Taney County, MO

Sex Crimes Attorney in Taney County, MO

If you are facing accusations related to sex crimes in Taney County, Missouri, Combs Waterkotte is here for you and ready to discuss how our group of sex crimes lawyers in Taney County, MO can support you. Get in touch with our expert team for a complimentary case review online through our form or by calling (314) 900-HELP.

The consequences are serious, but you still have legal rights. You require the aid of a knowledgeable and seasoned sex crimes attorney in St. Louis to safeguard your rights and defend your case. Sex crimes carry significant consequences, including jail or prison time, substantial fines, and mandatory sex offender registration. On this page, our skilled sex crimes defense lawyers explore the various types of sex crime charges in Missouri, the potential consequences of a conviction, and how a competent defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte can defend you when you face a sex crime.

Sex Crime Charges in Missouri

Sex crimes in Missouri encompass a broad spectrum in terms of substance, gravity, and potential punishments, including everything from sexual assault and rape to child pornography and sexual misconduct involving a minor. Some of the Taney County, Missouri sex crime cases we take on include:

• Rape: Rape is described as non-consensual sexual activity or penetration. It is a grave felony offense that carries a prison sentence of anywhere 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 non-consensual sexual contact, including touching. It is also a grave felony offense that can result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years.
• Statutory rape: Statutory rape occurs when an individual engages in sexual activity with a minor who is below the age of consent, as they are treated as incapable of giving informed consent because of their young age. 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 production, distribution, or possession of obscene images or videos involving children under the age of 18. It is a serious felony offense, up to a class B felony, 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 individual penalties for each article 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 prohibited 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 prison sentence and other consequences.

Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in Taney County, Missouri

If you are convicted of a sex crime in Missouri, you are faced with severe consequences that can impact your life for many years. Each case is different and depends on the evidence presented, the nature of what occurred, your previous criminal history, the judge presiding over your case, and capability 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: Depending on the seriousness 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 pay substantial 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 compelled to register as a sex offender for the remainder of your life. This can greatly limit your employment opportunities, housing options, and personal relationships.
4. Damage to your reputation: A sex crime conviction will ostensibly damage 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 forfeiting 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 Taney County, MO Can Help You

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

1. Investigating the charges: Your attorney will look into the charges against you, interview witnesses, and gather evidence to build a strong defense.
2. Legal advice: We will offer you legal advice regarding your case, respond to 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 negotiate with the prosecutor to drop the charges, minimize 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 argue your defense to a judge and jury.
5. Plea bargains: If you decide 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.

Do not let this wreck your life. With a criminal defense attorney dedicated to your case, you have a chance. As a leading law firm in Taney County, Missouri, Combs Waterkotte comprehends the grave nature of sex crime charges and the devastating consequences they can have on individuals and their families. Our knowledgeable sex crimes attorneys have effectively defended countless 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 inevitably life-altering experience, with the potential for severe legal penalties and an unquantifiable social cost. At Combs Waterkotte, we realize the emotional and financial burden of dealing with a sex crime charge, and we are here to support you manage this difficult time.

Our team of seasoned 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 deliver you with the best possible legal representation, and we are devoted to assisting you obtain the best possible outcome in your case. You have no time to waste. Call (314) 900-HELP now.