Sex Offense Lawyers in DeKalb County, MO: Possible Defenses

If you’re facing a sex offense accusation near DeKalb County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense legal team is prepared to assist. It’s important to understand the potential defenses that might help you. Some common defenses our expert sex offense lawyers utilize include:

• Mistaken Identity: Our legal team will look to prove that you were not the person who committed this crime.
• Consent: We can present evidence showing that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity, supported by factual evidence and background investigation of the accuser.
• Alibi: Our lawyers can establish that you were in a different location when the crime took place.
• False Allegations: We can argue that the accuser may have ulterior motives for making the allegation, like financial gain, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.

Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Contact the Top DeKalb County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away

Facing sex offense charges in DeKalb County, MO DeKalb County, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and overwhelming situation. However, with the right legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can safeguard your rights and future, and strive for the best possible outcome.

Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in DeKalb County, MO a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.