Sexual Abuse Lawyer in St. Louis
Your Aggressive Criminal Defense Team
This content has been written and edited by professional legal writers and individually reviewed and verified by Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte, attorneys who have over 40 combined years in the criminal defense industry.
Sexual Abuse Lawyer in St Louis:
Protecting Your Future
Few crimes have a worse reputation than those involving sex offenses, and even a mere accusation is enough to permanently injure your reputation. These are delicate, yet vital matters that require the immediate involvement of an experienced St. Louis criminal defense attorney. Call Combs Waterkotte right away to schedule a free, strictly confidential consultation with our sexual abuse attorney and get the best possible results in your case.
"Best group of criminal defense lawyers in the St. Louis area. I can't say enough about them and the lengths that this firm will go to ensure presumption of innocence and actually fight for their clients."
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About Sexual Abuse Crimes in St. Louis Missouri
Intentionally subjecting another person to unwanted sexual contact constitutes the criminal offense of sexual abuse. In Missouri, sexual abuse may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the age of the victim, the type of sexual contact allegedly committed, and other circumstances surrounding the incident. With the harshest penalties enforced, you may face up to 15 years in state prison.
Don't face these accusations alone. Contact one of our lawyers today at (314) 900-HELP to protect your rights and future.
Our sexual abuse legal team understands the importance of your case, and how swiftly we need to act. We provide aggressive defense against sexual abuse in St. Louis and throughout Missouri. A conviction carries the possibility of consequences such as fines, prison time, and lifetime inclusion on the sex offender registry. While law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys are working against you, Combs Waterkotte stands ready to help you.
Penalties For Sexual Abuse in St. Louis and Missouri
First degree sexual abuse is a class C felony punishable by up to 7 years in prison and a fine up to $5,000. If a deadly weapon is used in the commission of the crime, if the victim is subjected to sexual contact with more than one person, or if the victim is less than 14 years old, however, you may face class B felony charges and up to 15 years in prison.
Second degree sexual abuse is typically charged as a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If you have a prior conviction under sex crimes, used a deadly weapon in the commission of the offense, or committed said offense as part of a ritual or ceremony, class D felony charges may apply and you could face up to 4 years in state prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
What Combs Waterkotte’s St. Louis, MO Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Do For You
If you’re facing sexual abuse charges in St. Louis, hiring a specialized sexual abuse lawyer is crucial. An experienced attorney in this field can provide a range of services tailored to protect your rights and offer the best possible defense.
Here’s what a St. Louis sexual abuse lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can do for you:
- Offer expert advice on Missouri’s sexual abuse laws and the implications of your case
- Conduct a detailed analysis of the accusations, evidence, and possible defenses
- Collect crucial evidence, including digital data and witness statements, to support your defense
- Tailor a defense strategy to your specific case, factoring in all relevant legal aspects
- Work with prosecutors to reduce charges, penalties, or seek case dismissal
- Skillfully represent your case in court, utilizing deep legal knowledge and defense tactics
- Ensure your rights are upheld during police interactions and court proceedings
- Offer emotional support and keep you informed about your case’s progress and developments
Building Your Defense Strategy For Sexual Abuse in St. Louis
The stigma and criminal penalties associated with a sexual abuse conviction are significant, and it’s important to build a solid defense against these types of allegations and charges. That is precisely what Combs Waterkotte does. We realize what you are up against. Our team is prepared to take on overzealous prosecutors and law enforcement personnel as we work tirelessly to protect your interests inside and outside the criminal courtroom. Our sexual abuse attorney works to investigate each and every fact and detail related to your case and to raise important questions. Your defense may include looking at:
- Consent
- Alibi
- Mistaken Identity
- Insufficient Evidence
- False Accusation
- Unreliable Testimony
- Constitutional Violations
Sexual Abuse Defined Under Missouri Law
Sexual abuse is defined and its penalties outlined under Missouri Revised §566.100 and Missouri Revised §566.101.
Under these statutes:
- Sexual abuse in the first degree occurs when someone “subjects another person to sexual contact when that person is incapacitated, incapable of consent, or lacks the capacity to consent, or by the use of forcible compulsion.”
- Sexual abuse in the second degree occurs when one “purposely subjects another person to sexual contact without that person’s consent.”
Sexual contact is defined by Missouri Revised § 567.010 as “any touching of another person with the genitals or any touching of the genitals or anus of another person or the breast of a female person, or such touching through the clothing, for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire of any person or for the purpose of terrorizing the victim.”
Reach Out to a Sexual Abuse Attorney in St. Louis, MO to Discuss Your Case Today
Others have already passed judgment on you, but we will not. We are in your corner, fighting aggressively on your behalf. We are committed to helping good people in bad situations. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us to schedule a case review with our St. Louis sexual abuse attorney.
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- Over 10,000 Cases Handled
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Guiding you through the entire process, from start to finish.
We know most people who come to us haven't had to deal with the justice system in this way before. We understand how overwhelming and confusing the process can be, which is why we ensure clarity and support at every turn. From our initial consultation to the the final resolution of your case we strive to make the process easy for you to understand and leave you without any doubts that your case is being handled the right way.
Legal resources for a variety of cases.
Whether you've got questions about what to do when served with an order of protection, the juvenile delinquency process, how to defend a DWI case or anything in between, we have answers. Check out our blog and FAQs for answers to common questions, or contact Combs Waterkotte today to speak directly to an attorney about your case.
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