Sex offense lawyers in Greene County, MO. Facing allegations or charges related to a sex offense in Greene County, 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 tenacious 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 Greene County, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in the Greene County, MO area. It is crucial to understand the legal landscape when facing these charges. Additionally, the enduring 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 a quick resolution.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Greene County, MO offer a perfect blend of practical experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and over 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Greene County, MO: Kinds of Sex Crimes
Missouri law defines sex offenses into various categories, each with unique definitions and corresponding penalties. Here are some of the most common sex offenses as defined under Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape involves non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often accompanied by force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. As defined in 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 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 is defined as engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor below the legal age of 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. While various forms of sexual misconduct are criminal, this particular offense is the most serious under RSMo. § 566.083, often a class D or class E felony.
- Child Pornography: This crime entails producing, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit materials featuring minors. In Greene 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 charge typically refers to sexual interactions between a teacher, school employee, or volunteer, and a student in the same school district. Sexual contact with a student is a serious offense in Greene County, MO, due to the power imbalance and the potential for exploiting the student.
These sex offenses can carry varying degrees of penalties depending on factors like the victim’s age, the use and severity of force, the nature of the relationship between the accused and the victim, and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense devastate your life. The Greene County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the gravity of these charges and will provide a robust defense. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Greene County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Greene County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Greene County, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Greene County, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity 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 could be imposed.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction in the Greene County, 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: A conviction can seriously harm your reputation and affect relationships with coworkers, loved ones, family members, and neighbors. The enduring or permanent nature of these convictions in the Greene County, MO area makes it difficult to restore your life even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Greene County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side
No matter the severity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is ready to assist. Our experienced attorneys offer:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Greene County, MO
Our legal experts specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay current on changes in Greene County, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, making sure your defense is grounded in the state’s most recent legal standards.
Comprehensive Case Analysis
A skilled Greene County, MO sex offense attorney carefully reviews all evidence against you, including any witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a robust defense strategy.
Defending Your Rights in Greene County, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Greene County, MO legal process is critical. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will defend your rights at every stage – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Call our legal team right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Strategic Defense Planning
Each case is distinct and requires a personalized defense plan. Whether it’s challenging the credibility 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 Your Case in Greene County, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers are genuinely concerned about their clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This period of time can be incredibly stressful. Our compassionate Greene County, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal advice and support, but also offer emotional guidance to help you and your family cope.
When you’re accused of a sex offense in or around Greene County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading sex offense lawyers in Greene 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 offers expertise in the following areas for Greene County, 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 Greene County, MO: Possible Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation near Greene County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense legal team is prepared to assist. Knowing the potential defenses available can be crucial to your case. Some common defenses our experienced sex offense lawyers use include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our attorneys will look to prove that you were not the individual responsible for the 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 lawyers can work to provide evidence that you were somewhere else when the crime took place.
- False Allegations: We can show 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? Connect With the Leading Greene County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Today
Being accused of a sex offense in Greene County, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and stressful experience. However, with skilled legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can defend your rights and your future, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Greene County, MO a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.