St. Louis County, MO

Sex offense lawyers in St. Louis County, MO. Being accused of – or charged with – a sex offense in St. Louis 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 St. Louis County, MO: Recognizing Sex Offenses

Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in and around St. Louis County, MO. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone 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 St. Louis County, MO offer a perfect blend of practical experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and more than 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.

Sex Offense Lawyers in St. Louis County, MO: Sex Crimes in St. Louis 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 under the Missouri Revised Statutes:

• Rape: Rape entails non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often involving force, threats, or incapacitation of the victim. As defined in 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 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 involves sexual intercourse with a minor under the age of consent, even if the minor appears to 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. 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 crime entails producing, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit materials featuring minors. In St. Louis 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 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 St. Louis County, MO, due to the power imbalance and the potential for exploiting the student.

These sex offenses can carry varying degrees of penalties based on factors such as the age of the victim, the use and degree of force, the relationship between you and the victim, and whether any aggravating circumstances are present. Don’t let a sex offense ruin your life. The St. Louis County, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers understand the gravity of these allegations and are ready to defend you. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Sex Offense Lawyers in St. Louis County, MO: Penalties for Convictions

The consequences of a sex offense conviction in St. Louis County, MO may include:

• Prison Time: Depending 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 may be imposed.
• Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: If you’re convicted of a sex offense in the St. Louis County, MO area, you will be required to register as a sex offender likely for the rest of your life. This can seriously affect your opportunities for employment and housing, as well as your personal relationships.
• Damage to Your Reputation and Lasting Restrictions: A conviction can seriously harm your reputation and affect relationships with coworkers, loved ones, family members, and neighbors. The enduring or permanent nature of these convictions in the St. Louis County, MO area makes it difficult to restore your life even after serving your sentence.

Why You Need the St. Louis 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 knowledgeable lawyers provide:

In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in St. Louis County, MO

Our legal experts focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay up-to-date on changes in St. Louis County, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, making sure your defense is grounded in the state’s most recent legal standards.

Thorough Case Evaluation

A skilled St. Louis County, MO sex offense attorney carefully scrutinizes all evidence against you, including any witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to uncover flaws in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.

Safeguarding Your Rights in St. Louis County, MO

Maintaining your constitutional rights during the St. Louis County, MO legal process is critical. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will protect your rights at every juncture – from interrogations and investigations to court proceedings if necessary. Give our legal team a call 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 involves disputing the validity of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea deals, 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 St. Louis County, MO

The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine concern for clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This can be an incredibly stressful time in your life. Our empathetic St. Louis 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 are facing a sex offense charge in or around St. Louis County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal sex offense lawyers in St. Louis 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 offers expertise in the following areas for St. Louis 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. Louis County, MO: Possible Defenses

If you’re facing a sex offense accusation near St. Louis County, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense attorneys are ready to help. Knowing the potential defenses available can be crucial to your case. Some common defenses our experienced sex offense lawyers might employ include:

• Mistaken Identity: Our legal team 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 work to provide evidence that you were somewhere else when the crime took place.
• False Allegations: We can argue that the accuser may have other motivations for making the allegation, such as financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.

Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Connect With the Leading St. Louis County, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away

Facing sex offense charges in St. Louis County, MO St. Louis County, 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 protect your rights and future, and strive for the best possible outcome.

Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in St. Louis County, MO right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost, confidential consultation.