Pettis County, MO

Sex Crimes Attorney in Pettis County, MO

If you are facing accusations related to sex crimes in Pettis County, Missouri, Combs Waterkotte is here for you and ready to talk about how our team of sex crimes attorneys in Pettis County, MO can assist you. Get in touch with our expert team for a free case review online through our form or via (314) 900-HELP.

The stakes are high, but you still have protections under the law. You need the assistance of a skilled and seasoned sex crimes attorney in St. Louis to safeguard your rights and defend your case. Sex crimes come with significant ramifications, including imprisonment, substantial fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Below, our skilled sex crimes defense attorneys explore the different categories of sex crime charges in Missouri, the potential penalties of a conviction, and how a proficient defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte can defend you when you face a sex crime.

Kinds of Sex Crime Charges in Missouri

Sex crimes in Missouri encompass a broad spectrum in terms of substance, severity, and potential sentences, including everything from sexual assault and rape to child pornography and sexual misconduct involving a minor. Some of the most common sex crime charges in Pettis County, Missouri include:

• Rape: Rape is described as non-consensual sexual activity or penetration. It is a serious felony offense that carries a prison sentence ranging from a five-year jail stint to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute 566.030.
• Sexual assault: Sexual assault encompasses any unwanted physical contact, including touching. It is also a grave felony offense that can result in a penal sentence of up to 30 years.
• Statutory rape: In Missouri, it is considered statutory rape when an individual engages in sexual activity with a minor. Children under the age of consent are considered incapable of giving informed consent because of their young age. The age of consent in Missouri is 17 years old, and an adult who engages in sexual activity with a child under the age of 14 can result in charges of statutory rape in the first degree.
• Child pornography: Child pornography involves the production, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos involving children under the age of 18. It is a severe D or B felony offense that can result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years, and pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute 573.037, you could be subject to individual penalties for each individual piece of child pornography you are accused of possessing.
• Sexual misconduct with a minor: Sexual misconduct with a minor is defined in Missouri law as sexual contact with a minor who is under the age of 15, including acts such as exposing one’s genitals or coercing the minor to expose their genitals or breasts. Other forms of sexual misconduct are also illegal in Missouri, but sexual misconduct with a minor is the most egregious offense under Missouri Revised Statute 566.083, often a class D or E felony, and can result in a penal sentence and other consequences.

Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in Pettis County, Missouri

If you are found guilty of a sex crime in Missouri, you are faced with severe consequences that can impact your life for years to come. Each case is different and is influenced by the evidence presented, the nature of what happened, your previous criminal history, the judge presiding over your case, and competence of your defense lawyer and other factors. Though the consequences of any criminal record are many, some of the primary consequences of a sex crime conviction in St. Louis or Missouri include:

1. Prison time: Based on the seriousness of the offense and Missouri law sentencing guidelines, you could be subject to years or even life in prison.
2. Fines: As is the case in many criminal felony and misdemeanor charges, you may have to pay significant fines and court costs.
3. Mandatory registration as a sex offender: If you are convicted of a sex crime in Missouri, you will be obligated to register as a sex offender for the remainder of your life. This can severely limit your employment opportunities, housing options, and personal relationships.
4. Damage to your reputation: A sex crime conviction will ostensibly harm your reputation and affect some of the relationships in your life, from romantic relationships to friends, colleagues, family members, and neighbors.
5. Lasting restrictions in your life: The permanent nature of Missouri’s sex offender registry along with the many consequences of a felony conviction, from losing the right to vote and own a firearm to being excluded from jobs, leases, and other opportunities due to background checks, makes it extremely difficult to rebuild your life, even after you’ve served your sentence.

How a Sex Crimes Attorney in Pettis County, MO Can Help You

When you hire Combs Waterkotte to protect you in your Missouri sex offense case in Pettis County, MO, you get crucial and carefully weighed legal guidance and representation throughout your case. An experienced defense attorney in St. Louis can help you by putting in extensive effort to defend and ensure your rights, including:

1. Investigating the charges: Your attorney will investigate the charges against you, interview witnesses, and compile evidence to build a strong defense.
2. Legal advice: We will give you legal advice regarding your case, address your questions and assist you understand what to expect before every step throughout the process.
3. Negotiating: In some cases, as your defense attorney we can discuss terms with the prosecutor to drop the charges, lower the charges to lesser crimes, or come to a pre-plea agreement to avoid the downfalls of a conviction.
4. Court representation: We’ll be by your side at every court appearance. Standing in front of a judge can be daunting and it can be difficult to know what to do. A sex crimes attorney in St. Louis will represent you in court and present your defense to a judge and jury.
5. Plea bargains: If you chose not to go to trial or obtaining the case dismissed is not an option, we can arrange a plea bargain to obtain you a lesser sentence than you would otherwise face.

This situation does not have to destroy the life you’ve built. With a criminal defense attorney dedicated to your case, you have a chance. As a leading legal defense firm in Pettis County, Missouri, Combs Waterkotte comprehends the grave nature of sex crime charges and the harmful consequences they can have on individuals and their families. Our experienced sex crimes attorneys have skillfully defended countless clients against a variety of sex crime and other criminal charges, and we are devoted to offering our clients with the best possible legal representation.

St. Louis Sex Crimes Attorney: Protecting Your Rights and Future

Being charged with a sex crime is an unquestionably life-altering experience, with the potential for serious legal penalties and an unquantifiable social cost. At Combs Waterkotte, we recognize the emotional and financial burden of dealing with a sex crime charge, and we are here to help you navigate this difficult time.

Our team of knowledgeable St. Louis sex crimes attorneys is dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting for your future. We have the expertise, proficiency, and resources needed to offer you with the best possible legal representation, and we are determined to helping you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. You have no time to waste. Call (314) 900-HELP now.