Sex Crimes Attorney in Kansas City

Aggressive Missouri Lawyer Defending Your Rights and Reputation

Of the various crimes of which people are convicted, few have a worse reputation than those involving sex offenses. Even a mere accusation is enough to permanently injure a person’s reputation, and a conviction carries the possibility of consequences such as fines, prison time, and lifetime inclusion on the sex offender registry.

These challenges can make it nearly impossible to proceed with life. If you were charged with a sex crime, you cannot afford not to retain qualified representation for your legal rights. The Kansas City sex crimes lawyer at the Law Office of Michael Crawford stands ready to help you.

Are you facing a sex crimes charge? Call the Law Office of Michael Crawford today at (816) 945-4930 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our criminal defense attorney.

What is the Age of Consent in Missouri?

In the state of Missouri, a person must be 17 years or older to consent to sex. That means if a sexual act occurs between any person 16 or younger and an adult, the adult can be charged with statutory rape. The exception to the age of consent is the Romeo and Juliet Law. Missouri has this law to prevent young adults in consenting relationships from wrongly being labeled as sex offenders. The Romeo and Juliet law states that if both people are over the age of 14 and under the age of 21, then the sex is consensual and legal. If one person turns 21 and the other is still under the age of 17, then the adult is subject to statutory rape charges.

What Are the Consequences of a Conviction?

In Missouri, it is illegal to initiate any sexual contact with another person if they do not consent. Even then, there are clauses where it is illegal, such as between a person over the age of 21 with a person under the age of 17. With the exception of touching another person’s private parts without their consent—charged as a Class A misdemeanor—all sex offenses are considered felony crimes. If you are convicted of a felony offense, you could face a minimum of up to four years in prison, up to $5,000 in fines, and a high likelihood of sex offender registration.

What Actions are Considered Sex Offenses?

Actions which are considered sex offenses include:

• Sexual intercourse with someone incapable of consent
• Sexual intercourse by force
• Statutory rape, which is sex with a person under 14 years old or between a person over 21 years old with someone under 17 years old
• Sexual abuse, which is touching another person in a sexual way without their consent

Get Started on Your Case Today

While you are to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, the truth is that fighting these charges can be harder than simply proving you are innocent. You need an aggressive advocate who can fight to completely exonerate you of the charges you face. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Michael Crawford understands the strategies used by your accusers, and our firm understands what it takes to build a strong defense. Don’t wait to get started on your case.

Call the Law Office of Michael Crawford today at (816) 945-4930 to schedule a free consultation!