Hazelwood, MO

Sex offense lawyers in Hazelwood, MO. Facing allegations or charges related to a sex offense in Hazelwood, MO or anywhere in Missouri can profoundly impact your life. The stigma, potential legal repercussions, and social and professional consequences make it imperative to have a skilled and dedicated sex offense lawyer.

If you or someone you care about is dealing with these charges, reach out to Combs Waterkotte without delay at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our sex offense lawyers to discuss the specifics of your case and receive expert legal advice and guidance on your next steps.

Sex Offense Lawyers in Hazelwood, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses

Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, particularly in Hazelwood, MO and the surrounding areas. It is crucial to understand the legal landscape when facing these charges. Moreover, the lingering doubt and shame associated with even an accusation of a sexual offense can disrupt your life substantially, making a swift resolution imperative.

The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Hazelwood, MO possess a unique combination of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our exceptional record and more than 275 reviews speak for themselves.

Sex Offense Lawyers in Hazelwood, MO: Kinds 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 as defined under Missouri Revised Statutes:

• Rape: Rape entails non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often accompanied by 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 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 under the age of consent, even if the minor appears to consent. In Missouri, the age of consent is 17, and engaging in sexual acts with a child 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 Hazelwood, MO, 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 Hazelwood, 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 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 Hazelwood, MO, due to the power imbalance and the potential for exploiting the student.

These sex offenses can carry varying degrees of penalties based on factors such as the age of the victim, the use and degree of force, the relationship between you and the victim, and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense derail your life. The Hazelwood, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the seriousness of these charges and will provide a robust defense. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Sex Offense Lawyers in Hazelwood, MO: Penalties for Convictions

The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Hazelwood, MO may include:

• Prison Time: Based on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of the offense, you could be facing a prison sentence ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
• Fines: You may be required 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 the Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO area makes rebuilding your life challenging, even post-sentence.

Why You Need the Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO

Our attorneys focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay up-to-date on changes in Hazelwood, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, making sure your defense is based on the state’s most recent legal standards.

Thorough Case Evaluation

An experienced Hazelwood, MO sex offense attorney meticulously scrutinizes all evidence against you, such as witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and formulate a strong defense strategy.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Hazelwood, MO

Making sure your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process is essential in Hazelwood, MO. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will protect your rights every step of the way – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Call our legal team right away 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 develop a sound strategy suited to your specific circumstances.

Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout Your Case in Hazelwood, 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 extremely stressful period in your life. Our compassionate Hazelwood, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal advice and support, but also emotional assistance to help you and your family manage.

When you are facing a sex offense charge in or around Hazelwood, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading sex offense lawyers in Hazelwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing 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 residents in Hazelwood and beyond:

• 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 Hazelwood, MO: Potential Defenses

If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around Hazelwood, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense lawyers are prepared to assist. Understanding the possible defenses that could be employed in your case is crucial. Some common defense strategies our experienced sex offense lawyers might employ include:

• Mistaken Identity: Our lawyers 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 sex offense 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, including financial gain, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.

Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Connect With the Leading Hazelwood, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Today

Being accused of a sex offense in Hazelwood, 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 your future, and strive for the best possible outcome.

Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Hazelwood, MO right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review.