Sex offense lawyers in Savannah, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in Savannah, 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 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 Savannah, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, especially in Savannah, MO and the surrounding areas. It is crucial to understand the legal landscape if you’re 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 get this quickly resolved.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Savannah, MO possess a unique combination of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and more than 275 reviews speak for themselves.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Savannah, 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 outlined in the 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: Sodomy includes 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. 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: 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 Savannah, MO, but sexual misconduct with a minor is the most serious offense under RSMo. § 566.083, often classified as a class D or class E felony.
- Child Pornography: This crime entails producing, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit materials featuring minors. In Savannah, 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 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 Savannah, MO, due to the inherent power imbalance and risk of student exploitation.
These sex offenses can result in different levels of penalties based on factors like the victim’s age, the extent of force used, the nature of the relationship between the accused and the victim, and whether any aggravating circumstances are present. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The Savannah, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers recognize the seriousness of these charges and are ready to defend you. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Andrew County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Andrew County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Savannah, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties for a sex offense conviction in Savannah, 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, as is the case with many criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction in the Savannah, 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 sex offense conviction in Savannah, 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 Savannah, MO area make it difficult to rebuild your life, even after serving your sentence.
Why You Need the Savannah, 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 provide:
In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Savannah, MO
Our attorneys specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay informed about updates in Savannah, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, ensuring your defense is grounded in the most current legal standards in the state.
Thorough Case Evaluation
A skilled Savannah, MO sex offense attorney carefully scrutinizes all evidence against you, including witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and formulate a strong defense strategy.
Defending Your Rights in Savannah, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Savannah, MO legal process is critical. Our seasoned sex offense lawyers will defend your rights at every stage – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Reach out to our legal team now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Strategic Defense Planning
Every case is different, requiring a tailored defense strategy. 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 the Duration of Your Case in Savannah, 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 empathetic Savannah, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal advice and support, but also emotional guidance which can help you and your family cope.
When you’re facing a sex offense charge in or around Savannah, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal sex offense lawyers in Savannah, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our seasoned sex offense lawyers, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Savannah 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 Savannah, MO: Potential Defense Strategies
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation near Savannah, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense legal team is here to assist. It’s important to understand the potential defenses that might help you. Some common defenses our experienced sex offense lawyers utilize include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our lawyers will look 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 lawyers can gather and present evidence proving that you were elsewhere when the crime occurred.
- False Allegations: We can argue that the accuser may have ulterior motives for making the allegation, such as financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Contact the Top Savannah, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Being accused of a sex offense in Savannah, 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 safeguard your rights and future, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Savannah, MO immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, confidential consultation.