Sex offense lawyers in Wildwood, MO. Being accused or charged with a sex offense in Wildwood, MO or anywhere else in Missouri can be a life-changing 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 Wildwood, MO: Comprehending Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are serious crimes with severe consequences anywhere, but especially in and around Wildwood, MO. Understanding the legal landscape is essential for anyone facing such charges. Additionally, the enduring shadow of doubt or shame cast by an accusation of a sexual offense is enough to want to a quick resolution.
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Wildwood, MO offer a perfect blend of hands-on experience, resources, availability, communication skills, and empathy. Our outstanding track record and over 275 reviews are testament to our capabilities.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Wildwood, MO: Types of Sex Crimes
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 involves 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: 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 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 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: Charges of sexual misconduct with a minor involve engaging in sexual acts with a minor under 15, including exposing one’s genitals or coercing a minor to expose theirs. 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 charge involves the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos of children under the age of 18. Child pornography in Wildwood, 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 Wildwood, 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 like the victim’s age, the use and severity 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 Wildwood, MO Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers comprehend the seriousness of these charges and are ready to defend you. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Sex Offense Lawyers in Wildwood, MO: Penalties for Convictions
The consequences of a sex offense conviction in Wildwood, MO may include:
- Prison Time: Depending on the Missouri sentencing guidelines and the gravity of the offense, you could be facing a prison term of years or even life.
- Fines: Similar to many other criminal felony and misdemeanor charges, substantial fines and court costs may be imposed.
- Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: A conviction in the Wildwood, 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 Wildwood, MO area makes rebuilding your life challenging, even post-sentence.
Why You Need the Wildwood, 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 skilled attorneys offer:
In-Depth Sex Offense Legal Expertise in Wildwood, MO
Our legal experts specialize in the nuances of sex crime laws. They stay up-to-date on changes in Wildwood, MO and Missouri legislation and court decisions, ensuring your defense is grounded in the most current legal standards in the state.
Thorough Case Analysis
A skilled Wildwood, MO sex offense attorney carefully reviews all evidence against you, such as any witness statements, police reports, and forensic data, to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a sound defense strategy.
Defending Your Rights in Wildwood, MO
Maintaining your constitutional rights during the Wildwood, MO legal process is critical. Our experienced sex offense lawyers will defend your rights at every stage – during interrogations, investigations, and, if necessary, court proceedings. Call our legal team right away 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 credibility 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 Wildwood, MO
The Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers are genuinely concerned about their clients’ well-being and make an effort to understand your story. This can be an extremely stressful period in your life. Our compassionate Wildwood, MO sex offense attorneys not only provide sound legal advice and support, but also emotional assistance to help you and your family cope.
When you’re accused of a sex offense in or around Wildwood, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal sex offense lawyers in Wildwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed sex offense lawyers, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Wildwood 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 Wildwood, MO: Potential Defense Strategies
If you’re facing a sex offense accusation in or around Wildwood, MO, the Combs Waterkotte defense legal team is prepared to assist. Understanding the possible defenses that could be employed in your case is crucial. Some common defense strategies our experienced sex offense lawyers use include:
- Mistaken Identity: Our legal team 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 sex offense 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, such as financial incentives, divorce, embarrassment, or a child custody dispute.
Facing Sex Offense Charges in Missouri? Connect With the Leading Wildwood, MO Sex Offense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Being accused of a sex offense in Wildwood, MO or anywhere in Missouri is a serious and stressful situation. However, with the right legal representation – like the sex offense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte – you can protect your rights and your future, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Call the Combs Waterkotte sex offense lawyers in Wildwood, MO immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.