St. Louis Sex Crime Attorneys

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Sex Crime Cases We Handle

As soon as someone accuses you of a sex crime, you should call our firm to speak with a sex crimes attorney. We will use every resource available to investigate your case and build your defense. Sometimes, all we need to do is explain your side of the story to law enforcement; however, due to the serious nature of sex crimes, officers tend to make arrests first and ask questions later.

With experience as former prosecutors, our St. Louis sex crime attorneys know exactly how to negotiate with the other side to help you achieve your most favorable outcome for the following types of sex offenses:

• Child Molestation: Defined as engaging in sexual contact with a child under the age of 17, child molestation is one of the most serious sex crime charges a person can be accused of committing. This is always the case when a child is an alleged victim; you will need an aggressive defense lawyer to challenge such allegations.
• Child Pornography: Creating, possessing, selling, or distributing videos, photographs, or other material depicting minors in sexual situations may constitute the offense of child pornography. This may be charged at a state or federal level, with harsh penalties upon a conviction.
• Indecent Exposure: Generally considered a lesser sex crime, indecent exposure involves intentionally exposing one's genitals or breasts in public. Indecent exposure is generally charged as a misdemeanor and may be punishable by up to six months in jail.
• Internet Sex Crimes: When a sex crime involves the internet, there is a high probability that federal agencies may be involved. Such crimes may include child pornography, the distribution of obscene matter, and the solicitation of a minor.
• Prostitution: In Missouri, prostitution is a crime and is considered to be an act of engaging in sexual activity with another individual or allowing another person to engage in sexual activity in exchange for money or other forms of consideration. In addition, any individual who aids, solicits, abets, procures, or induces another person to commit prostitution could face the same penalties as those charged with prostitution.
• Rape: Rape may be defined as engaging in nonconsensual sexual intercourse with another person. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged act and the age of the accused versus the age of the alleged victim, rape may be charged as a felony punishable by up to 7-15 years or life in prison.
• Sexual Abuse: Intentionally subjecting another person to sexual contact without that person's consent or against their will may be considered the crime of sexual abuse. This may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony under Missouri law, with serious penalties if a defendant is convicted.
• Sexual Misconduct: Charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the manner in which this offense is allegedly committed, sexual misconduct occurs when a person exposes one's genitals or engages in sexual acts in public.
• Statutory Sodomy: Statutory sodomy may be described as engaging in "deviate sexual intercourse" with a person who is aged 17 or younger. If the alleged victim is less than 14 years old, an adult accused of this offense may face 5 years to life in prison, depending on the circumstances.
• Statutory Rape: In Missouri, it is illegal for an adult to engage in sexual intercourse with a minor, even if the minor agrees to or initiates such an act. Minors are considered unable to give legal consent to sexual intercourse. Depending on the age of the offender and victim, statutory rape may be punishable by 5 years to life in prison.
• Sex Offender Registry: One of the most serious consequences of a sex crime conviction is mandatory registration as a sex offender – for life. This may be required if a person is convicted of such offenses as child molestation, statutory rape, promoting child pornography, or sexual contact with a student.

Common Legal Defenses to Sex Crime Allegations

Legal defenses to sex crime allegations can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the laws in the jurisdiction. It's important to note that the availability and effectiveness of these defenses can vary significantly, and the success of a defense will depend on the strength of the evidence, the skill of the attorneys involved, and the specific details of the case. 

Here are some common legal defenses to sex crime allegations:

• Consent: One of the primary defenses to many sex crime allegations is that the sexual activity was consensual. If both parties involved in the sexual encounter willingly participated and were of legal age, this defense can be effective in disproving the accusation. Evidence of consent, such as text messages, witnesses, or prior sexual history, may be used to support this defense.
  Mistaken Identity: In some cases, the accused may argue that they were misidentified as the perpetrator. This defense may involve providing an alibi or presenting evidence that suggests someone else committed the alleged offense.
• Lack of Evidence: If there is insufficient evidence to support the allegations, the defense may argue that the prosecution has failed to meet its burden of proof. This could include challenging the credibility of the accuser or the quality of forensic evidence.
• False Accusations: The defense may assert that the allegations are false and were made with malicious intent, such as revenge, jealousy, or a desire to gain an advantage in a legal dispute. Proving false accusations can be challenging but may involve presenting evidence of a motive to lie.
  Statute of Limitations: In some cases, sex crime allegations may be subject to a statute of limitations, which limits the time within which charges can be brought. If the statute of limitations has expired, the defense may argue that the case should be dismissed.
• Mental Incapacity: If the accused had a mental disorder or impairment that prevented them from understanding the nature of their actions or from forming criminal intent, this defense may be raised. It can also be used to argue for a reduced charge or sentencing.
• Age of Consent: Some sex crimes involve age-related issues, such as statutory rape. The defense may argue that the accused reasonably believed the alleged victim was of legal age, or that the age of consent laws were not violated.
• Entrapment: In some cases, law enforcement officers may use tactics that could be seen as coercive to induce someone to commit a sex crime. The defense of entrapment asserts that the accused would not have committed the offense but for the actions of the police or an undercover officer.
• Procedural Violations: The defense may challenge the legality of the arrest or the methods used in collecting evidence. If the accused's rights were violated during the investigation, it could result in the suppression of evidence or the dismissal of charges.
• Alibi: Providing an alibi, which is evidence showing that the accused was in a different location at the time the alleged crime occurred, can be a powerful defense against sex crime allegations.

Contact The Hammer Law Firm, LLC today to get started on your defense with our St. Louis sex crime attorneys.