St. Louis Rape Defense Lawyer

Crimes of rape and incest are tried to the highest extent of the law. In Missouri, a person found guilty of rape is considered a "persistent sexual offender" and is subject to life in prison. Rape is considered to be any forceful sexual intercourse by one or more persons against another person without his or her consent. The act can be committed by physical force or by coercion, manipulation or abuse of authority.

Unwarranted allegations of rape and sexual assault can lead to false or unfair conviction. The number of unfounded rape claims has been on a steady rise over the last 10 years, consequently increasing the risk of an innocent person being falsely convicted.

§ 566.030 – Rape in the First Degree

According to § 566.030 of the Missouri Revised Statutes,

A person commits the offense of rape in the first degree if he or she has sexual intercourse with another person who is incapacitated, incapable of consent, or lacks the capacity to consent, or by the use of forcible compulsion. Forcible compulsion includes the use of a substance administered without a victim's knowledge or consent which renders the victim physically or mentally impaired so as to be incapable of making an informed consent to sexual intercourse.

The penalty for first degree rape is five years to life imprisonment. Some more severe rape charges carry mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years or 30 years in prison.

§ 566.031 – Rape in the Second Degree

According to § 566.031 of the Missouri Revised Statutes,

1. A person commits the offense of rape in the second degree if he or she has sexual intercourse with another person knowing that he or she does so without that person's consent. 2. The offense of rape in the second degree is a class C felony.

Don't face rape allegations without an experienced St. Louis sex crime attorney. The Hammer Law Firm, LLC is here and ready to hear about your situation. Fill out one of our free online case evaluation forms to get in touch with us regarding your defense.

Do you need a Missouri criminal defense lawyer?

If you have been falsely accused of rape, the first thing you should do is contact a sex crime lawyer who handles these difficult cases in St. Louis and other Missouri Counties, and therefore knows how local courts attempt to gain convictions.The Hammer Law Firm, LLC is here to defend you until the very end of your case. We can also petition for the most favorable outcome on your behalf in the event that a conviction is made. Our sex crime defense attorneys believe in defending the rights and interests of our clients and we aren't willing to back down in a difficult situation. Call our firm today to discuss your situation with a St. Louis criminal lawyer who can serve as your legal advocate.