Shelby County, MO

Sex offense lawyers in Shelby County, MO. Facing allegations or charges related to a sex offense in Shelby County, MO or anywhere in Missouri can profoundly impact your life. The stigma and potential legal consequences, along with social and professional ramifications, underscore the necessity of having an experienced and determined sex offense lawyer on your side.

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 Shelby County, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses in the Shelby County, MO Area

Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, particularly in Shelby County, MO and the surrounding areas. It is crucial to understand the legal landscape when facing these charges. Additionally, the enduring 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 Shelby County, MO possess a unique combination 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 Shelby County, MO: Sex Crimes in Shelby 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 outlined in the Missouri Revised Statutes:

• Rape: Rape includes non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often involving 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 charges involve engaging in 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 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 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. Other forms of sexual misconduct are also illegal in and around Shelby 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 charge involves the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under the age of 18. Child pornography in Shelby County, 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 Shelby County, MO, due to the power imbalance and the potential for exploiting the student.

These sex offenses can result in different levels of penalties based on factors such as the age of the victim, the use and severity of force, the relationship between the parties involved, and any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense devastate your life. The Shelby County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the gravity of these charges and will defend you against them. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Sex Offense Lawyers in Shelby County, MO: Penalties for Convictions

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

• Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of your offense, you could be facing a prison sentence ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
• Fines: You may be required to pay significant fines and court costs, similar to other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
• Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction in the Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO area makes rebuilding your life challenging, even post-sentence.

Why You Need the Shelby County, 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 knowledgeable lawyers provide:

In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Shelby County, MO

Our attorneys focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay up-to-date on changes in Shelby County, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, making sure your defense is grounded in the most current legal standards in the state.

Thorough Case Analysis

An experienced Shelby County, MO sex offense attorney carefully scrutinizes all evidence against you, including any witness statements, police reports, and forensic information, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Shelby County, MO

Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Shelby County, MO legal process is critical. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will defend your rights at every juncture – from interrogations and investigations to court proceedings if necessary. Reach out to our legal team right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Tailored Defense Strategies

Each case is distinct and requires a personalized defense plan. Whether it involves challenging 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 Shelby County, MO

The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine concern for 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 compassionate Shelby County, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal advice and support, but also emotional assistance to help you and your family manage.

When you’re accused of a sex offense in or around Shelby County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading sex offense lawyers in Shelby County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are 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 residents in Shelby County 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 Shelby County, MO: Potential Defenses

If you’re facing a sex offense accusation near Shelby County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense attorneys are ready to help. It’s important to understand the potential defenses that might help you. Some common defense strategies our experienced sex offense lawyers utilize include:

• Mistaken Identity: Our attorneys will look to prove that you were not the person who committed this crime.
• Consent: We can provide evidence demonstrating that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity, supported by factual proof and an investigation into the accuser’s background.
• Alibi: Our lawyers can establish that you were in a different location when the crime took place.
• False Allegations: We can show that the accuser may have other motivations for making the allegation, including financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.

Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Contact the Top Shelby County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Now

Facing sex offense charges in Shelby County, MO Shelby 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.

Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Shelby County, MO right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.