Sex offense lawyers in Des Peres, MO. Facing allegations or charges related to a sex offense in Des Peres, MO or anywhere in Missouri can profoundly impact your life. The stigma and potential legal consequences, coupled with social and professional impacts, underscore the necessity of having an experienced and determined 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 Des Peres, MO: Understanding Sex Offenses in the Des Peres, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, especially in Des Peres, MO and the surrounding areas. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone 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 Des Peres, MO offer a perfect blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our exceptional record and over 275 reviews speak for themselves.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Des Peres, MO: Types of Sex Crimes
Missouri law defines sex offenses into various categories, each with unique definitions and corresponding penalties. The following are some of the most common sex offenses as outlined in the Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape involves non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often accompanied by force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. According to 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 refers to deviate sexual intercourse with someone under 14 years old.
- Sexual Abuse/Assault: Sexual abuse or assault includes various forms of non-consensual sexual behavior, such as inappropriate touching or groping, which do not meet the criteria for rape or sodomy but still involve criminal exploitation or harm.
- 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: Charges of sexual misconduct with a minor involve engaging in sexual acts with a minor under 15, including exposing one’s genitals or coercing a minor to expose theirs. 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 charge involves the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under the age of 18. Child pornography in Des Peres, MO or anywhere 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: 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 offense usually involves sexual interactions between educators, school employees, or volunteers, and students in the same school district. Sexual contact with a student is viewed severely in Des Peres, MO, due to the inherent power imbalance and risk of student exploitation.
These sex offenses can carry varying degrees of penalties based on factors such as the age of the victim, the use and severity of force, the relationship between you and the victim, and whether any aggravating circumstances are present. Don’t let a sex offense devastate your life. The Des Peres, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the seriousness of these charges and are ready to defend you. Call us today 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 Des Peres, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Des Peres, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of your offense, you could be facing a prison sentence ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
- 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: A conviction in the Des Peres, MO area means you will likely need to register as a sex offender for life, impacting your employment, housing, and 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 Des Peres, MO area makes rebuilding your life challenging, even post-sentence.
Why You Need the Des Peres, 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 experienced attorneys provide:
In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Des Peres, MO
Our lawyers specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay up-to-date on changes in Des Peres, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, ensuring your defense is grounded in the state’s most recent legal standards.
Thorough Case Evaluation
A skilled Des Peres, MO sex offense attorney meticulously reviews all evidence against you, including any witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a robust defense strategy.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Des Peres, MO
Ensuring your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is essential in Des Peres, MO. Our seasoned sex offense lawyers will safeguard your rights at every stage – 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
Every case is unique and demands a customized defense strategy. Whether it involves disputing 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 and Psychological Support Throughout Your Case in Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal counsel 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 Des Peres, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal sex offense lawyers in Des Peres, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed sex offense lawyers, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Des Peres, MO residents:
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
Sex Offense Lawyers in Des Peres, MO: Potential Defense Strategies
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around Des Peres, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense legal team is prepared to assist. Understanding the possible defenses that could be employed in your case is crucial. Some common defenses our expert sex offense lawyers might employ include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our attorneys will work 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 attorneys can gather and present evidence proving that you were elsewhere when the crime occurred.
- False Allegations: We can argue that the accuser may have other motivations for making the allegation, such as financial gain, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Contact the Top Des Peres, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Being accused of a sex offense in Des Peres, 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 protect your rights and future, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Des Peres, MO right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, confidential case review.