Sex offense lawyers in St. Charles County, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in St. Charles County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri for that matter can be a life-altering experience. The stigma and potential legal consequences, along with social and professional ramifications, 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 St. Charles County, MO: Understanding Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, especially in St. Charles County, MO and the surrounding areas. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing such 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 St. Charles County, MO offer a perfect blend of practical experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and over 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.
Sex Offense Lawyers in St. Charles County, MO: Kinds of Sex Crimes
Missouri law classifies sex offenses into several categories, each with specific definitions and associated penalties. Here are some of the most common sex offenses as defined under Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape includes 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 pertains to deviate sexual intercourse with an individual 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. 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. While various forms of sexual misconduct are criminal, this particular offense is the most serious 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 St. Charles 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 crime involves using a minor or vulnerable person for sexual purposes, such as creating child pornography. Sexual exploitation charges can vary depending on the circumstances, but frequently 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 St. Charles County, MO, due to the inherent power imbalance and risk of student exploitation.
These sex offenses can carry varying degrees of penalties based on factors like the victim’s age, 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 devastate your life. The St. Charles County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the seriousness of these allegations and will provide a robust defense. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
St. Charles County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Charles County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in St. Charles County, MO: Penalties for Convictions
Penalties of a sex offense conviction in St. Charles County, MO can include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the severity of your offense, you could be facing a prison term of years or even life.
- 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 St. Charles 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 St. Charles County, MO area makes rebuilding your life challenging, even post-sentence.
Why You Need the St. Charles 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:
In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in St. Charles County, MO
Our lawyers focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay current on changes in St. Charles County, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, ensuring your defense is based on the state’s most current legal standards.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
An experienced St. Charles County, MO sex offense attorney meticulously scrutinizes all evidence against you, such as witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a robust defense strategy.
Defending Your Rights in St. Charles County, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the St. Charles 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. Reach out to 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’s challenging the validity of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea deals, our sex offense lawyers will develop a sound strategy suited to your specific circumstances.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout Your Case in St. Charles 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 empathetic St. Charles County, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal advice and support, but also emotional guidance which can help you and your family manage.
When you are facing a sex offense charge in or around St. Charles County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading sex offense lawyers in St. Charles County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our seasoned sex offense lawyers, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for St. Charles 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
- Criminal Lawyer
Sex Offense Lawyers in St. Charles County, MO: Potential Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation anywhere near St. Charles County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense legal team is prepared to assist. It’s important to understand the potential defenses that might help you. Some common defense strategies our expert sex offense lawyers use include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our lawyers will work 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 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, like financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Connect With the Leading St. Charles County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Facing sex offense charges in St. Charles County, MO St. Charles County, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and overwhelming experience. However, with the right legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can defend your rights and your future, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in St. Charles County, MO a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.