Sexual Misconduct Defense Lawyer St. Louis, Missouri. Sexual misconduct charges can completely upend your life, and have potentially grave consequences for your reputation, freedom and future. Combs Law Group faithfully stands by people who are facing life-altering criminal charges. We are discreet, confidential and nonjudgmental, and are at our best when we are in court defending St. Louis and Missouri residents’ rights. For the best possible results in your case, call a Combs Law St. Louis sexual misconduct defense lawyer today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Sexual Misconduct Laws in St. Louis and Missouri
In Missouri law, there are three types of sexual misconduct:
First-Degree Sexual Misconduct
Under Missouri Revised Statute §566.093, a person can be charged with first-degree sexual misconduct if they:
- Expose their genitals in a situation where they know it is likely to shock, offense or alarm
- Have sexual contact in the presence of a third person in a situation where they know it is likely to cause shock, offense or alarm
- Have sexual intercourse in a public place in the presence of a third person
For a first offense, first-degree sexual misconduct is a class B misdemeanor, which carries with it up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. For a second conviction, it is a class A misdemeanor, which carries with it up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
Second-Degree Sexual Misconduct
Under Missouri Revised Statute §566.095, a person can be charged with second-degree sexual misconduct if they solicit or request another person to engage in sexual conduct when they know it is likely to cause shock, offense or alarm. This is a class C misdemeanor, the punishment of which is up to fifteen days in jail and a fine of no more than $500.
Sexual Misconduct Involving a Child
Under Missouri Revised Statute §566.083 A person commits sexual misconduct involving a child if they:
- Knowingly expose their genitals to a child under the age of 15 if they do so knowing it is likely to shock, offend or alarm, or for arousing or gratifying purposes of anyone, including the child
- Coerce or induce a child under the age of 15 to expose the child’s genitals for arousing or gratifying purposes of anyone, including the child
- Coerce or induce a child they know to be under 15 to expose the breasts of a female child through the Internet or other electronic means for arousing or gratifying purposes of anyone, including the child
This is by far the most serious sexual misconduct offense. It is a class E felony for a first-time offender, which carries with it up to four years in prison and a fine of up $10,000. If it is not the first offense, it is a class D felony, the punishment for which is up to seven years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
It is not a valid defense if the victim was a peace officer pretending to be a minor.
There is no mandatory minimum sentencing for any of these crimes. Additional sentencing options may also include probation, mandatory counseling, restitution to the victim and registration as a sex offender.
Our St. Louis, MO Sexual Misconduct Lawyers
The second you are facing allegations or charges related to sexual misconduct in St. Louis, it’s imperative to reach out to a sex crimes lawyer right away. We know the public, coworkers and even friends and family can be quick to rush to judgment given the nature of sexual misconduct charges. But the presumption of innocence is fundamental to the American justice system. You deserve to be given due process and have your day in court:
As your dedicated St. Louis criminal defense lawyers, we will:
- Listen to your side of the story
- Fully investigate your case, including how any evidence was obtained
- Determine the police violated your Fourth Amendment, Fifth Amendment or Sixth Amendment rights
- Investigate the reliability of witnesses or the accuser
- Determine whether the best defense strategy, which may include:
- Proving you could not have committed the crime
- Questioning evidence
- Negotiating with the prosecution to reduce or dismiss the charges
- Representing you in trial
- Give you expert legal counsel at every stage
In some cases, when the evidence is stacked against you, it may be best to work with the prosecution and pursue a plea deal. All of our advice to you will be based on our experience and expertise, but the ultimate choice of how we proceed is up to you.
Call Combs Law’s St. Louis, MO Sexual Misconduct Lawyers
When you call Combs Law, the attorney handling your case will be the one to pick up the phone. Everyone deserves an expert and dedicated defense when they are facing criminal charges, no matter the nature of the allegations. Call a Combs Law St. Louis sexual misconduct defense lawyer today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.