Sex offense lawyers in New Madrid County, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in New Madrid County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri for that matter can be a life-altering experience. 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 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 New Madrid County, MO: Understanding Sex Offenses in the New Madrid County, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in the New Madrid County, MO area. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing these 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 New Madrid County, MO offer a perfect blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our exceptional record and over 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.
Sex Offense Lawyers in New Madrid County, MO: Kinds of Sex Crimes
Missouri law categorizes sex offenses into various types, each with distinct definitions and applicable penalties. Here 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. As defined in 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 refers to deviate sexual intercourse with someone 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. 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: 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 offense includes the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under 18. In New Madrid County, 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 vary based on the situation, but often include either trafficking for sexual exploitation or the sexual exploitation of a minor.
- 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 New Madrid County, MO, due to the inherent power imbalance and risk of student exploitation.
These sex offenses can carry varying degrees of penalties depending on factors such as the age of the victim, the use and severity of force, the relationship between you and the victim, and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The New Madrid County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the gravity of these allegations and are ready to defend you. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
New Madrid County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in New Madrid County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in New Madrid County, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties for a sex offense conviction in New Madrid County, MO might include:
- Prison Time: Based on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of your offense, you could be looking at a prison sentence ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
- Fines: You may be required to pay substantial fines and court costs, similar to other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: If convicted, you will have to register as a sex offender likely for life, which will affect job prospects, housing options, and personal relationships throughout the New Madrid County, MO area.
- Damage to Your Reputation and Lasting Restrictions: A sex offense conviction in New Madrid County, 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 New Madrid County, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the New Madrid County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side
No matter the severity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is here to help. Our skilled attorneys provide:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in New Madrid County, MO
Our attorneys focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay up-to-date on changes in New Madrid County, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, ensuring your defense is grounded in the state’s most current legal standards.
Comprehensive Case Analysis
A knowledgeable New Madrid County, MO sex offense lawyer meticulously scrutinizes all evidence against you, such as witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a robust defense strategy.
Protecting Your Rights in New Madrid County, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the New Madrid County, MO legal process is critical. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will defend your rights every step of the way – 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
Every case is different, requiring a tailored defense strategy. Whether it involves disputing 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 Your Case in New Madrid 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 period of time can be incredibly stressful. Our compassionate New Madrid County, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal counsel and support, but also offer emotional guidance to help you and your family cope.
When you are facing a sex offense charge in or around New Madrid County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal sex offense lawyers in New Madrid County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for New Madrid 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
Sex Offense Lawyers in New Madrid County, MO: Potential Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation near New Madrid County, 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 experienced sex offense lawyers might employ include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our lawyers will work to prove that you were not the person who committed this 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 gather and present evidence proving that you were elsewhere when the crime took place.
- False Allegations: We can show that the accuser may have ulterior motives for making the allegation, including financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Contact the Top New Madrid County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
Being accused of a sex offense in New Madrid County, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and overwhelming experience. However, with skilled legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can protect your rights and future, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in New Madrid County, MO right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.