Is It Illegal to Falsely Accuse Someone of Sexual Assault in Missouri?
Missouri prosecutors take sexual assault accusations seriously, and the same goes for false claims. A false accusation of sexual assault can ruin someone’s reputation, career, and relationships in an instant. Even if the accused clears their name, the damage often lingers. This is why Missouri law allows the falsely accused to seek legal remedies when […]
Read MoreCan Past Sexual Conduct Be Used as Evidence in a Missouri Sexual Assault Case?
If you’re facing a sexual assault allegation in Missouri, you probably have a lot of questions—including whether the accuser’s past sexual conduct can be introduced as evidence in court. Missouri has specific rules that limit how someone’s sexual history can be used in criminal trials. Your defense team might be able to introduce some evidence, […]
Read MoreUnderstanding Plea Deals for Sexual Assault Cases: When Should You Accept One?
A plea agreement can feel like a way to regain control of your sexual assault case and get it over with, but it’s not always the right choice. You need to understand how plea deals work and what they mean for your future before deciding whether to accept one. How Plea Deals Work in Missouri […]
Read MoreWhat Is the Difference Between Sexual Assault and Sexual Battery in Missouri?
When people talk about sex crimes, they often use the words sexual assault and sexual battery as if they mean the same thing. However, those terms don’t line up with Missouri’s criminal code. Missouri law does not use the phrase “sexual battery” at all. Instead, sex crime charges in Missouri fall into specific categories like […]
Read MoreWhat are the Consequences if Convicted for Sexual Assault of a Minor in Missouri?
Sexual assault of a minor charges come with life-altering consequences. Missouri law punishes these crimes severely, particularly when the victim is under the age of consent. If you’re convicted, what penalties can you expect? Missouri Law and Age of Consent In Missouri, the age of consent is 17. People who engage in sexual conduct with […]
Read MoreHow Missouri Law Defines Consent in Sexual Assault Cases
If you’re facing sexual assault charges in Missouri, your freedom may hinge on the matter of consent. However, Missouri law does not explicitly define what constitutes consent. Instead, attorneys and courts must rely on the commonly accepted understanding of the word. What Is Consent? In the context of sex, consent is implied or explicit permission, […]
Read MoreUnderstanding the Concept of Capacity to Consent in Missouri Sexual Assault
The concept of consent, or the ability to consent, is crucial to many Missouri sexual assault cases. In the past, defendants sometimes argued that the lack of a victim’s definitive statement telling them “no” or asking them to stop meant that prosecutors couldn’t prove they committed sexual assault. However, changes in sexual assault statutes in […]
Read MoreWhat Is Deviate Sexual Assault in Missouri?
Have the police arrested you for deviate sexual assault? Understanding these serious charges can help you protect your rights and interests in the criminal justice system and pursue the best possible resolution to your criminal case. Understanding Missouri’s Deviate Sexual Assault Statute In Missouri, deviate sexual assault falls under the crime of sodomy. Under the […]
Read MoreWhat Is a Character Witness and How Are They Used in Sexual Assault Cases?
As you and your attorney build a defense case to fight sexual assault charges, you may consider calling character witnesses to support your case in various ways. A character witness refers to a person who provides testimony in a trial regarding the conduct, moral traits, or reputation of a party in the case. Character witness […]
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