Sex offense lawyers in Union, MO. Facing allegations or charges related to a sex offense in Union, MO or anywhere in Missouri can profoundly impact your life. 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 Union, MO: Understanding Sex Offenses in the Union, MO Area
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences, especially in Union, MO and the surrounding areas. It is crucial to understand the legal landscape when facing these charges. Moreover, the lingering doubt and shame associated with even an accusation of a sexual offense can disrupt your life significantly, making a swift resolution imperative.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Union, MO have an ideal blend of practical experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and more than 275 reviews speak for themselves.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Union, MO: Types 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 under the Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Rape: Rape entails non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration, often accompanied by 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 refers to deviate sexual intercourse with someone 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. In Missouri, the age of consent is 17, and sexual activity with a minor under 14 can lead to 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, but sexual misconduct with a minor is considered the most severe 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 Union, 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 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 Union, 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 such as the age of the victim, the use and degree of force, the nature of the relationship between the accused and the victim, and any aggravating circumstances. Don’t let a sex offense devastate your life. The Union, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the gravity of these charges and will provide a robust defense. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Franklin County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Franklin County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Union, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Union, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Based on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of your 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 Union, 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: 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 Union, MO area makes rebuilding your life challenging, even post-sentence.
Why You Need the Union, 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:
Expert Sex Offense Legal Knowledge in Union, MO
Our lawyers focus on the intricate details of sex crime laws. They stay up-to-date on changes in Union, MO and Missouri legislation and court rulings, ensuring your defense is grounded in the most current legal standards in the state.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
An experienced Union, MO sex offense attorney meticulously examines all evidence against you, such as witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to uncover flaws in the prosecution’s case and develop a robust defense strategy.
Defending Your Rights in Union, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Union, MO legal process is critical. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will protect your rights every step of the way – from interrogations and investigations to court proceedings if necessary. Call our legal team now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Strategic Defense Planning
Each case is distinct and requires a personalized defense plan. Whether it involves disputing the validity of evidence, presenting alibis, or negotiating plea bargains, our sex offense lawyers will develop a sound strategy suited to your specific circumstances.
Emotional and Psychological Support Throughout the Duration of Your Case in Union, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers show genuine care for their clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This can be an extremely stressful period in your life. Our compassionate Union, MO sex offense attorneys offer not only expert legal counsel and support, but also emotional guidance which can help you and your family manage.
When you’re accused of a sex offense in or around Union, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading sex offense lawyers in Union, 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 residents in Union 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 Union, MO: Potential Defenses
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation near Union, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense lawyers are prepared to assist. It’s important to understand the potential defenses that might help you. Some common defenses our experienced sex offense lawyers use 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 work to provide evidence that you were somewhere else when the crime took place.
- False Allegations: We can argue that the accuser may have ulterior motives for making the allegation, including financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Connect With the Leading Union, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
Being accused of a sex offense in Union, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and stressful experience. However, with the right legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can protect your rights and future, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Give the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Union, MO a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review.