Sexual Abuse St. Louis, MO. Have you or someone you love been accused of sexual abuse in St. Louis? 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 the Combs Law Group right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, strictly confidential consultation with our sexual abuse attorney to go over the specifics of your case.
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.
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 Law Group stands ready to help you.
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.”
Call Combs Law today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
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.
Building Your Defense Strategy For Sexual Abuse in St. Louis
If you facing charges of sexual abuse, it is vital that you reach out to have a discussion with a Combs Law St. Louis sexual abuse lawyer right away. Call us at MO or contact us. With the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney, you can work toward building a strategic defense against the charges you are facing, and take steps to protect your freedom and your future.
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 Law 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.
Reach Out to a Sexual Abuse Attorney in St. Louis, MO to Discuss Your Case Today | Combs Law Group
Others have already passed judgment on you, but we will not. We are in your corner, fighting aggressively on your behalf. While you are to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, the truth is that fighting these charges can be harder than simply proving your innocence. You need an aggressive St. Louis criminal defense lawyer from Combs Law who can fight for your rights and future.
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.