Types of Sex Crimes in Missouri
sex crimes in Missouri are characterized as non-consensual sexual acts; namely intercourse or penetration, which are usually classified as a form of rape. Additionally, Missouri criminalizes other sexual acts such as physical contact with another person’s private parts, usually classifying such acts as sexual assault.
It is important for people to understand the various classifications of sex crimes when facing similar charges. Dean Price Law can help to navigate the legal system and act as a sex crime lawyer. Different types of sex crimes in the state of Missouri are listed below.
Examples of Missouri sex crimes
- Rape in the first degree: Sexual intercourse with another person incapable of consenting or done with force
- Rape in the second degree: Sexual intercourse with another person without consent
- Statutory rape in the first degree: Sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 14
- Statutory rape in the second degree: Sexual intercourse with a person under 17 by a person 21 years or older
- Sodomy in the first degree: Penetration of a person’s vagina or anus who is incapacitated, incapable of consenting, or by force
- Sodomy in the second degree: Penetration of a person’s vagina or anus knowing the person does not consent
- Statutory sodomy in the first degree: Penetration of a person’s vagina or anus with a person less than 14 years old
- Statutory sodomy in the second degree: Penetration of a person’s vagina or anus with a person younger than 17 when the accused is 21 years or old and up
- Sexual abuse in the first degree: Sexual contact when the person is incapacitated, can't consent, or by force
- Sexual abuse in the second degree: Subjecting a person to sexual contact without that person's consent
Defenses to Missouri sex crimes
If accused of a sex crime, defenses in Missouri include consent innocence or insanity. If consent is a possible defense, it means that it is possible to show the person involved was capable and consented to the sexual acts. If there is any proof of this or of innocence, having professional legal representation is the only way to prove it in court.
Along with innocence are false accusations, meaning there is proof the defendant did not commit the sex crime and was falsely accused of the crime. Pleading insanity means the individual was not able to understand one's own actions due to a mental disorder. The only way to build a strong defense and stand against the charges in any way before a judge is with proper legal representation.
The importance of a sex crime attorney
If accused of a sex crime, it is critical to consult with an attorney because sex crimes carry more severe penalties and have consequences including registration as a sex offender. Sex crimes are very complicated. As a result, these crimes require a specialized attorney with the knowledge of how to handle the situation.
Attorneys with prior experience defending those accused of sex crimes have the best prospects of obtaining favorable results. In particular, a sex crime attorney understands how to prepare the winning strategy for a particular situation. Sex crime attorneys build a defense by working with medical experts. Afterward, the attorney can begin comparing the credibility of both the victim and the accused. Unfortunately, because most allegations of sex crimes consist mostly of accusations, evaluating the credibility of both parties is a significant step of the defense.
Even being accused or suspected of a sex crime can have serious consequences including damage to one’s reputation, press and media reports, among other things. If charged, the importance of an experienced attorney cannot be understated, the possible negative effects are far too severe.
Call (417) 865-2181 to schedule a consultation with Dean Price Law in our Springfield office.
NOTE: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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