If you or someone you know were charged with legal rape in the first degree in Missouri, you will probably feel overwhelmed not to be sure and worried about the serious potential consequences. At Rose Legal Services, we understand the severity of these charges and the effects that you can have on your life.
This article contains essential information on the statutory rape costs in Missouri, the legal definitions, potential punishments and how an experienced criminal lawyer can protect your rights throughout the legal proceedings.
What is a legal rape in the first degree in Missouri?
According to Missouri Law (RSMO. § 566.032), one person commits the crime of the statutory rape to the first degree if they have sexual intercourse with another person who is less than 14 years old.
It is important to understand that in statutory rape cases the consent is not a defense. The law assumes that people at a certain age cannot legally agree to sexual activity, regardless of whether they agreed to participate.
Penalties for legal rape to the first degree
The legal rape to the first degree is an extremely serious indictment in Missouri with serious punishments in the event of conviction:
- It’s a crime
- If the victim is less than 12 years old, the minimum sentence increases to 10 years of imprisonment
- If the crime is classified as a “stricter sexual crime”, the minimum penalty is also 10 years.
- Persistent or predatory sexual offenders are increased under RSMO. § 566.125
In addition to the imprisonment, a conviction will also lead to a mandatory registration of sex offenders who can affect where they live, work and even interact their ability to interact with certain family members.
Too aggravating factors
Certain circumstances can increase the severity of fees and potential punishments:
- The age of the victim (under 12 years of age increased the punishments)
- Use of violence, threats or weapons
- Cause serious physical injuries to the victim
- Earlier convictions for sexual crimes
- Several victims
See RSMO. § 566.010 (1).
Defense against statutory rape costs
If you have been charged with legal rape, it is important to understand that you have legal rights and options. Some potential defense can include:
Age error
In limited circumstances, the law of Missouri can allow defense if the accused reasonably believed that the victim of legal age was. However, this defense does not apply to legal rape to the first degree or another crime if the child was less than 14 years old (RSMO. § 566.020).
False accusations
Unfortunately, false accusations of sexual crimes occur. An experienced lawyer can examine the background, the potential motives and inconsistencies of the prosecutor in the allegations.
Lack of evidence
The public prosecutor must demonstrate its case without any doubt. If there is not enough physical evidence or testimony to support the allegations, the charges can be reduced or rejected.
Constitutional
If the law enforcement authorities have violated their constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest procedure, certain evidence can be suppressed, which may weaken the case of the public prosecutor.
The right defender can make the difference
In the case of legal rapes, an experienced criminal lawyer is of crucial importance. At Rose Legal Services, our lawyers have extensive experience that clients defend against serious allegations for sexual crime.
An experienced defender can:
- Protect your constitutional rights During the entire legal process
- Examination of the allegations thoroughly against you
- Request the evidence of the public prosecutor and the credibility of witnesses
- Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced fees or alternative resolutions if necessary
- Develop a strategic defense tailored to the specific circumstances of your case
What to do if they are accused of legal rape in Missouri
If they were accused or accused of legal rape in Missouri:
- Don’t talk to the police or investigators without a lawyer
- Do not discuss the case With everyone, including friends, family or on social media
- Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately
- Provide evidence This could support your defense, e.g. B. text messages, e -mails or documentation of your whereabouts
- Follow your lawyer’s advice In terms of all aspects of your case
The long -term consequences of a conviction
Apart from the imprisonment, a legal rape assessment has considerable long -term consequences:
- Registration of sex offendersWhat is publicly available is
- Employment restrictionsHow many employers carry out background exams
- Housing restrictionsincluding forbidden to live near schools or parks
- Restrictions on parental rightsPotentially influence custody and visit with your own children
- Social stigma This can affect personal relationships and stand in the community
- Professional license restrictions For certain careers
How Rose can help legal services
At Rose Legal Services, we dedicate our practice exclusively to criminal defense. Our team has decades of experience with combined experience that helps people with serious criminal charges, including sexual crimes.
We understand that people make mistakes and sometimes innocent people are wrongly accused. Our approach is never to judge – our mission is to offer every customer that we represent the best possible defense.
If you work with our company, you benefit from:
- Lawyers who focus exclusively on the defense
- A team approach that brings several perspectives into their case
- Thorough investigation of the allegations against them
- Clear communication during the entire legal process
- Strategic defense planning that is tailored to your specific situation
Still contact Rose Legal Services today
If you are charged with legal rapes in Missouri, do not wait to receive legal help. The earlier you involve an experienced criminal lawyer, the better your chances of achieving a favorable result.
At Rose Legal Services, we offer confidential consultations for people who are faced with accusations against sexual crime. During your advice we listen to you, explain your rights and options and discuss how we can protect your future.
Contact us today to arrange your advice and to take the first step to protect your rights and your future.
