Sex offense lawyers in Platte County, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in Platte County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri for that matter can be a life-altering experience. 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 Platte County, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in and around Platte County, MO. 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 substantially, making a swift resolution imperative.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Platte County, MO offer a perfect blend of practical experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our exceptional record and more than 275 reviews speak for themselves.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Platte County, MO: Sex Crimes in Platte County, MO
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 defined under Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape entails non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often involving 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 is having deviate sexual intercourse with another person who is less than 14 years of age.
- 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. 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 in and around Platte County, 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 crime entails producing, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit materials featuring minors. In Platte 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 Platte 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 carry varying degrees of penalties depending on factors such as the age of the victim, the extent of force used, the nature of the relationship between the accused and the victim, and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The Platte County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the seriousness of these allegations and will provide a robust defense. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Platte County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Platte County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Platte County, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties for a sex offense conviction in Platte County, MO can include:
- Prison Time: Based on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of the offense, you could be looking at a prison sentence ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
- 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 Platte 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: 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 Platte County, MO area makes rebuilding your life challenging, even post-sentence.
Why You Need the Platte County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers of Combs Waterkotte on Your Side
Regardless of the gravity of your charges, the Combs Waterkotte legal team is here to help. Our experienced attorneys offer:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Platte County, MO
Our lawyers specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay current on changes in Platte County, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, ensuring your defense is grounded in the most current legal standards in the state.
Thorough Case Evaluation
An experienced Platte County, MO sex offense attorney meticulously scrutinizes all evidence against you, such as any witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.
Defending Your Rights in Platte County, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Platte County, MO legal process is critical. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will safeguard your rights at every stage – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Call our legal team right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Tailored Defense Strategies
Every case is unique and demands a customized defense strategy. Whether it’s challenging the credibility of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea deals, our sex offense lawyers will formulate a solid strategy that fits your particular circumstances.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout Your Case in Platte 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 empathetic Platte County, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal counsel and support, but also offer emotional guidance to help you and your family manage.
When you’re accused of a sex offense in or around Platte County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal sex offense lawyers in Platte County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our seasoned sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Platte County and beyond:
- 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 Platte County, MO: Possible Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation anywhere near Platte County, 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 utilize include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our lawyers will look to prove that you were not the individual responsible for the 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 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 other motivations for making the allegation, like financial gain, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Connect With the Leading Platte County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
Being accused of a sex offense in Platte 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 safeguard your rights and your future, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Platte County, MO a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential case review.