Shelby County, MO

Sex Crimes Attorney in Shelby County, MO

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

The consequences are serious, but you still have protections under the law. You require the assistance of a competent and seasoned sex crimes attorney in St. Louis to safeguard your rights and represent your case. Sex crimes come with significant consequences, including a prison sentence, substantial fines, and mandatory enrollment as a sex offender. Below, our seasoned sex crimes defense attorneys discuss the different categories of sex crime charges in Missouri, the potential consequences of a conviction, and how a competent defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte can protect 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 punishments, including everything from sexual assault and rape to child pornography and sexual misconduct involving a minor. Some of the Shelby County, Missouri sex crime cases we take on include:

• Rape: Rape is defined as non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration. It is a grave felony offense that carries a penal sentence ranging from five years in prison to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute 566.030.
• Sexual assault: Sexual assault encompasses any non-consensual physical contact, including touching. It is also a grave felony offense that can result in a prison 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 seen as too young to be capable of giving informed consent. The age of consent in Missouri is 17 years old, and engaging in sexual activity with a minor under the age of 14 as an adult can result in charges of statutory rape in the first degree.
• Child pornography: Child pornography is the creation, distribution, or possession of sexually explicit images or videos depicting children under the age of 18. It is a serious D or B felony offense that can result in a penal sentence of up to 30 years, and pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute 573.037, you could be subject to separate sentences for each individual piece of child pornography you are accused of possessing.
• Sexual misconduct with a minor: Sexual misconduct with a minor in Missouri involves sexual contact with a minor who is less than 15 years of age, 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 prohibited in Missouri, but sexual misconduct with a minor is the most serious offense under Missouri Revised Statute 566.083, often a class D or E felony, and can result in a prison sentence and other consequences.

Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in Shelby County, Missouri

If you are convicted of a sex crime in Missouri, you are subject to serious consequences that can impact your life for many years. Each case is different and depends on the evidence presented, the nature of what took place, your previous criminal history, the judge presiding over your case, and skill 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: In accordance with the severity of the offense and Missouri law sentencing guidelines, you could face years or even life in prison.
2. Fines: As is the case in many criminal felony and misdemeanor charges, you may have to settle considerable fines and court costs.
3. Mandatory registration as a sex offender: If you are found guilty of a sex crime in Missouri, you will be obligated to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. This can significantly limit your employment opportunities, housing options, and personal relationships.
4. Damage to your reputation: A sex crime conviction will ostensibly damage your reputation and impact 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 extraordinarily difficult to rebuild your life, even after you’ve served your sentence.

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

When you hire Chris Combs to defend you in your Missouri sex offense case in Shelby County, MO, you get essential and thoughtfully considered legal guidance and representation throughout your case. An experienced legal attorney in St. Louis can help you by working hard to defend and ensure your rights, including:

1. Investigating the charges: Your attorney will investigate the charges against you, interrogate witnesses, and collect evidence to build a solid defense.
2. Legal advice: We will offer you legal advice regarding your case, address your questions and assist you comprehend what to expect before every step throughout the process.
3. Negotiating: In some cases, as your defense attorney we can negotiate with the prosecutor to drop the charges, minimize the charges to lesser crimes, or come to a pre-plea agreement to prevent 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 opt not to go to trial or getting the case dismissed is not an option, we can arrange a plea bargain to obtain you a lesser sentence than you would otherwise face.

Don’t let this wreck your life. With a criminal defense attorney dedicated to your case, you have a chance. As a leading legal defense firm in Shelby County, Missouri, Combs Waterkotte understands the weighty nature of sex crime charges and the devastating consequences they can have on individuals and their families. Our seasoned sex crimes attorneys have effectively defended many clients against a variety of sex crime and other criminal charges, and we are committed 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 harsh legal penalties and an unquantifiable social cost. At Combs Waterkotte, we acknowledge the emotional and financial burden of dealing with a sex crime charge, and we are here to support 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 know-how, proficiency, and resources needed to offer you with the best possible legal representation, and we are determined to assisting you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. You have no time to waste. Call (314) 900-HELP now.